Although it might not be on your calendar, pineapple season is something to celebrate. Peak pineapple season is from March through July and Islands Restaurant is making the most of it by offering a special Pineapple Pairing Menu. This pineapple-laden menu features food and drink combinations that highlight this tropical fruit.
“Pineapples are a big part of our food and drink menu,” said Amanda Cameron, Islands’ Chief Pineapple Officer. “We use nearly 182,000 fresh pineapple per year, restaurant-wide.”
The Pineapple Pairing Menu highlights the sweet and savory applications of the fruit. Cameron explains that many of the savory dishes feature lightly grilled pineapple while sweeter options usually have fresh pineapple. All the items on the Pineapple Pairing Menu are available year round and many are staples of the restaurant. For example, the Hawaiian Burger is one of the most popular items and has been on the menu since Islands opened in 1982.
This flavorful, towering burger comes topped with fresh grilled pineapple, swiss cheese lettuce, tomato, mayo and a hearty dose of teriyaki sauce. It’s also available with a veggie or turkey patty and can come on a lettuce wrap or wheat bun. The classic teriyaki-pineapple-cheese combo is a staple of Islands’ tropical menu. The Hawaiian Burger pairs well with the Big Island Iced Tea – a summery take on a Long Island Ice Tea – made with gin, vodka, tequila, rum. Triple sec, pineapple juice and strawberry puree.
Other suggested pairings include the Yaki Tacos, topped with a house-made grilled pineapple salsa, paired with a refreshing Piña Colada; and the Hoisin Beach Bowl, made with chunks of fresh grilled pineapple and grilled vegetables, served over brown rice with mahi mahi or chicken and paired with a signature Mai Tai.
Islands’ also offers fresh pineapple spears and yogurt dip on the kids’ menu as a side or dessert. But, the star of the dessert menu is the Kona Pie. This heavenly slice of mocha ice cream pie sits atop a chocolate cookie crust and comes topped with rich fudge, roasted almonds, whipped cream and a cherry.
Enjoy the Pineapple Pairing Menu through May 31. Kids can also join in on the fun with a themed coloring contest, which will also run through the end of May. To enter, kids simply design and decorate the pineapple coloring sheets provided in restaurant, and parents or legal guardians post the colorful creations to social media using #PineappleParadise and #IslandsBurgers for a chance to win $50 to Islands. Ten lucky winners will be selected.
Islands is located at 300 East Colorado Boulevard, #240 and 3533 East Foothill Boulevard. For more information visit www.islandsrestaurants.com.