Flavors Dance at Tango

Looking for a restaurant that is contemporary, has flair and yet cozy? Check out Tango Contemporary Cafe at Hokua on the corner of Ala Moana boulevard and Auahi street. Both food and the decor dance in an eclectic fusion of Asian and European flavors. The furnishing has an Asian feel while there are artsy Marimekko (which my friend Deb recognized) floral design panels hanging on the wall.

From the outside, the restaurant can be a little deceiving (at least it was to me). Until I stepped into the restaurant and looked at the menu I wasn't quite sure what kind of establishment it really was. The sign originally confused me because the style of the orange colored logo looked very similar to the Yummy's Korean BBQ restaurant chain's logo. Tasty Korean BBQ also used a similar logo design scheme. I actually thought they were opening a Korean BBQ place as they were building out the location. Then I thought it might be another coffee/dessert place. Perhaps I associate the word cafe with coffee shops way too much. I was a bit concerned for them because there was a Starbucks practically right next door. Anyway, Tango is neither, though they do sell some great looking desserts. Didn't get to try any this time.

I did get to try two of the dinner entrees. My pal Deb ordered the "Asian Style Five Spice Braised Beef with Pureed Potato & Chili Fried Onion Rings" and I got the "Sterling Silver Pork Chop with Whole Grain Mustard & Mushroom Ragout." The braised beef was really tender and practically fell apart as I tried to pick it up with my fork. The hint of five spice sauce gave it a unique flavor. Chinese five spice is a pretty strong mix of spices and can overpower the natural flavors of the dish it is added to, so it has to be just the right amount. I think they did a good job balancing the flavors with the braised beef.

I almost never order pork chops or pork in general when I go to restaurants, but our waiter, Marc, recommended it and I wanted to try something different. The pork chop was cooked well and when I mean well, it was juicy and not dry or overcooked. The mustard and mushroom ragout sauce was very tasty and again the mustard flavor was subtle and not overwhelming. The mushrooms absorbed the flavors of the sauce, but was a bit rubbery. I am not a big meat eater, but I enjoyed both dishes.

The prices for the entrees range from $14.50 to $23.00, starters from $5.50 to $9.50, salads from $8.50 to $9.50, and desserts from $4 to $6. They have quite a selection of wines and with a recommendation from the waiter, I'm sure they have some wonderful pairs for the entrees. I thought service was excellent, water glass was always filled (one of my rating criteria of good service) and the food came quickly. Having sat at the bar, which looks into the open kitchen, we were able to see the staff prepare the food. We noticed that it was a serious operation in the back and that they were intentional about minimizing the noise in the kitchen. I would definitely go back to eat at Tango again. Plus my mom recommended it as well!

Info:
Tango Contemporary Cafe
1288 Ala Moana Boulevard Suite 120
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 593-7288

Monday thru Friday : 11 am - 9:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday : 8 am - 9:30 pm
Breakfast : Sat & Sun, 8 am - 10:30 am
Lunch : Daily, 11 am - 5 pm
Dinner : Daily, 5 pm - 9:30 pm