"Glee" heart throb Samuel Larsen with On the Rocks restaurant supervisor Claire Parker.

Samuel Larsen, one of the newest members of the cast of “Glee”, sporting his signature dreads enjoyed lunch On the Rocks with friends yesterday afternoon, taking a moment to strike a pose with our restaurant supervisor Claire Parker. Larsen, who plays Joe Hart on the popular TV series, chowed down on our famous fish and chips. Next time perhaps Claire will charm a song from the young star!

Samuel Larsen was one of 12 competing for two spots on Season 3's cast...he clinched one of the roles!

Huggo's is featured in this issue of Marin magazine in California.

The spring issue of Marin magazine (published in San Francisco Bay Area’s northern county of Marin) features a story on the “Five Must Dos” on four Hawaiian Islands. Among Hawaii Island’s top five, sunset dinner at Huggo’s! The article reads in part: “This sunset dinner spot won’t disappoint…Huggo’s has been a local (and visitor’s) favorite since opening in 1969.”

One of Chef Ken's nightly seafood specials at Huggo's.

On the Rocks (we’ve changed our name, dropping Huggo’s to prevent confusion between our two waterfront restaurants in Kailua-Kona) is showcased in the current issue of Big Island Traveler magazine in an article titled “Sunset on the Rocks”. A snippet from the piece reads: “Once you step into Huggo’s on the Rocks, you know you’re here to stay. A consistent favorite among locals and visitors to “chillax”, Huggo’s on the Rocks is the perfect “kick back” spot to enjoy delicious food and tropical libations while being immersed in the complete ambiance of the Pacific Ocean. Huggo’s on the Rocks is a must-try destination for a memorable oceanfront dining experience.”

Another gorgeous sunset at On the Rocks!

Many thanks to the writers and editors for the kind words!

We look forward to welcoming you soon….stay tuned for opening date details!

Hale with a view at Lava Lava Beach Club...opening soon!

Tonight’s special is one of many:

Shutome (swordfish)

Sautéed in Penang Curry and Coconut Milk

Served with Avocado-Bamboo Rice, and Snow Pea Shoot and Heart of Palm Salad
$36.00

And don’t forget to save room for dessert!

Hot Caramel Mac Nut Crisp is the most recent addition to our sinfully delish dessert menu.

Table with a view at Huggo's!

With Mother’s Day just a week away, it’s time to put Huggo’s on your speed dial! Chef Ken has created a special prix fixe menu for that very special woman in your life. Of course, our classic menu offerings will be available, as well as a selection of morning caught fish specials.

Mother’s Day 2012

Keahole Lobster, Mango & Avocado Tower

With Arugula & Ka’u Grapefruit Citronette

Roasted Kona Coffee-Black Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin

With Gorgonzola Potato Gratin, Fennel al Forno, Cabernet Glaze & Bernaise Sauce

Add Lobster $22.00

Raspberry Tiramisu

Fresh Raspberries, Mascarpone Cheese & Grand Marnier

$49.95

For reservations, please phone: (808) 329-1493; or on-line at Huggo’s.

Chef Ken has all the ingredients for a magnificent Mother's Day dinner at Huggo's!

Cinco de Mayo at On the Rocks

Looking for the best place to party tomorrow night? Join the fiesta at On the Rocks (aka Huggo’s on the Rocks…we’ve dropped the Huggo’s, so now you can just tell your friends to meet you On the Rocks in Kailua-Kona)! The fun starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 with pupu and drink specials, and contests that will have you winning big time! What you need to know to be in the running:

$25 gift certificate for the Best Sombrero…dazzle us with your biggest, most outrageous hat!

$25 gift certificate for the Best Mariachi Costume…c’mon, rock our Tamboritas!

$25 gift certificate for the Best Hat Dance Performance…show us what you got!

$25 gift certificate for the winner of the Jalepeno Eating Contest…we’ll also shout you a glass of milk when you’ve finished!

$50 gift certificate for the winninig couple of the Best Salsa Dancing Contest…dust off your dancing shoes!

The hot “Salsa Latino” band will have your groove going all night long, and our culinary team joins the bar crew in offering the most ono food and drink in town.

Food specials of the night, priced at $7 each, include:

Housemade Chili Verde Tamales

Taco plate with Rice & Beans

Fish Taco Plate

Also:

Nachos $6

Ceviche $5

Drink specials:

Margaritas/Rocks $4

Pacifico & Corona Lights $5

Happy dinner guests, David and Jane from Seattle.

We really aren’t picking regional favorites, but last week we couldn’t help but notice Huggo’s was dominated by guests from the Pacific Northwest — one of the seafood capitols of the world — enjoying our ono (delicious) local fish!

Chef Ken's Pancetta-wrapped Mong Chong.

Among the savored dishes: Chef Ken’s Sauteed Pancetta-wrapped Mong Chong with Hawaii Island Asparagus served over Polenta. Jane from Seattle, who had never heard of this mild white fish, was overheard saying, “In a word, yummy!” We  couldn’t agree more, Jane, thanks for the great review. We look forward to welcoming you back to Huggo’s soon!

Another picture-perfect sunset at Huggo's.

Huggo's long-time server Island Johnny with one of his many local fans, Kailua-Kona artist and gallery owner Cindy Coats.

Each Wednesday at Huggo’s, we say mahalo to our loyal local island residents by offering a 20% discount on  dinner (food only). This past Wednesday a number of our frequent island diners were sighted enjoying an evening out at Huggo’s as shown in these photos. We look forward to welcoming all of them and you back soon!

Cindy's dining companion for the evening, long-time friend and Kailua-Kona resident Karen.

Hawaii Island native Deeni, now living on Oahu, was celebrating with family and friends at Huggo's on Wednesday.

Kailua-Kona "city" lights view from Huggo's on the waterfront.

Chef Ken's eggs benedict brunch special.

For more than 10 years now, Huggo’s has hosted the annual charity brunch fundraiser for the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center. Last Sunday, more than 150 guests came out to support the Friends’ mission of helping in the healing process of children who have been victimized by child abuse, neglect and domestic violence in West Hawai’i. Guests enjoyed exquisite seaside dining, while contributing to this great cause.
Kudos to our managers and staff who volunteered their time to work the event, as well as all the volunteers from the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center. Special thanks to Chef Ken for creating the incredible brunch specials featured at the event.

Huggo's over-easy egg flatbread with sausage.

Ahi Nicoise Salad at Huggo's.

Hawaii Island spinach and mushroom omlette special at Huggo's.

Chef Ken's award-winning Ahi Poke Tower.

Let Chef Ken do the work and enjoy this tasty dish at Huggo’s! And now you can impress family and friends by creating it at home, as well, with the recipe provided by Chef Ken below. This dish took second place in Sam Choy’s Annual Poke Contest earlier this year — congrats Chef and thanks for sharing!

Locally Caught Ahi Tuna “Poke” Tower with Avocado, Seaweed & Frisee Salad

Poke Ingredients:

• 8 Ounce tuna sashimi block, small dice
• 1/8 teaspoon Hawaiian salt
• ½ teaspoon brown sugar
• Pinch Hawaiian chili’s chopped
• 1 Teaspoon shoyu
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon green onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Furikake spice
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 medium sized, ripe avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup seaweed salad
• 1/4 cup frisse

Method:

Combine all poke ingredients in a stainless bowl and gently mix. Take a piece of PVC pipe and cut 3″ pieces. Layer the sliced avocado, seaweed salad and frisee with the Poke in the pipe. Gently remove the pipe when complete. Serve immediately, kau kau & enjoy! Serves 2.