Eric von Platen Luder

This year marks Eric’s 30th anniversary as leader and visionary of the business founded by his parents Shirley and Hugo in 1969. As president of  Olu Kai, Ltd., he oversees operations at Huggo’s Restaurant, Huggo’s on the Rocks and Paradise Gourmet Catering all in Kailua-Kona. Look for even more to come from this restaurateur extraordinaire later this year! In the meantime, congrats to Hawaii Island native Eric for 30 successful years and counting. When he’s not working or serving the community in various roles, you will most likely find him stand up paddling with friends in Kailua-Kona Bay and other locations around the island!

Eric, left, taking the plunge!

Bay front table at Huggo's.

Your table is waiting and what better place to celebrate with your sweetheart? Chef Ken has a number of special delicious dishes and decadent chocolate desserts planned for this special evening dedicated to love. Forgot the flowers? Not to worry, our chic lei wahine will be making the rounds throughout the evening to make you a hero/heroine in your partner’s heart!

Kau kau & enjoy!

Among the many lounge menu selections -- a tasty table of savory treats at Huggo's!

Chef Ken’s been busy testing new dishes, playing with new products and introducing new items to Huggo’s menus and, of course, he is always dreaming up fabulous nightly specials.

The expansive lounge menu has been expanded even futher to include a Kona Kai shrimp sizzling platter in shrimp stock, garlic and herbs — bet you can’t eat just one! — and a tempting selection of flatbreads. Insider tip: From 5:30pm – 6pm most of the menu items (food only) are offered at 50% off! Expect a crowd…word is spreading!

Lee Stewart kicking it on the keyboard.

And don’t forget, there’s live music nightly in Huggo’s lounge from 6pm — jazz piano, featuring Lee Stewart and many more Hawaii Island musicians. Click here to access Huggo’s website for the current schedule…just click on entertainment at the top of the home page for a calendar.

Huggo’s newest temptation: Hot Caramel Mac Nut Crisp!

And, as if Chef and his culinary team don’t already offer some of the most mouthwatering sweet endings in town, a new temptation has just been introduced. Check out this sinfully delicious treat on your next visit: Hot Caramel Mac Nut Crisp!

Team Huggo's Champions Nate & Elisabeth

Congratulations to Nate Grosholski who took top honors in the 5K run and 4.2 mile paddle-OC1 event and Elisabeth Torres who finished first in the .5 mile ocean swim.

2012 Try-Go-Athon

Grilled Monchong Topped with Sauteed Ferns.

So you missed Chef Ken’s over-the-top special last night (Herb Marinated Grilled Mongchong in a Miso Buerre Blanc with Warabi Fern Salad, Breadfruit Mash and sauteed Fern Garnish) no worries, Chef is dishing up another super special tonight!

Kona Kai Fresh Shrimp sauteed in butter, garlic and herbs served over Paella Rice in a Bouillabaisse Sauce and topped with Fried Leeks. Book early to catch the sunset and the pod of whales that’s been cruising right off shore the past several nights as the sun goes down. Nearly as awesome as Chef Ken’s cooking!

Another winter sunset at Huggo's!

Next door, Huggo’s on the Rocks has its game face on for Super Bowl Sunday. Happy Hour starts at 1 p.m. and continues to  6 p.m. with all the traditional Super Bowl chow and great beverages on offer at special pricing. Big screen TVs, raffles, contests, games and swag for avid fans….or not!

Join us for an afternoon of good fun, food and drink!

Huggo's famous mud pie!

As the only state in the nation cultivating cacao, we’d be remiss if we didn’t give a big shout out and mahalo (thank you) to our Hawaii Island growers and chocolate makers for the delicious products they supply all year round.

Chef Ken and his culinary team serve up a bevvy of chocolate desserts and the entertaining team of mixologists in Huggo’s Lounge blend up tasty — and potent — chocolate-based libations nightly.

Among the chocolate dessert specialties — in addition to our legendary mud pie, of course — Pele’s Chocolate Tart, Double Chocolate Fudge Mousse Cake and Onolicous (absolutely to die for delicious) Honu Pie (chocolate turtle cookie crust, vanilla and chocolate caramel cheesecake swirled with dark chocolate ganache)!

Come in and get your fix tonight and join in celebrating chocolate’s special day!

Today’s fresh catch is in at Huggo’s in Kailua-Kona, and Chef Ken has something special planned for dinner tonight! It’s Macadamia Nut Crusted Shutome (swordfish) with Avocado-Coconut Cream Sauce served with his classic Molokai Potato Mash and Baby Bok Choy.

Our suggested wine pairing? Carmel Road Chardonnay from Monterey County — a delicious wine & great value from this premium winegrowing region. It complements Chef Ken’s dish perfectly!

Kau Kau & enjoy!

Cheers from Huggo's!

Huggo’s Chef Ken has the answer — his contemporary take on an all-time classic! Tonight’s special combines the best of both worlds: Petite Filet Mignon and Kona’s own Keahole Lobster Tail. Topped with Bernaise, these delicious — and perfectly prepared – proteins are served with sauteed Waialua asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes.

Bring your appetite and enjoy, but be sure to reserve early to avoid disappointment. We suggest pairing a New World wine varietal with this dish. Perhaps a Robert Sinskey Napa Valley Pinot Noir, Turley Old Vine Zinfandel or the Nice Malbec from Argentina.

After dinner, kick back in the lounge and catch Hawaii Island entertainers performing nightly. Among the acts, Lee Stewart’s jazz at the piano bar, Keith Teves on guitar and the Pacific Fusion dance band. Check out the weekly schedule on Huggo’s website.

"City" lights view from Huggo's intimate Nalu Lanai.

Suspended just feet above gently breaking waves under a canopy brilliant stars, nothing beats dinner on Huggo’s hidden and intimate Nalu Lanai. With just about 20 seats available in this area, don’t take your chances — be sure to reserve in advance. And with winter temperatures dipping into the low 70s, be sure to bring a wrap. Chef Ken’s take on some seasonal Huggo’s classics will also warm the body and soul. Consider house-made Kabocha squash gnocchi with baby bok choy and wild mushrooms or Cioppino — a tangy tomato-based fish stew with lobster, shrimp & crab, topped with asparagus and grilled filet of Ono. Perfect wine pairings? Carmel Road Chardonnay with the gnocchi and Rodney Strong’s Sonoma County Pinot Noir (or for those who prefer a fuller-bodied red, try Nice Malbec from Argentina) with the Cioppino.

Soul-satisfying entrees at Huggo's.

Overheard last night at Huggo’s: “We could be in a seaside village on Italy’s Amalfi Coast!” We say, better yet, you’re in paradise — Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island!

Thanks Kona Dave for sharing these great photos.

Chef Ken with his dessert and pupu specials.

Chef Ken Schloss never ceases to amaze with the variety of delicious specials he offers diners nightly — pupu, entrees and desserts. Fight the urge to go with one of your favorite menu classics and adventure into a world of culinary surpirses. Chef Ken creates dishes influenced by a number of world regions — Spain, Italy, Thailand, Indonesia, Asia, California and Hawaii, of course!

Tonight’s morning catch special is: Herb Marinated Grilled Mongchong in a Black Garlic-Yuzu Hollandaise with Saffron-Asparagus Risotto, French Green Beans all topped with Fried Leeks.

Mongchong special.

Among some other recent hits: Kona Shrimp with Paella in a classic Boulliabaise. Absolutely Delicious!

Chef Ken with his Kona Kai Shrimp & Paella special.

And, don’t forget to check out Chef Ken’s tantalizing dessert specials!

Sinfully good finales!