Food Hapa Grill

Small plates range from $4 for edamame or Asian fries -- addictive ginger mashed potatoes wrapped in flour skins and deep fried -- to $12 for the Maui Wowi or several other fresh-fish treats. But the portions for many of those might be best described as "minimalist." The fries come in an order of four ($1 each), and a single, small crab cake is $8, though it is mostly fresh crab and macadamia nuts, without heavy breading. And the Poki Tuna's presentation is deceiving. It looks like a reasonably sized tuna and fresh fruit cocktail for $9, but after a couple of bites you discover that a half lemon in the bottom of the glass means it is less than it seemed.  The sandwich and entree portion of the menu offers better value, with a Hapa jerk wrap made of chicken, vegetables and a creamy yogurt sauce for $8, including a side of tangy slaw or Asian fries. In the same price range is a taco wrap made with lettuce, ground beef and rice; a Hapa burger; a grilled chicken or even a po' boy sandwich made with prawns.
   
Specialty dishes likewise seem reasonably priced, from Hapa curry made with seafood, vegetables and tofu for $9, to the most expensive item on the menu: filet mignon for $20, which is in line with other nice restaurants.  Several choices for children, including shrimp tempura or chicken teriyaki, all about $6, add to the attractiveness of Hapa for area families.  Though I question the value of some of Hapa's small plates, for the most part I appreciate smaller portions. My seared ahi salad with jalapenos and a wasabi dressing, a terrific combination of flavors, was just right; I ate every bite and had room to share a delicious dessert of chai tea creme brulée.
   
Hapa Grill offers a menu of sushi and Asian fusion dishes, with an exotic touch of Hawaiian freshness and a comfortable atmosphere for dining with family or friends.
- Salt Lake Tribune