Season 58's champion, Cidney Wilcox, has brought her culinary expertise to Kailua. As the executive chef of the newly opened Banyans Craft Kitchen and Lounge, she is making waves with her unique take on comfort food. Hailing originally from San Antonio, Texas, Wilcox has an extensive background in kitchens across the nation, having worked with A-list celebrities in Atlanta. Her partnership with Banyans owner Joey Gallagher has resulted in a menu that beautifully showcases Hawaii's local ingredients, such as the delicious local tako.

Embracing Weekend Fun with Banyans

Banyans is not just a place for great food; it also offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music on the weekends. Recently, they launched their brunch service, adding to the excitement. Wilcox shared, "We aim to continue the cozy vibe we have during dinner and extend it to weekend fun days. Our menu features a variety of delights like mimosa flights, succulent shrimp or oxtail and grits, hot honey chicken, and Leonard's Malasadas. We even have a vegan option to cater to everyone's tastes."

Highlighting Hawaii's Local Tako

Local tako takes center stage at Banyans. Wilcox's creative use of this Hawaiian ingredient adds a unique flavor to her dishes. She explains, "Using local tako allows us to bring the essence of Hawaii to our menu. It gives our comfort food a distinct twist that our customers love. We source the best quality tako and incorporate it in ways that showcase its freshness and flavor."

Partnership with Joey Gallagher

Wilcox's partnership with Joey Gallagher has been a game-changer. Gallagher's vision and Wilcox's culinary skills have combined to create a dining experience like no other. Wilcox says, "Joey's passion for the restaurant and his commitment to using local ingredients align perfectly with my culinary philosophy. Together, we are able to offer our guests a menu that is both delicious and representative of Hawaii."

Expanding the Menu with Brunch

The addition of brunch to Banyans' offerings has been a hit. Wilcox describes the brunch service as a fun and relaxed way to start the day. "Our brunch menu offers a variety of options that are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own. From sweet to savory, there's something for everyone. We want our guests to feel like they are part of the Banyans family from the moment they walk through the door."For more information, visit banyanskailua.com or follow on Instagram at @banyanskailua. Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.