Juicy steak

We were graciously invited for a grill-out last night.  (Where else can you have a barbecue in March?  Lucky live in Hawaii!)  The host is a poker buddy of AM’s and he made this mean dry rub that he generously coated each steak with before throwing them on the grill.  He also had a pile of Kiawe wood which he threw in the fire.  It has a unique smokey flavor that I have never tasted before outside Hawaii.  Kiawe is a tree species that was brought over from South America in the early 1800′s and is now considered native to Hawaii.

The meat was delicious, especially when it was medium rare.  It was so juicy and well-seasoned.  A few of us who arrived early crowded around the chef to snatch slices of the steak right off the grill.

Perfect medium rare steak

The special dry rub

Kiawe wood

On the grill

Pineapple

There was a garden on the side of the house full of pineapples!  How awesome!  One day I will have my own garden so I can grow all the fruits and vegetables I want.  But I guess for now, I’ll just be happy with my thriving basil plant.

AM's pickled onions

AM had brought over his homemade pickled onions and everyone loved it so much that it was gone before we knew it.  See here for the recipe.  The pickled onions were a great side for the steak with some white rice and a Bud Light.  That’s Hawaiian style right there!