I just learned on Monday through the "You know you're from Kaneohe if..." Facebook group that Pah Ke's Chinese Restaurant would be closing after this coming Sunday's service. Which was quite a shock as we've been going to Pah Ke's for quite a while. While Ms S was still working, she usually purchased several dishes to feed her technician every 5th weekend when it was her weekend to work. We also hosted three wine dinners at Pah Ke's when Raymond Siu still worked the dining floor and brother Barry Siu worked the kitchen. Therefore I did a take-out yesterday and asked Barry's wife if they were simply retiring. "Yes".
She said they're getting older - she actually said that Barry is getting older - and slowing down and ever since the pandemic, all restaurants find it hard to recruit/keep staff. Prior to Raymond and his wife suddenly retiring, there were always four Siu's at Pah Ke's plus one or two daughters during their college breaks plus two or three other staff members on the floor. Now only half of family staffs the restaurant with another one or two additional staff. That's why they started closing on Mondays. She said a new family will start their own Chinese restaurant in the space after renovating - it sounded like the new owners originally intended on starting in 2024 with about a 3 month renovation time frame. However the new lease rent will be $500 per day - because that would mean paying $45,000 in lease rent with no income duiring renovation, I believe the new owners decided to buy out the current lease which runs until the end of the year hence Pah Ke's sudden closing.
There's not enough space to post every dish we sampled at Pah Ke's but here's a few from our wine dinners...
Duck Salad with Duck Egg
"Philly" Cheese Steak on Bao with Candied Walnuts
Chinese Duck "Nachos" with Taro Chips on Taro Mash
Moi on Bok Choy with Truffled Broth
Shrimp Tacos
Some of the superlative desserts created at Pah Ke's...
Mixed Dessert Platter
Soy Milk Custard with Assorted Fruits
Lilikoi Cake
And some of the traditional Chinese selections...
Black Bean Pork on Soft Tofu
Abalone and Chicken Casserole with Black Mushroom
Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Butter and Miso Dressing
Boneless Minute Chicken on Cake Noodle
We'll miss Pah Ke's since we did regular take-out as well as our special wine dinners. We'll also miss the Siu's as they were some of the nicest restauranteurs around. But I wish them health and happiness in their retirement...
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