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After 14 years at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, Chai’s Island Bistro will close at the end of the month, chef/owner Chai Chaowasaree said Sunday in a news release.
Chaowasaree is opening a new restaurant in the Honolulu Pacifica Building on Kapiolani Boulevard in February and did not renew the lease for the Aloha Tower restaurant, which has featured local entertainers as well as fine dining.
"Once we announced the closing, many of our longtime entertainers who’ve performed here in the past called to ask if they could perform one last time," he said.
Hapa, the first group to perform at Chai’s, will play on the final night. Kumu hula Manu Boyd, Bruce and Jake Shimabukuro, Makana, Willie K, Melveen Leed, Jerry Santos, Na Leo’s Lehua Kalima and the Brothers Cazimero also will perform this month.
Chaowasaree’s new restaurant will feature healthier cuisine.
"There will be no butter at my new restaurant," he said. "To me, moderation is key. Different people have different dietary needs to suit their health-conscious lifestyle."