Paniolo BBQ, located in Kauai, intertwines its culinary offerings with a rich narrative, notably in its steadfast adherence to Santa Maria-style barbecue, illuminated through the use of specific wood blends, namely red oak and Java plum, and a family recipe for chicken rub that has been a staple for “a little bit over 35 years,” according to Jared, one of the family members involved in the operation.
Central to Paniolo’s offerings is the tri-tip plate, which, Jared explains, is not just a mere dish but an embodiment of the traditional Santa Maria barbecue: “You’re gonna see the tri-tip with salsa, light fresh green salads, beans on the plate, and of course, French bread.” This is corroborated by Dida, the host, who relishes the tri-tip, declaring, “That is really good, it’s so juicy,” and notes its accompaniment with what Jared refers to as a “homemade” dry rub, a formulation that is crafted in-house.
An intrinsic aspect of Paniolo BBQ’s operations is its staunch embodiment of a family-run enterprise. “Oh man, the whole family. So, I have my dad; him and I do most of the barbecue duties. My brother, he’s in the kitchen. My nephew, his son, is also one of our cooks. My wife, my brother’s wife, and my mom,” Jared elaborates, placing an emphasis on the integral role each member plays within the business’s framework.
The Paniolo Burger, a sizable dish featuring a 10-ounce patty, country-style ribs shrouded in barbecue sauce, and a finale of pico de gallo, underscores the establishment’s proclivity for hearty, robust meals. Jared, reflecting his Spanish cultural background, remarks, “Of course, I like it spicy,” thus elucidating the burst of flavors that Dida identifies: “It’s got a lot of flavors on it, the saltiness that comes from the smoked meat.”
In addition to the culinary realm, Paniolo BBQ nestles itself within the community through its live music offerings, functioning Monday through Saturday, and an open mic night every Wednesday. These musical events, Jared mentions, have been visited by “Incredible musicians from all over,” thereby weaving a subtle, yet profound, tapestry that intertwines the local and broader communities through a culinary and cultural melding.
Paniolo BBQ, therefore, materializes not merely as a food establishment but as a multifaceted entity that converges family, tradition, and community into a holistic experience in Kauai, embracing its roots in Santa Maria-style barbecue while concurrently welcoming the diverse array of flavors and experiences that being situated in Hawaii presents.