‘Ōpelu Caesar

ʻŌpelu is used in place of the traditional anchovies found in a Caesar dressing.  The ʻōpelu is salt-cured and smoked, and incorporated into a Caesar dressing, and served on a bed of local romaine.  The salad is garnished with smoked-dried ʻōpelu . 

ʻŌpelu was such a prized fish in ancient Hawaiʻi, that a ban was implemented for half the year to ensure adequate populations for the community.  Traditionally, plant-based bait is used to catch ʻōpelu, as to not attract predatory fish.

ʻŌpelu is commonly used as bait to catch larger game fish, but is still a very popular fish to eat amongst locals. 

The salad is topped with local fish.