Big Kahuna Makes a Splash in Downtown Atlanta
March 2,2013
Tom Nahas, a founding member of the team that introduced Atlanta to the successful Twisted Taco brand, and his business partner Rahim Kaba are excited to announce their new concept Big Kahuna is now open in the SunTrust Plaza. Open for lunch, happy hour and dinner, Big Kahuna draws upon the lifestyle of the sun, sand and surf, featuring all-natural, top-quality burgers, creative salads, Cali-Mex tacos, Baja fajitas, fresh seafood and handcrafted cocktails.
“We are excited to present our new West Coast concept in Downtown Atlanta,” said Nahas. “We want our Big Kahuna diners to feel as if they’re sitting in a friend’s beach house enjoying a fresh coastal meal, even though our space is in a world-class office tower.”
A dining destination for Downtown business professionals, visitors and dwellers alike, the Big Kahuna concept reflects on California’s beach culture with a menu focused on fresh ingredients and eclectic flavors. The culinary experience begins with the “First Wave” appetizers and dips, including Big Kahuna creations such as the “Humamole,” fresh guacamole combined with Sel’s signature hummus; crab cake poppers with a duo of dipping sauces and “Big Cheesey Surf Nachos” served with lump crab, shrimp, creamy white cheddar queso, jack cheese, white corn, roasted chiles, sour cream and pico.
Diners looking for a juicy burger can select from a wide array of distinctive offerings as they first “pick their protein” including Big Kahuna’s all-natural proprietary beef blend or all-natural free-range chicken. Proteins are served in a variety of gourmet styles including “Mediterranean” with mixed greens, feta, fresh tomato, red onion, roasted red pepper and Greek yogurt cucumber sauce; “West Coast Meets East Coast BBQ” topped with chipotle citrus bbq, wicked pimento cheese, “mom’s pickles” and thick brown sugar bacon; or the signature “Big Kahuna” with American cheese, fresh tomato, lettuce, sweet onion, yellow mustard, Heinz ketchup, homemade Kahuna sauce and “mom’s pickles.”
Made-to-order tacos and sizzling fajitas infuse Cali-Mex flare into the menu with a variety of authentic ingredients and eclectic flavors such as the “Acapulco” with habanera pineapple cabbage slaw and roasted chipotle mayo and the “Santa Barbara” style with grilled corn, feta, black beans, edamame salsa, jack cheese, lettuce and jalapeno ranch. In addition, “Steamer & Surf Platters” - served grilled, steamed or fried - feature a variety of fresh seafood options, crispy homemade hush puppies and a choice of drawn butter, cilantro-lime tartar sauce or classic cocktail sauce. Guests can select from the freshest seafood including jumbo snow crab legs, jumbo steamed shrimp, crab, shrimp burgers, fresh cod and the fresh fish of the day.
A welcome addition to Downtown Atlanta’s happy hour and late night scene, Big Kahuna offers a variety of tropical cocktails to make it the perfect place to end the workday or grab a drink before or after an exciting Downtown event. Signature cocktail selections include the “Laguna Beach cosmo” with Skyy blood orange vodka, Cointreau, a splash of cranberry juice and fresh lime with a cinnamon sugar rim and orange garnish; the “VeeV Superfruit margarita” with VeeV acai spirit, El Jimador Blanco, fresh lime, agave and POM juice; and the frozen Captain Morgan rum and Coke slushie called the “Oh Captain, My Captain.” To perfectly complement the Cali-Mex selection of tacos and sizzling fajitas, guests can enjoy the “Baja margarita” made with Espolon tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime, pineapple and orange juice garnished with a chilled pineapple wedge.
Inspired by the ocean with the light and colors of seaside landscapes, Big Kahuna’s design was completed by iNvision Design Group, creating a beach oasis in the heart of Downtown Atlanta. The vibrant space features raw materials such as river stone and reclaimed wood juxtaposed with polished concrete and movable glass walls, striking a balance between classic surf elements and contemporary design. A 12-foot Silver Surfer statue suspended from the ceiling serves as the focal point of the dining room while glowing glass pendants create the sense of moving water. Finally, a wash of soothing colors, including pumice blue, peridot green, taupe and bright silver along with one-of-a-kind hand-painted surf boards complete the relaxed Big Kahuna vibe.
In addition to dine-in lunch and dinner service, diners seeking a delicious fast casual lunch or quick bite before Downtown events can grab Big Kahuna take-out for lunch and dinner. The full menu is available for guests looking to enjoy some beach cuisine on-the-go with the convenient online ordering process and take-out counter ensures fast service.