ahi ceviche and mongchong over smashed plantains from Cactus Bistro

Our little beach town of Kailua is changing a lot in our last couple months here. There are of course pros and cons to new development, but since most of the changes seem to be food related, I cant help but to focus on the pros. This spring weve acquired a new Whole Foods and a Latin bistro called Cactus, both within walking distance. Cactus is a particularly big deal to me because fare inspired by these regions Mexico, Cuba, Central, and South American is scarce in Hawaii. And being from Texas, its just about my favorite. So I was really excited to try Cactus. Clearly, because we arrived at 7pm sharp on opening night. We ordered four items to share: the cactus guacamole with three salsas, the ahi ceviche, the cilantro risotto with goat cheese mousse, and the special mongchongover smashed plantains. The atmosphere was a little boisterous, which was probably to be expected on opening night, but the food came out quickly and was all unique and yummy. Were hoping to get back at least once more in our short time left here.