MORIMOTO WAIKIKI
HONOLULU, HAWAII
I missed a University of Hawaii Football Game to attend an exclusive preview dinner at Iron Chef Morimoto's new restaurant in Waikiki. The event was a fund raiser for the Hawaii FoodBank. Was it worth missing my beloved Bows? Yes! The food and service were excellent. We began our adventure just finding the entrance. This place is under wraps until it's September 28th Grand Opening. You walk around the back side of the Ilikai Hotel. There is no sign, no parking attendant. There were two security guards in black with head phones in their ears and an attractive gal with a clipboard in her hand standing near what looked liked a construction entrance. I mentioned Morimoto's and the security guard said "shhhh" and put is finger over his mouth. We walked up some stairs into an entire different world of beautiful pastel colors, couches and warmth. Another person checked our name and then escorted us to the entrance. We were quickly welcomed and taken to our seats which were outdoors on a wood plank patio. Beautiful raging fire pits, umbrellas, view of the harbor and comfortable outdoor seating greeted us along with our waiter and staff. Minutes later we were given a glass of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne NV Couilly from France. While there are small candles on the table, it is really too dark to read the menu outside. Even the waitress/waiters mentioned this. Our first course was a Sashimi Salad with Baby Romaine and Morimoto Caesar Dressing. This was the bomb and my daughter finished every bite before the adults. This is something since she doesn't usually eat sashimi. The sashimi was four large slices of raw tuna lightly seared on just one edge. Melted like butter in your mouth. The Ceasar salad was a few pieces of whole lettuce leaves with just a hint of dressing. It was topped with a very, very small egg which was a good surprise. No cheesed on the ceasar. This dish was paired with a Condesa Eylo Verdejo, 2008 Reuda from Spain. This wine was perfect for the dish. Absolutely perfect. It enhanced every bite. The wine was so smooth and delicious. Our next course was Shikai Maki jamon iberico, soy foam with Oxtail Soup in Puff Pastry. The Oxtail Soup in Puff Pastry was brilliant. The Maki was a little too seaweed tasting to me but beautiful in presentation. This dish was served with a One Hope Chardonnay, 2009 from California. Light and crisp wine that I liked. Our next dish was not on the menu but loved by all. A nice plate of Sushi. Around six pieces of assorted raw fish served sushi and maki style. All fresh and perfect. By this point in the dinner my 9 year old daughter slouched back in her chair with a huge smile and said "I am so happy". She gave me the thumbs up and said the food was excellent. Our entree items included Braised Black Cod with a ginger soy reduction and Filet Mignon with Maui Onion Jus. Served with a nice King Estate Signature Pinot Noir, 2009 Lorane, Oregon. The wine was good but I could have gone with a bolder Pinot for the surf and turf dish. The Black Cod was fresh, fluffy and full of flavor. The dish was covered a little too much in the sauce. The steak was pure and simple. Cooked perfectly and over the top flavor when you added the Maui Onion Jus. For dessert we were given Haupia Semifreddo, coconut, local honey and matcha meringue. This was the only dish that we all did not like. Really a dud after such a great meal. This was a very good meal. After dinner we approached Iron Chef Morimoto and asked him to sign a photo of our family with him that was taken around six years ago. He accepted the photo and began to draw on it. Turns out he painted his face and wrote to us in both english and Japanese. Morimoto Waikiki will be a huge hit. I can see the place as the "in" spot for several years. Cannot wait to go back and try other menu items.
Links below to more posts on Morimoto Waikiki:
http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2014/05/morimoto-waikiki.html
http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2014/05/morimoto-waikiki.html
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