Maui’s Hidden Restaurant That’s A Destination Sushi Bar

Botero Lounge, in the Grand Wailea’s lavish lobby, has often had off-the-hook cocktails, and the foodstuff in the place has ranged widely, from bar bites to burgers. But the beverages — and the artwork, of system — were often the draw. Surrounded by some of the world’s most popular parts by Colombian sculptor Fernando Botero, readers to the resort could libate in museum-like splendor. Now, significant sushi lovers can rejoice — Botero Lounge is now a veritable sushi desired destination. Chef YongHo Mun, AKA Chef Moony, a South Korea-born, Matsuhisa-properly trained chef who worked at the flagship Matsuhisa Aspen, a pinnacle of Japanese eating in the U.S., has introduced his beautiful expertise — and humorous appeal — to what will quickly be Maui’s best table. It just opened quietly final month and doesn’t take reservations. After term gets out, there will be a line out the doorway. It’s that good.

The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Vacation resort, has lengthy been a destination for luxurious and family members vacation. The greatest resort on the island is going through a comprehensive renovation, and the rollout of the new Botero Lounge is an auspicious harbinger of what is to come.

Chef Moony exemplifies the adage that you have to know the rules in advance of you can break them. His command of standard sushi preparation would have been ample to shake up South Maui, but he has taken it significantly further with his own inventive twists on the freshest uncooked fish you will find on the island: feel octopus carpaccio with yuzu chimichurri and albacore sashimi with truffle.

Although it is feasible to pop in for a fast cocktail and a handful of pieces of nigiri, this is the type of area exactly where you will want to settle in and have a entire meal. Start out with a craft cocktail from the new record, then allow for Chef Moony to suggest dishes. You simply cannot go improper, unless you rely about-ordering, which is a predictable hazard and one for which you just can’t be faulted.

We started out with a nigiri sampler, each bite the suitable representation of its traditional notion, then transitioned to some of the new-design and style uncooked dishes, as perfectly as a couple of cooked dishes. There is not a one item that is not on position, so you can only abide by your need by way of the vast menu — which, by the way, retains a bar burger, of sorts: Wagyu with crispy prosciutto, pepperoncini aioli, and pickled Maui onions. My only regret is not owning the alimentary bandwidth to test this. Up coming time!

As immersed as you will be in the foods, never ignore to glimpse up and remember that you are surrounded by nine Botero sculptures commissioned by the property, all lovingly managed (and some now in the approach of restoration, which is fascinating to see).

The new cocktail list is created to complement both equally the sushi menu and the lounge vibe. Sakura in Bloom brings together Suntory Roku gin with Geikkaikan Umeshu Sakura — essentially plum wine and gin — and offers it a lemon elevate. It’s a crisp, refreshing drink with all the things on the menu.

Chef Moony is not back again in the kitchen, he’s front and heart at the rear of the sushi bar, and he’s satisfied to come out to your desk, as effectively, to talk about every single dish with care and pleasure.

The opening of Botero Lounge is an enjoyable occurring for regular guests to South Maui, and a genuine location for environment-class sushi that is worthy of a generate from anyplace on the island.