Oceanfront restaurant latest offering in Resort’s enhanced culinary experiences
Hawaii, Hualalai, U.S.A. – 2012-11-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka‘upuehu, the first and only Forbes Five-Star resort on Hawaii Island, introduces ‘ULU Ocean Grill & Sushi Lounge, a breathtaking new oceanfront fish and seafood restaurant, the latest enhancement to the Resort’s dining experiences.
The culinary team presents Executive Chef James Babian’s acclaimed RSA – Regional, Seasonal and Artisanal cuisine to Hawaii’s most beautiful setting, alongside the surf and under the stars. Working with more than 160 farmers and fishermen on the Island, Chef Babian and his team are leaders in sustainable dining. ‘ULU, as with the entire Resort, features cuisine that is 75 percent from Hawaii Island.
The name ‘ULU means “breadfruit,” the staple food brought to Hawaii by Polynesian voyagers to sustain life through their journey, which links the aina (land) and the kai (water) of the Island. The original name of Ka‘upulehu was Ka‘ulupulehu, paying tribute to the breadfruit, its importance to the people of Hawaii Island and as a reminder to always act with aloha.
The restaurant showcases a stylish blend of Hawaiian architecture and modern flair – a lively, informal setting where guests are inspired, surprised and delighted by Hawaii’s natural beauty and the flavours of the Pacific. Casual, friendly and knowledgeable servers guide guests through a social dining experience, highlighting an innovative ocean-to-table menu with playful tableside presentation. Cuisine is prepared oven roasted, flame grilled and wok fired, and signature dishes include: oven roasted whole fish, lobster wonton soup, tableside ahi poke and lilikoi malasadas (donuts filled with fruit curd). An extensive wine list with a special selection of boutique wines is presented via iPad, complete with tasting notes and ratings to make the selection process more interactive and informative. The Wine Table displays wines, decanters and glassware, where ‘ULU’s wine expert will interact with guests.
Designed by Jennifer Johanson of EDG Interior Architecture & Design, ‘ULU offers three distinct private dining terraces are ideal for larger parties and special events: Makai Lanai for tableside dining and beach receptions, Kohala Room on the north end of the restaurant with the adjacent buffet area and Moana Terrace, offering the most privacy and clear oceanfront setting.
The modern sushi lounge and 10-seat ocean view bar feature the Island’s freshest sushi, as well as craft cocktails, sake and Japanese beers. Signature dishes include: Fire & Ice crab roll, crunchy shrimp roll and kampachi sashimi; while signature craft cocktails include the Kona Kaffir, a cocktail made entirely from ingredients harvested within 100 miles of the Resort. After-dinner drinks are enjoyed in a social setting around the fire pit on the beachside terrace.
A weekly Saturday night Farm-to-Table signature event will be hosted by Chef Babian, celebrating the bounty of the Island. Following a beachside reception, guests on Makai Lanai enjoy a prix-fixe menu showcasing the best of Hawaii Island’s offerings.
By day, ‘ULU presents an extensive a la carte and buffet breakfast, with delectable action stations as well as bespoke juices and a selection of Kona’s finest estate coffees. The Hawaiian Coffee House is a themed lounge within the restaurant, offering a barista bar, tableside brewed coffee, signature breakfast sandwiches, acai bowls and fresh pastry – perfect for guests looking for a lighter start to the day. ‘ULU seats 195 in the dining room and 32 in the sushi lounge and bar, and is open for breakfast and dinner daily.
“‘ULU pays tribute to the beauty, bounty and spirit of Hawaii Island,” says Robert Whitfield, regional vice president and general manager of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. “This new and stylish dining experience offers a number of ways to enjoy a meal – be it loungy and social, or quiet and romantic – all following our commitment to keeping it regional, seasonal, artisanal.”
Guests are invited to book the Experience Hualalai package, which includes a USD 500.00 Resort credit. This five-night package includes luxurious accommodations, and the Resort credit is applicable to incidental charges, including dining, Spa and Resort activities.
Hotel Press Contact
Brad Packer
Director of Public Relations
350 South Beverly Drive, Suite 220
Beverly Hills, CA, U.S.A. 90212
Email Brad Packer
T. (310) 712-1493
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‘ULU exterior