Masaharu Morimoto Announces Plans for Morimoto Maui

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto is expanding his empire further into Hawaii now, with plans to open Morimoto Maui at Hyatt's forthcoming Andaz Maui resort. As the Maui News reports, this will be Morimoto's first restaurant on Maui and second in Hawaii — the first landing in Waikiki a couple of years back. Morimoto's presence in Hawaii also includes a cameo on Hawaii Five-0 in which he belted out some karaoke.

Both the restaurant and the resort are scheduled to open in summer 2013, per a press release, which also explains that the restaurant will emphasize "the seamless integration of traditional Japanese culinary techniques with local, Hawaiian ingredients." There'll be an eight-seat sushi bar and, of course, there will be beach-side dining, too.

ANDAZ MAUI AT WAILEA TO TEAM UP WITH CHEF MASAHARU MORIMOTO FOR BOUTIQUE LIFESTYLE RESORT'S FLAGSHIP RESTAURANT

Morimoto Maui slated to open summer 2013

MAUI, HAWAII (October 23, 2012) – Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa and acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto are pleased to announce that they will team up to unveil Morimoto Maui, which will focus on the seamless integration of traditional Japanese culinary techniques with local, Hawaiian ingredients. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa and Morimoto Maui are scheduled to open in Summer 2013. The opening of Morimoto Maui will complement the resort's personalized amenities and will offer an unforgettable dining experience for guests.

"Our relationship with Chef Morimoto is another example of Andaz Maui's fresh approach to luxury in Wailea," said Michael Stephens, general manager, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa. "This exciting collaboration will enhance the resort experience for our guests and community. As we begin to secure our plan for our amenities and offerings, we could not be more pleased to welcome Chef Morimoto to Andaz."

Morimoto Maui will be open daily for lunch and dinner under the direction of Chef Morimoto, known to millions as the star of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America. Embodying the renowned chef's distinct culinary style, the menu will feature the islands' freshest, local ingredients executed with traditional Japanese techniques.

Award-winning design and architecture firm Rockwell Group is spearheading the design of Morimoto Maui, which will encompass a 57-seat interior dining area, 56-seat outdoor terrace, and 23-seat terrace bar. Situated just steps from the beach, this restaurant and bar will capture the laid-back island culture and atmosphere of Hawaii, with full-height glass French doors on three sides of the restaurant opening to create a fluid movement between the interior and exterior spaces. Every seat inside the restaurant offers stunning views of the beach and ocean, connecting guests to the beautiful surrounding environment. The fourth wall will create an intimate, eight-seat sushi bar serving sushi and sashimi made from some of Maui's freshest, local fish. Natural earth tones of cream, brown, and gray are used on decorative accents, lighting, and furniture to reflect Maui's relaxed spirit. Local craft materials are discovered in reclaimed teak wood tables and chairs, modern stone sculptural pieces, and black stone floor tiles. A warm, intimate ambiance is created by a unique light box shade in the sushi bar, and organic-shaped, hanging pendant lights and wall sconces in the adjacent dining area. Guests can also enjoy a full beach-dining experience outside, as well as unwind over cocktails at the terrace bar as they watch the spectacular Maui sunset.

Scheduled to open in summer 2013, Morimoto Maui will be located at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa. For more information, please visit www.andazmaui.com.

· 'Iron Chef' Morimoto to open restaurant at Andaz Maui [Maui News]
· All Previous Masaharu Morimoto Coverage on Eater [-E-]