An Extraordinary Dining Experience The
first experience will forever have you coming back for more: ‘Ambience
Defined’ characterizes it well, but more words can be used to describe
the food and service that is remembered, and considered legendary, at
Maui's Lahaina Grill. Found in the historic district of the
once-called “Whaling Capitol of the Pacific,” this restaurant's innovative,
New American cuisine is served with a professional’s attention to
detail, in a sophisticated bistro setting located on the first floor of
the Lahaina Inn, an ode to comfortable, turn-of-the-century living that
still exists just a stone’s throw away from Front Street.
The entryway’s pioneer architecture sheds a welcome calm on the
evening’s start—lending his Swiss heritage, and time spent in
Australia, Thailand, The Philippines and Hong Kong—Chef/Owner Jurg
Munch takes the helm, often literally greeting people at the door,
guiding the restaurant’s continual mission to provide the best of
everything, considering his guests as friends, and those longtime
patrons like family. His staff, led by Executive Chef Arnulfo Gonzalez,
the protégé of Chef David Paul Johnson, uses culinary techniques and
flavors from around the world to work with spices and the freshest
ingredients produced by local farmers and dairies; the seafood is
caught offshore by Maui’s fisherman.
The result: Voted “Best Maui Restaurant” for the last thirteen years by
the Honolulu Magazine readers’ poll, an elite, Oahu-based publication
that is read by people who love fine dining. Jurg’s influence and
personal style can be seen in the soft tones of the walls, hung with
murals and paintings by Maui artists; gorgeous, press-tin ceiling
overhead; stylishly-mirrored, wooden bar; and the intimate escape of
The Chef’s Table, a semi-private room set for 8-10 guests. The most
memorable touches, however, are in the food ranging from meat, seafood
and vegetarian designs to appetizer, salad and soup creations (and,
let’s not forget about dessert!).
The Warm Pecan Crusted Goat Cheese and Baby Arugula Salad is a fresh
way to begin; another favorite appetizer is the Crisp Fried Blue Corn
Crusted Chile Relleno, filled with Hawaiian Big Island prawns, scallops
and Monterey Jack cheese for added zest. Entrées generally range from
$28 to $39, and the Maui Onion Crusted Seared Ahi dish is considered
the best on the Island, served with vanilla bean Jasmine rice and apple
cider-soy butter vinaigrette. The Macadamia Nut Smoked Kurobuta Pork
Chop is a heartier option, an exciting diversion from the
traditional—all natural, organic American pork is dressed with Poblano
chili and Dungeness crab golden potato hash, pickled red cabbage and
apples with a pomegranate demi-glace. Guests enjoy the colorful,
vertical presentation of the Grilled Polenta Stacks built with goat
cheese and vegetables in a Maui onion sauce.
Complementing the cuisine is a wine list with over 350 selections from
wineries and boutique vineyards of the Old and New Worlds; each is
researched and handpicked by the restaurant’s own wine sommelier,
Richard Olson III, one of the few certified wine professionals on Maui.
He can make pairing suggestions for the beginning, middle, and end of
the meal, for example wedding the exuberant harvest of the Triple Berry
Pie dessert, a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and black
currants on whipped cream, with Graham’s, Six Grapes.
Celebrating its sixteenth anniversary, the Lahaina Grill has become ‘the
place’ to spend a romantic dinner, family affair, friendly gathering,
or commemorative event—experience firsthand why visitors and residents
of Hawaii keep talking about this elegant-yet-comfortable restaurant
located in Lahaina Town, just off of Maui’s western shore.
Dinner served nightly from 6pm. Reservations are suggested.
Lahaina Grill
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
www.lahainagrill.com
808-667-5117
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