Fairmont Orchid Debuts New Restaurant - Binchotan: Bar & Grill

Fairmont Orchid, a luxury resort along the pristine Kohala Coast of Hawai‘i Island, officially debuted its new restaurant Binchotan: Bar & Grill.

The property’s newly reimagined dining hub is a multi-million dollar renovation of Norio’s Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar. The redesigned space offers a contemporary gathering place for friends and family to enjoy a fresh take on Asian cuisine. Its menu features the time-honored tradition of grilling meat, seafood and produce over an open flame in an intimate, modern setting. Signature dishes include the Robatayaki Experience (chef’s selection of grilled items such shishito peppers, tiger prawns and short ribs), Okonomiyaki featuring Kona lobster and Macadamia Nut Shrimp drizzled with honey from the property’s beehives. A full service bar offers a focal point for socializing and showcases artisan cocktails, premium sake and a vast collection of whiskey.

Chef Justin Kalaluhi takes the helm of Binchotan: Bar & Grill with the aim to invite guests on a culinary journey incorporating locally sourced ingredients in the ancient grilling method. “I was born and raised in the Hawaiian Islands so it’s important to me that we offer sustainably sourced seafood, meats and produce from local farms,” shares Chef Kalaluhi. “Our team curated a menu that’s approachable, authentic and reflective of our region’s culinary abundance. My approach to cooking can be summed up in the Japanese philosophy of kaizen—a continuous dedication to innovating and improving to create an exceptional dining experience.”

The design of the 1,500-square foot space pays homage to the island’s rich history in its woodwork, woven rope furniture and metallic finishes. Maui-based designer Roger Gagon crafted an open-concept design weaving evocative Hawaiian patterns in a fiery red and charcoal palette alongside metal scrim to bring the restaurant’s bold aesthetic to fruition. An indoor dining room, full-service bar and alfresco dining patio featuring two fire pits in the private dining area completes the space.

“We’re thrilled to offer our guests a unique dining experience in such a sophisticated, vibrant setting,” says General Manager Kelley Cosgrove. “Our culinary team is deeply engaged in the evolving food scene on Hawai‘i Island and the practice of gathering to enjoy bounty from the ‘aina (land) is such a cornerstone of our culture. It’s with great delight that we invite everyone to indulge in a flavorful feast and raise a glass of Muay Tai to toast the most glorious sunsets over the Kohala Coast!”

The restaurant is open Thursday through Monday from 5:30p.m.-9:00.pm. For more information or reservations, please call 808-887-7320.