Mugen Tasting Menu

Mugen, the new French-Japanese restaurant located in the recently-opened ESPACIO in Waikiki, offers both an a la carte menu as well as a tasting menu.

I recently attended a media event where guests had a chance to try Chef Jason Yamaguchi's tasting menu, which features both locally- and globally-sourced ingredients in some of the most beautiful presentations I've ever seen.

Sasanian Osetra Caviar

This was a bite of bliss! The caviar, atop a mochi blini, vanilla bean panna cotta, and topped with cured yolk, had the perfect combination of sweetness and saltiness.

Red Sea Crab

I absolutely loved the edamame coulis that was poured tableside, and the black sesame tuile gave a nice textural contrast to the red sea crab.

Heirloom Beet

Both the course and the dish it was presented on were so pretty (all dishware was made just for Mugen)!  I loved the beets, and I could've eaten a second serving of this.

Tagliatelle

The Tagliatelle was amazing, with truffles shaved tableside, and a compte espuma with nori dust that was so light, yet so full of flavor.  This was my favorite dish.

Canteloupe Sorbet

The sorbet was very refreshing, and I was pleasantly surprised with how delicious it was with the shiso oil.

A5 Wagyu

A5 Hokkaido Snow Wagyu was melt-in-your mouth good.  This dish was definitely one of the highlights of the tasting menu.

Milk & Honey

The fennel sugar cane and honeycomb added nice texture to this light course.

Butterscotch Pot De Crème

I love butterscotch, and this dessert course, served with other elements that I loved - chantilly cream, hazelnut streusel, and Maui caramel sauce, was quite decadent. 

The tasting menu was fabulous!  And I find it quite a deal (tasting menu prices are $120-$150).

 

Mugen, which means "infinity" in Japanese, is very reflective of Chef Jason's culinary talent, and I can only imagine the infinite possibilities of what he can create to offer guests a memorable dining experience.

Mugen

2452 Kalakaua Avenue

Reservations:
Call (808) 377-2247; visit Open Table; or email mugenreservations@mugenwaikiki.com.