Recently opened in the former PARIS Waikiki spot is natuRe Waikiki, where Chef Nae Ogawa and her team craft a menu with a focus on Sustainable Island French. I was invited for a media tasting, where I indulged in the Plant-Based menu, and a friend dined on the Regular menu.
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| Oyster / Sea Asparagus (supplement on Regular menu) |
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| `Ulu / `Aina (both) |
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| Moloka`i Venison |
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| Eggplant / Tomato Finger Lime |
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| Heart of Palm / Black Garlic |
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| Kona Abalone / Turnip |
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| Ewa Corn with Macadamia Nuts |
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| Ewa Corn with Tomme Cheese |
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| Kabocha Pumpkin / Sourdough with Ogo-Infused Oil |
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| Sourdough with Ogo-Infused Butter |
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| Portobello Mushroom / Laulau |
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| Big Island Beef / Ahupua`a |
The `Ulu / Aina was a great representation of natuRe, and the perfect bite to start off the meal. An `ulu chip was topped with `Ulu Hummus, and dusted with Manoa chocolate husk powder.
The Eggplant was accompanied by a fermented tomato gelee. I am not a huge fan of chilled eggplant dishes, but I really liked the shiso flavor, and the squeeze of finger lime offered a pleasant tartness to the dish.
The Charcoal Heart of Palm Beignet was my favorite dish of the night. The light, salted crust and the tender heart of palm, when dipped in the fermented Black Garlic Aioli, was just delicious.
The Ewa Corn Gnocchi Parisian was another of my favorite dishes. Pillowy puffs of corn were topped with either Tomme (goat cheese) or a vegan mac nut "Parmesan Cheese."
The Kabocha Pumpkin Soup was creamy and pleasant, and paired perfectly with the sourdough (my friend loved the Ogo Butter!).
The Portobello Mushroom Pithivier was a phenomenal main course. If you love mushrooms, you will love this dish, as the pithivier is stuffed with a mushroom duxelle.
Desserts are a la carte, and even though I was full from the tasting, there was no way I was going to skip dessert!
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| Manoa Chocolate Terrine |
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| Local Sweet Potato Mont Blanc |
The Manoa Chocolate Terrine was decadent, and the Local Sweet Potato Mont Blanc was just a beauty (it's vegan!)
My friend really enjoyed the Regular menu as well, and I really believe that no matter if you're a meat-eater or plant-eater, you'll be impressed with what natuRe offers.
The menus offer QR codes that can be scanned, opening up to stories on each dish, including the source of the featured ingredients.
Each dish reflected elements in nature, and they were all beautifully presented.
natuRe Waikiki is a must-try, and I am eager to return for another excellent experience!
natuRe Waikiki is a must-try, and I am eager to return for another excellent experience!
natuRe Waikiki
413 Seaside Ave #2F
Honolulu, HI 96815
Mahalo to natuRe Waikiki for hosting our dinner. Gratuity was paid on our own.
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