Disney Aulani's 'AMA'AMA Reopening October 14 with Tasting Menu

   

Guests can purchase lei off the wall.

AMA'AMA, Disney's Aulani signature ocean side restaurant will reopen to guests October 14. The restaurant has elevated its fine dining experience to offer a dinner only four-course tasting menu created by Chef de Cuisine Nicolas Amoriello and Hawaii Mom Blog was invited to experience the new menu. 

Chef Nicolas spoke about how he was inspired to create the dishes using his own experiences in Hawaii with the highest quality ingredients, local fish, and produce for the contemporary island menu. A wine pairing by Sommelier Kalei Nash is offered and features wines from around the world.  For dessert, guests will enjoy offerings of decadent desserts created by Pastry Chef Carolyn Portuondo of TLC’s “Fabulous Cakes” and Food Network’s “Spring Baking Championship” fame.    

The 'AMA'AMA Dream Team: Sommelier Kalei Nash, Pastry Chef Carolyn Portuondo, Chef de Cuisine Nicolas Amoriello, and Restaurant Manager Shaina Navares

The four course tasting menu begins with a selection of starters including plant based options Kabocha Squash and Waipoli Geens.  I chose the Kiawe Smoked Fish that is reminiscent of the island's smoked fish dip and because I love caviar. This starter was served with a basket of taro chips that were also delicious. 

Kiawe Smoked Fish - Espelette, Smoked Trout Roe, Chervil, Dill, Taro.

Next course is a selection of appetizers including "Lox" Opakapaka, Pork Belly, and Ahi.  I chose the He'e dish of octopus with risotto.  The flavors of this dish was fantastic and I loved the tenderness of the octopus.

He'e - Octopus, Miso and Parmesan Risotto, Lemon, Herbs, Hon Shimeji

For your entree course, guests have a variety of options including: local catch, scallops, duck, ribeye, and lamb.  The duck and lamb are especially popular, but I chose the Ika Ink Doppio Ravioli once I heard it came with lobster.  

Ika Ink Doppio Ravioli- Scallop + Shrimp, Pea + Mint, Smoked Trout Roe, and Yuzu Cream.

For the final course, you'll be able to choose from one of three sweet endings: Citrus Bar, Coconut Flan, and Chocolate Mousse.  I enjoyed the local flavors of lilikoi and calamansi in the citrus bar, but the highlight for me was definitely the crust. 

Citrus Bar - Liliko'i Ganache, White Chocolate-Pistachio Crunch, Calamansi Curd, Gingersnap Tuile

Disney didn't forget the little ones.  'AMA'AMA offers a three-course keiki dinner menu for children ages 3-9 which includes local flavors like a Mickey and Minnie Shaped Spam Musubi and Cheeseburger stuffed Manapua.  Entree offerings include something for everyone with choices of fish, chicken, steak or pasta.  

The open air restaurant has a prime location fronting the beach where guests can take in views of Ko Olina and the sunset while enjoying live music.  While 'AMA'AMA is designed after a traditional family fishing hale and the main dining room features a spectacular thatched roof, new light fixtures inspired by traditional Hawaiian fish baskets have been added.

A portion of 'AMA'AMA's dining room.

Sunset from the restaurant.

Make the most of your Disney Aulani vacation and indulge in a fine dining experience at 'AMA'AMA.  The restaurant is open 5-8:30 p.m. from Wednesday through Sunday.  For reservations, go to disneyaulani.com/dining or by calling (808) 674-6200.

  

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Arancino at The Kahala Celebrates 5 Years with New Dishes

Arancino at The Kahala is celebrating their five-year anniversary with new dishes that are currently available on the Spring / Summer Menu!

With a focus on Italian dishes that incorporate a variety of local ingredients, Executive Chef Daisuke Hamamoto and Pizzaiolo Antonino Fotia presented us a menu of fabulous eats during a recent media tasting.

Antipasti

Bigne di Fegato d'Oca - foie gras & fig bamboo charcoal puff pastry

Carpaccio di Pesce - kona kampachi, heart of palm, grated bottarga, light yuzu dressing

Arancini Siciliani - fried bolognese & mozzarella risotto croquettes with arrabiata sauce

Pizza

Pizza Bresaola - bresaola, fresh arugula, shaved parmigiano reggiano, lemon zest

Pizza Rustica - italian sausage, local ho farms cherry tomatoes, broccolini, mozzarella

Primo

Chitarra alla Pescatora - fresh house made squid ink chitarra, lobster, scallop, shrimp, octopus, clams, calamari, spicy tomato sauce

Secondo

Agnello in Crosta - sous-vide herb crusted colorado lamb, roasted onion

Dolce

Cheesecake ai Frutti Tropicali (photo courtesy Melissa Chang, Frolic)

Each dish was artfully presented and I definitely had my faves.

I loved the Arancini (I would be happy to eat two or three and call it a meal - so delicious!!) and the Pizza Bresaola (I had more than one slice!).  The Charcoal Puff Pastry was filled with a pleasant fig bamboo & foie gras filling, with both sweet and savory notes.

The Carpaccio was light and refreshing, and I enjoyed the citrusy yuzu dressing. 

The Pizza Rustico was really good as well - I loved the classic combination of sausage and veggies, but the Bresaola was by far my favorite pizza of the two.

The Chitarra alla Pescatora is a dish that has been on the menu since the beginning, but for the anniversary, it has been loaded with even more seafood!

I did not get to try the Lamb because I had to leave the event early, but I did try the Cheesecake at an earlier visit and thought it was delightful.

Don't hesitate to visit Arancino at The Kahala to help them celebrate five years!


Arancino at The Kahala
5000 Kahala Ave

Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 380-4400

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