Duke’s Beach House
Honua Kai Resort
130 Kai Malina Parkway
Lahaina HI 96761
808-662-2900
This is the first restaurant media event where I left hungry. Its not that the team at the new Duke’s Beach House in Kaanapali didn’t try to feed me, there was plenty of foood. Like the scrumptous pupu crispy coconut shrimp with lilikoi dipping sauce, fried to perfection with moist shrimp and tart dipping sauce. Or their slow roasted Mango BBQ ribs featuring succulent baby back pork glazed with tangy sauce. But this was the TS Restaurant opening of the year. Conversation flowed as easy as the beer and I was determined to absorb it all.
The restaurant is gorgeous, lets just get that out of the way. Seating is practically on the ocean on the west side’s coveted North Beach, the sunsets here will be stunning. Stone tiled floors and Ohia logs grace the outdoor open air dining area that seats 245 people. Invoking the spirit of its namesake, photos of Duke Kahanamoku are found within, along with other cultural artworks like rare lei hulu peices, vintage handcrafted wood surfboards, and an outrigger canoe. Bill Terry, T S Restaurants Vice President Hawaii Operations says, “Duke Kahanamoku was all about sharing the aloha spirit and our new Maui restaurant will reflect his love for the Hawaiian culture.” Jessica Mills, Vice President of ARC Consultants, explains how they are crafting the shoreline fronting the restaurant and removing the kiawe trees for an amazing unimpeded view of the Auau channel and the islands of Lanai and Molokai.
This restaurant is destined to follow in the footsteps of the many TS establishments before it, 12 in all, with Duke’s Beach House rounding up number 4 on Maui, joining Kimo’s, Leilani’s and Hula Grill. They are all known for their consistency in food quality and service, and easy going island tropical style and cuisine. In fact Duke’s Waikiki is possibly one of the busiest restaurants on Oahu and one of the top national restaurants. This Kaanapali Duke’s will be the fifth in their Duke’s series, rounding up Kauai, Oahu, Huntington Beach and Malibu.
If I have to blame someone for my hunger perhaps I will point the finger at Shaughn Helliar a new addition to the TS Restaurant team and general manager of Duke’s Beach House. His captivating story of how he went from Sydney Australia resident to Maui convert kept me from consuming much of the seared ahi crostini going around. Helliar’s enthusiasm for his new post will translate into huge success for the restaurant as he prepares for their public opening on December 21st. “The cuisine has a focus on fresh, sustainable seafood and premium steaks.” Shaughn adds, “I look forward to providing the residents and visitors of maui with the Duke’s dining experience they know and love from our other locations, enhanced by a locally inspired menu.” Helliar’s uncanny instant fit with the TS team is a testament to his dedication to 20 years in the restaurant industry and the soft launch of this gorgeous new property marks his one year mark on Maui to the day. He says, “It will be the public that decides what to do with this place,” and adds that he loves his job because, “My team is serving people who want to come and eat. We can have fun here, its not brain surgery.”
The Duke’s Beach House restaurant is nestled in beachfront at the Honua Kai Ka’anapali’s newest resort accommodations “condotel” featuring 628 guest suites in an ownership resort. Ed Sowers, General Manager of Honua Kai said, “We have a commitment to creating an ambiance where visitors and owners can experience that connection to family, friends, sand, sea and aloha and Duke’s Beach House reflects that promise.”
The executive chef behind the menu at Duke’s Beach House is none other than Scott McGill, who has spent 16 years with TS Restaurants. His primary residence on Maui and experience at Kimo’s, Hula Grill and Duke’s Waikiki means he can expand on his in depth knowledge of these menu’s successes and create a superb new menu for Maui that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Fresh island fish, local produce and certified Angus beef all play a role in the new Duke’s menu.
The chant and prayer at the Duke’s Beach House on December 15, 2009.
Not Duke’s Maui, but a very warm 15 year anniversary video of Duke’s Waikiki, featuring
Can you believe the high tech hand dryer in the ladies room? I have never seen a Dyson Airblade hand dryer before. Call me a hick. On second thought you better not.
Duke’s Beach House
Honua Kai Resort
130 Kai Malina Parkway
Lahaina HI 96761
808-662-2900
Opens 12/21/09.
Hours:
BREAKFAST – 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM DAILY
LUNCH – 11:00 AM TO 3:00 PM DAILY
DINNER – 5:00 PM TO 10:00 PM DAILY
BAR – 11:00 AM TO 11:00 PM DAILY
Comments
comments
Pingback: google plus app for blackberry()