The Crown Jewel

CROWN JEWEL H Y A T T R E G E N C Y WAIKIKI

WORDS RICHARD S POLLAK T he Hyatt Regency is the Crown Jewel of resorts in Waikiki and is situated at the prime beachfront locale. The resort offers guests the most amenities of any hotel in Hawaii. As a beach driven property, the Hyatt’s exclusive Waikiki bungalows are the most sought after on the beachfront. A simple crossing of Kalakaua Avenue and you are there. A true nirvana of sand, sun and great guest services.

At Japengo, the premier Pacific Rim Restaurant in Waikiki, Chef de Cuisine Jon Matsubara creates the MAKAI TASTING MENU. It is a tour of the Pacific Rim with truly inspirational locally Hawaiian grown and raised produce and proteins. Before even starting this seven course feast, we munched on their Crispy Japengo Chicken in a dynamic Chili Oil dipping sauce. Our next courses featured Oyster Shooters with Quail Egg, Caviar, Sesame Chili and a Sashimi of Hamachi with Toasted Garlic, shaved Jalapeno

and a Tojo sauce. Then we dined on the Scallop Truffleyaki which was torched and lacquered. A Saka steamed Kona Abalone was presented with Emoki Mushrooms, green Garlic butter and a Bacon Dashi. My highlight was the Singaporean Chili Lobster Tail garnished with Lemon grass,Coriander and a Kalei Egg.

Next, a bowl of Japengo Bouillabaisse was a creation of refined aromatic spiced Kaffir Lime broth swimming with Alaskan Crab, fresh island Fish and Chinese flowering Cabbage.

One of the marquee dishes on the Japengo menu is the LOCO “FOIE GRAS” MOCO which is Japengo’s gourmet take on the Island’s plate lunch. It combined Hawaiian ranchers three oz. Filet Mignon, a two oz Foie Gras, Quail Egg and a special Hamakua Mushroom Rice covered with Bourdelaise sauce. A far cry of inspiration from the World Famous Rainbow Drive-In’s original version of Hamburger Patties covered in brown gravy topped with a fried Egg on a paper plate with Rice and Macaroni Salad. For dessert, the Tiramisu was an island favorite of Kona Coffee, Mascarpone and lady fingers. We sneaked in a fresh Coconut Brulee, as well for dessert.

The Hyatt features a majestic Pool on the second level with wonderful views of the Pacific ocean through the most beautiful Palm trees in Hawaii. There is the unlimited shops and conveniences that are right in the Hotel’s lobby. You can have this all for 3 days and 2 nights after making $1000 in purchases within the first 3 months with your Hyatt Credit Card. Yes, even the majestic Hyatt Regency Waikiki is accessible to a new card member.

The Modern Lifestyle has now Journeyed to the famed tropical Island of Oahu to honor the old traditional life with the modern beat of today’s Waikiki Beach. A true Paradise with a Modern taste for all senses!