“Modern Cuisine inspired by Childhood Memories at Japengo” at Hyatt

Regency Maui Resort & Spa

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa's signature restaurant, Japengo, welcomes guests for a taste of award-winning Asian cuisine and masterfully prepared sushi, presented by Chef de Cuisine Gevin Utrillo and Sushi Chef Masa Hattori. The menu features dishes that pay homage to Chef Utrillo's upbringings on Maui, incorporating flavors from various Asian and Pacific Island heritages that make up the Hawaii’s cultural melting-pot. Chef Hattori’s selection of fresh sushi is expertly crafted and reflects his Japanese background, highlighting locally caught fish, fresh seafood and thoughtfully sourced ingredients.

Recently introduced menu items include the Warm Eggplant and Shrimp Salad, which is a nod to Chef Utrillo’s childhood, “as a kid, my mom’s go-to dish was the Tortang Talong, a popular Filipino dish made with whole eggplant and egg,” said Chef Utrillo. This modern version omits the egg and instead, the eggplant is blistered on the grill and mixed with tomato, onion and bagoong (or shrimp paste) and presented as a warm salad. “We serve it with crisp endives that you can fill. The saltiness and spice kick comes together with a refreshing clean crunch to balance everything out.” Another new entrée is the Grilled Hawaiian Style Chicken Breast that harkens back to Chef Utrillo’s memories of eating local-style garlic noodles often served with sliced teriyaki chicken at family parties and community events, he adds. “We elevated our dish by preparing it with an airline cut chicken breast and a fusion of Korean spices and sauces.” Other noteworthy new menu additions are the Thai Style Chicken Lettuce Cups with garlic, ginger and lemongrass; the Fried Tofu Agedashi; and the Grilled Scallops with butter-yaki sauce.

Frequent diners will still recognize some of their tried and true favorites on the menu such as the Blackened ‘Ahi Roll, with crab, avocado and cucumber on the inside and blackened ‘ahi, spicy mayo, Maui onion ponzu and wasabi tobiko on the outside; or the Curry Dusted Calamari with harusame noodles, chukka salad and sweet grapes; and the always tempting Korean Seafood Pancake with crab, shrimp, and gochujang aioli. For someone with an adventurous palette, Chef Hattori’s Special Roll of the Day consistently impresses. "We are honored to be known amongst the best of the best for Asian cuisine and sushi on Maui," said Chef Utrillo. "If you've visited us in the past, we're excited to share the new offerings we have and if you still have yet to dine with us, we're looking forward to welcoming you."

Located off of Hyatt Regency Maui’s lobby, Japengo offers a modern coastal ambiance, ocean views, and an outdoor patio overlooking the resort’s waterfalls and Ka‘anapali Beach. It is open nightly featuring dinner cfrom 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Self-parking is complimentary. Kama‘aina receive 10% off of food. For more information or reservations, visit hyattregencymaui.com.

To find out more about Japengo, please go to: www.hyattregencymaui.com

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