The canine days of winter have settled in and summer season appears far-off. Whereas many dream of solar soaked seashores and lazy days by the pool, it’s simple to overlook that some elements of the world are balmy all 12 months lengthy. Taka Sakaeda, chef accomplice and proprietor of famend restaurant Nami Nori is aware of the sensation nicely. A fateful journey to the Hawaiian resort of Mauna Lani put winter into perspective for the New York resident.
“We instantly fell in love with Mauna Lani upon our first go to, which led to this thrilling partnership.” Sakaeda provides. “We’re at all times pushed by our ardour to shock and delight our company by ‘omotenashi’ or the Japanese custom of real, heartfelt hospitality. We felt that very same heat and honest reception at Mauna Lani. We’re so excited to return and introduce our Temaki to the Island.”
Temaki making kits from Nami Nori on the Mauna Lani pop up.
The partnership with Nami Nori was a no brainer for companions Taka Sakaeda, Jihan Lee and Lisa Limb. Their West Village and Williamsburg, Brooklyn areas are recognized for Temaki, a hand fashioned sushi roll with a signature twist. Nami Nori, which is the Japanese translation for “journey the wave,” use meals to showcase their consideration to bounty, ease and high quality elements.
Mauna Lani sits on the sun-drenched Kohala Coast close to Kona and is surrounded by lush greenery, lava plains and tranquil seashores. The identify, Mauna Lani means “mountain reaching heaven” and denotes the character of the Auberge Resort Collections appeal. So, how does the heavenly mountain have a good time the brand new 12 months? With a celebration of all issues meals by partnering with the NY-based Japanese restaurant, Nami Nori. A “three-part Temaki pop-up culinary expertise” will debut from February eleventh to twenty fourth.
Sundown views from the Mauna Lani Auberge.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Nami Nori staff to our shores to deliver a novel Temaki expertise that displays Mauna Lani to our company,” shares Sanjiv Hulugalle, Regional Vice President and Basic Supervisor of Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Assortment. “We intention to proceed a legacy of culinary excellence and distinctive experiences right here at Mauna Lani, and this partnership with Nami Nori celebrates our dedication to culturally-driven and one-of-a-kind culinary experiences.”
Nami Nori’s companions linked whereas working for the three-star Michelin sushi chef, Masa Takayama and carry these traditions to the epic pop up. The three-course seated Temaki dinner can be half immersive expertise, going down in Mauna Lani’s Francis H. I’i Brown Suite. Utilizing regionally sourced fish and greens the menu will replicate all that Mauna Lani has to supply together with touches from the onsite restaurant, CanoeHouse, helmed by Government Chef Matt Raso.
A choice of Temaki rolls from the Nami Nori pop up on the Mauna Lani Auberge.
So what precisely is concerned with this immersive Island expertise?
“The Temaki dinner expertise will start within the suite’s bar for drinks and appetizers, earlier than main company to the suite’s terrace the place the specifically tailor-made menu of regionally sourced elements – together with Kona Kampachi, shellfish and different Hawaiian favorites – will await them on the Temaki Counter earlier than concluding the night within the lounge space for dessert and tea service.”
Whereas the formal Nami Nori Temaki dinner is to not be missed, there may be one other choice to take pleasure in. A Temaki cooking class with Nami Nori’s personal Chef Companion, Taka Sakaeda have already been designated for a couple of of these evenings. The sushi specialist has over 15 years of expertise with Japanese delicacies and can information company by the exacting and scrumptious methods he has perfected.
A five-piece take away Temaki set may even be out there at Mauna Lani’s Surf Shack. For a lodge generally known as one of many Prime 15 Seaside Resorts within the U.S., Mauna Lani is making the brand new 12 months scrumptious.