Sunday, June 17, 2012

BLT Steak at Trump Hotel Waikiki

"BLT" stands for Bistro Laurent Tourondel.
The entrance to BLT at the corner of Saratoga and Kalia Road.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)
One of the most exciting restaurants to enter the Hawaii market is a location of BLT Steak, located in the Trump International Hotel in Waikiki, which elevates the classic American steakhouse with a French finesse. During my staycation at the neighboring Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach I had the opportunity to dine at BLT Steak on Friday evening.

I love pre-fixe menus especially when dining at fine restaurant for the first time. BLT Steak offers one called the Prix Fixe Blackboard Menu, a $60 four-course meal which consists of two selections of appetizers, entree, side and dessert of which the diner picks one from each category. It's a bargain when tabs at fine steakhouses easily can top $100 per person. Drinks are not included. For my pairing with the menu, I chose a glass of the Pino Grigio ($10) and a bottle of still water.

When ordering a bottle of wine or water, the server will ask the diner if they would like to keep it chilled or left on the table. In the center of the dining room is a table where a large ice bucket is holding bottles to chill. Friendly servers are always a benefit in making the diner feel comfortable in the restaurant and our server was enthusiastic in offering highlights of the BLT Steak menu.

Included with dinner is Chicken Liver Pate with Ciabatta Bread. The pate is not oily and provides a hearty topping to the toasted bread.

From the prix-fixe menu, Kulana Strip Loin Tataki with Wasabi Meringue and Ponzu. Fresh and bright flavor highlight this dish with a delightful taste from the meringue. The other choice from the menu is a Braised Octopus (Tako) with Shaved Fennel and Black Garlic Vinaigrette.

Who doesn't love popovers? Included with dinner these are hot and airy and served with whipped butter and sea salt, I could have eaten a couple of these.

From the prix-fixe menu, Herb Roasted Mushrooms and Potato Gnocchi. This rich side could have been a meal in itself. The other selection from the menu is Braised Leeks with Cipollini Onion and Sea Asparagus Pesto.

What it's all about: A 12 oz Grass Fed Wagyu Rib Eye with Roasted Bone Marrow and Herb Butter. The perfect medium cooked steak should be delectable that each bite just almost melts in your mouth with flavor. This steak fits the bill. The bone marrow is a sinful extra. The second selection for the prix-fixe menu is a Brown Butter/Vanilla Bean Alaska Halibut with Steamed Mussels.

The steak is served hot in the pan with a generous slice of butter.

From the pre-fixe menu, a Strawberry Napoleon. A satisfying end to the hearty meal comprised of a refreshing strawberry mousse and sauce and honey if not easy to cut because of the crispy tulle. The second dessert selection is a Chocolate Cherry Cake.

Two complimentary brownies were served after dessert. The pieces are appropriately bite-sized after this filling dinner.

The restaurant is separated into three sections. A bar with that includes small tables and low chairs and the main dining room which is comprised of indoor and outdoor seating. Being this is Hawaii, it appeared the large number of guests were visitors looking for an outdoor dining experience. Those tables filled quickly. Furnishings in various shades of cocoa are in contrast with the floor to ceiling windows that surrounds the restaurant on three sides and the mirrors and white columns inside. Tables along the banquette feel rather close but uncomfortable is the banquette itself which was not designed for comfort in proportion to heigh of the dining tables. I am guessing this is why throw pillows are lined  along the seating.

Click HERE to view the menu. Visit trumphotelcollection.com or e2hospitality.com for more information. Reservations accepted online on each website or by calling 808-683-7440. Free valet parking for four hours at Trump International Hotel with restaurant validation.

Guests have a choice indoor or outdoor seating. This photo was taken
on yesterday morning.
BLT Steak is separated into a bar section and a main dining room.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

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