Morimoto Waikiki: The Chef Is In The House

(all images: TheHopefulTraveler)

Adding to the luster of The Waikiki Edition is the opening of Morimoto Waikiki. The restaurant serves as a new exciting dining option for locals but also is the primary restaurant for guests of the hotel. Tonight was my first opportunity to dine at Chef Masaharu Morimoto's restaurant and also the main event of my stay at the Edition. An unexpected bonus this evening was Chef Morimoto being in the house with an additional plus when our party was seated in clear view of him in action in the open kitchen. No doubt his celebrity status from appearances on Iron Chef and Iron Chef America guaranteed an dining audience from the moment the restaurant opened.

Morimoto Waikiki features a stylish dining environment and offers Chef Morimoto's signature cuisine which integrates Western ingredients with traditional Japanese culinary techniques. The menu features locally grown fruits and vegetables and a seasonal ever-changing selection of seafood from local waters and markets around the world. This includes Chef Morimoto's raw fish which is shipped directly overnight from Tokyo's renowned Tsukiji fish market.

Chef Morimoto preparing his signature dishes.

There was a definite buzz tonight as the restaurant hosted a full house of diners with some of them stepping up to the sushi bar to sneak in a photo of Chef Morimoto in the background.

To enjoy the best of the menu we opted for the Morimoto Omakase ($110 per person) or "chef's choice" which is a changing multi-course tasting menu which allows diners to experience the essence of Morimoto's cuisine. We chose to accompany our meal with a Barone Fini Pinot Grigio ($9 per glass).

Tonight's "chef choice" was presented and described by various servers throughout the evening in the following order:

1. Toro and Hamachi Tartare: Minced fatty tuna and yellowtail with condiments of wasabi, nori puree, Maui onion, rice crackers, creme fraiche, guacamole served with a dashi soy.

2. Hot Oil Sashimi: Topped with ginger, garlic, citrus soy, king oyster mushroom, shiso then seared with hot oil to seal the flavor.

3. Bagna Cauda: Seasonal vegetables and deep fried chicken thigh served with a dipping sauce of garlic, anchovy and olive oil. Garnished with Shichimi Togarashi powder (a Japanese seven-spice blend), house made foccacia.

4. Foie Gras Chawanmushi: Thinly sliced roated duck breast over foie gras infused egg custard, dashi soy, fresh wasabi.

5. Intermezzo: Konbu cha (sea kelp tea).

6. Seasonal Nigiri Sushi: Hand-molded sushi rice draped with a chef's choice of fish, tako or squid. Presented with wasabi and pickled ginger.

7. Surf and Turf: Pan roasted lobster with a garam masala (ground Indian spice mix), wagyu filet with Maui onion jus, ginger pork with a peanut sauce, pearl marmalade, macadmia nuts, creme fraiche.

8. Pre-desert: Kuro mitsu (Japanese sugar syrup) gelee over soymilk panna cotta.

9. Kabocha souflee cake: Candided kabocha (pumpkin) with haupia semifredo (coconut frozen dessert).

With a french press 100% organic Kona coffee ($10, photo below) to accompany desert, the overall experience was a satisfying dinner filled with layers of various flavors from Japan, the West and Hawaii. With main courses priced between $26 for braised black cod to $85 for a 16-oz wagyu ribeye, there was a value in opting for the multi-course meal.

The service this evening was especially sharp with each course presented in a timely manner without us feeling rushed nor waiting for the next course. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available and for dinner the restaurant lights are dimmed which helps to make the evening relaxed among the noise from a full-house of diners. Reservations are definitely recommended. Save the full course meals at Morimoto Waikiki for special occasions or gatherings. Otherwise a casual group of diners can simply partake in drinks and a variety of appetizers.

See the post "Morimoto Waikiki in the Morning" for photos of the restaurant interior.

Morimoto Waikiki is located at 1775 Ala Moana Blvd in The Waikiki Edition. Online reservations taken at opentable.com or call 808-943-5900. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily. Breakfast 6:30am-10:00am; lunch 11:00am-2:30pm and dinner 5:30pm-10:00pm (Sun-Thur), 5:30pm-11:00pm (Fri & Sat). The restaurant bar and lounge is open from 5:00pm-11:00pm 7 days a week. Visit morimotowaikiki.com for more information and menus. Chef Morimoto prepares his dishes at his Waikiki restaurant about every three weeks.

Note that the food of Morimoto Waikiki is exclusive to the restaurant. All other food service for the Waikiki Edition's bars, lounges and room service is prepared by the hotel kitchen.

This is one of a series of posts about the Waikiki Edition. Click HERE to view the full series of posts.

In-Room Shopping At The Waikiki Edition?

EDITION brand items:
Lotion, Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel and Lotion ($20 each);
CD ($20); Signature Scent Candle ($45); Tote Bag ($30).
Also available: Robe ($100) and Umbrella ($50)

I have been to hotels where you almost have to read the fine print to know if such things as bottles of water on a table are complimentary. The Waikiki Edition makes it very obvious which items beyond the mini-bar are available for purchase. With so many items for sale the room almost feels like a store. Naturally there's always a curiosity what's for sale and how much each item costs.

If every item listed seems overpriced it's because they are. Ultimately in addition to the cost of the product, guests are paying for the convenience. Nobody says you can't bring your own drinks and snacks to the room. But because the hotel creates an experience and offers signature items for sale, there are guests who really love their stay that they are willing to make the purchase in addition to taking home the complimentary amenities.

If guests would like to make purchases after their stay, call the hotel's Guest Services and arrangements can be made to have the items delivered.

This is one post in a series about the Waikiki Edition. Click HERE to view the full series of posts.

From top: Patron Silver Tequila ($80); Glenlivet Scotch ($80);
David Kirsch's Wellness Survival Kit ($18 foil pack of supplements);
Cocktail Mixers: Margarita, Pomegranate Martini, Martini, Blood Orange ($7 each);
Wasabi Peas ($5); Deluxe Mixed Nuts ($6); Tropical Dried Fruit ($6);
Trail Mix ($6); Gummy Bears ($6).

Beaulieu Cabernet Sauvignon ($40)

Hat ($25); Havaianas Flip Flops ($20 each)

Intimacy Kit includes condoms, lubricant and wipes ($10) 

Ukulele ($30)

Shells ($5 each), Notebook ($20), Sarongs ($35 each)

The Waikiki Edition: Rain Shower & A Spicy Scent

Twin louvers allow natural light into the bathroom.

Oversized glass-enclosed shower.

The luxurious appointments and amenities continued into the bathroom at The Waikiki Edition. All rooms are fitted with a custom terrazzo sink basin, over-sized glass enclosed showers (which I love), rain shower head and a pair of teak louvers to let in natural light. Rooms with tubs are available upon request.

The color theme of white carries into the bathroom creating a room always feeling crisp and clean warmed by the wooden louvers and door. No outdated wallpaper or harsh fluorescent tube lighting here. The use of a pocket door for the bathroom creates extra space unencumbered by a normal door that swings open.

The toiletries (made in China) has spicy tones and scented the room. If you love the feel and aroma of the shampoo, shower gel or lotion, all are available in full-size versions located in the room closet for purchase.

This is one post in a series about the Waikiki Edition. Click HERE to view the full series of posts.

The large terrazzo sink basin.

In the day of conserving energy, the bathroom contained a generous
and welcomed number of towels. 

(Above) An easy to use tub faucet and (below) a luxurious rain shower head.

(Above & below)
Hotel branded toiletries.  If you like the scent of the shower gel, lotion,
shampoo or conditioner, full size home versions are available for purchase.

Additional amenities in a basket under the sink: shower cap, shoe mit,
sewing kit, vanity kit (cotton balls & swabs), shower mit. A plastic bag is
included for clothing ready for the laundry. The hair dryer is also
located here.

The Waikiki Edition: Ukulele Among Amenities

The Waikiki Edition offers complimentary wired and wireless internet access.
In addition a full desk pad to jot down notes is included rather than the
few sheets that has become common practice at many hotels.

Guests are invited to use the sarongs and
ukulele during their stay. They can be purchased
should guests wish to take them home.

In a day when everyone is wired through a laptop, smart phone or tablet such as the popular iPad, internet (wired and wireless) is free at The Waikiki Edition along with loaner iPads. Just logon and enter your room number and last name and you're still in touch with the outside world. Such complimentary amenities is part of Ian Schrager's strategy to make money with higher rates and higher occupancy rather than nickel and diming guests for every little comfort. He has definitely created a place where very little is sacrificed to stay in one of the coolest places in town.

There was one thing obviously missing in the room that is commonplace in almost all hotels: the coffee maker. Instead complimentary coffee is offered on the hotel's first floor.

This post offers photos and information about some of the complimentary in-room amenities. A separate post (coming soon) lists some of the prices to purchase some of these in-room amenities to take home after your stay. A complimentary newspaper of your choice is delivered to the room.

This is one post in a series about the Waikiki Edition. Click HERE to view the full series of posts.

Each room features a 46" flat screen LCD TV with full cable access
and high-definition channels.

The small alarm clock can be used no matter on which side of the bed you like to sleep.

A JBL Docking station for your iPhone or iPod. The stereo sound these
units offer can give the impression of a party going on your room.
The hotels offers complimentary use of specially programmed
 iPods upon request.

Although the bath robes and golf umbrella are available to use during your
stay, Guest Services can be contacted to purchase a new one. 

Room slippers are complimentary. Unique are the laundry and shoe bags
manufactured of cloth rather than plastic.

The electronic safe located in the room closet.

Left to right: umbrella, shoe horn and lint remover.

The Waikiki Edition: Room 636 City View with a Terrace

(all images: TheHopefulTraveler)

King Bed with Frette linens.

Closet storage.

There's a saying that "the anticipation is always better than the reality" which could be applied to our expectations when staying at a hotel for the first time. At 340 square feet I was not anticipating much from the city view room I was assigned for a "kama'aina rate" (Hawaii resident rate). But upon entering this corner room I realized how well arranged and designed the room appeared to be.

Unlike the standard rooms at The Waikiki Edition, this corner room situates the closet between the door and the bed so the closet is the first thing a guest sees upon entering. A sharp left and then right leads to the rest of the room. Guess this is a good thing with the closet serving as a buffer from any noise emanating from the hall.

The closet separates the bed from the door in this corner room.

Generous desk space and additional seating.

Door to bathroom and full-length mirror. 

The most conspicuous aspect of the room design is the color white. So white that one hesitates to sit down at first for fear of defiling any fabric. The room ultimately constitutes an ideal version of a relaxing and comfortable personal living space. I always felt a hotel should feel and be treated as a home away from home and this one fits the bill albeit a luxurious one with a soothing atmosphere.

A custom teak sliding screen with adjustable louvers and curtains along the sliding doors to the terrace modulates the natural light entering the room. The oversized terrace is furnished with a pair of comfortable lounging chairs and an accent table. Of course with city view rooms situated at the north end of the hotel, the noise from the busy intersection below drifts upward. But the traffic would subside as rush hour eases slowly throughout the evening. Until then the sliding doors sufficiently muffled the discord of vehicles below.

This is a room also made for working with a large generous desk space and chair. Bright custom lighting features around the room makes up for the lack of a central lighting fixture. Some of these fixtures have dimming switches. With no armoire or drawers, most of the storage is relegated to the closet with a shelf column. Combined with a full-length closet shelf, this is more than adequate to keep personal effects organized in one singular space. An upholstered armchair with ottoman offers additional seating.

Corner bathroom and flat screen television.

Furnished terrace.

Shelf column.

The custom king size bed with imported linens by Frette, down comforter and pillows and luxe bed throw provides a relaxing destination for a quick nap or an evening's rest. The appearance of the limited square footage is diminished by a full length mirror securely leaning against a wall and floor space is ample to prevent bumping into furnishings. Although not suggested to actually do I often measure extra room area by the number of places on the floor one could open a full size piece of luggage of which there is appropriate space.

The Waikiki Edition is 18 floors with 322 rooms and 31 suites. All city view rooms range from 340-390 square feet. Ocean view rooms are 390 square feet. Ocean front (485 square feet) and ocean view (665 square feet) one-bedroom suites also available. The 1,400 square foot penthouse includes an additional 1,500 square foot terrace.

This is one post in a series about the Waikiki Edition. Click HERE to view the full series of posts.

View into bathroom.

The quiet dimly lit hallway provides a relaxing path to guest rooms.

The Waikiki Edition: Lifestyle Hotel & Surfboards Wall

The Surfboard Wall at the Waikiki Edition's lobby.
(all images: TheHopefulTraveler, except where noted)

What is a lifestyle hotel?

According to Hospitality Trends, "Lifestyle hotels are the next generation of boutique hotels. Driven by the chains, they borrow the best elements of boutiques -- small, intimate and modern -- and throw in advantages only a chain can offer, like loyalty perks, consistency and economies of scale. As a result, lifestyle hotels are generally more affordable and accessible than boutiques -- and soon to be ubiquitous. Virtually every major hotel group is vying for a piece of the action. Marriott has Edition Hotels. Lifestyle hotels by definition must evolve with the changing tastes of travelers."

Upon entry to the intimate lobby of The Waikiki Edition hotel, one realizes the designers wanted to create a unique and captivating world. Soothing to upbeat music pumped into the lobby and shades of beach-washed white and wood accents greet the senses of the hotel visitor. Hotel associates are dressed in grey and white with valets sporting dressy button-down sweater vests, white long sleeve shirts and shorts. The front desk associates wore a similar ensemble with the female associates adorned with long sleeve grey sweaters and white slim-fitting sportswear. This is in stark contrast to the aloha attire donned as uniforms at other Hawaii hotels.

Above: front desk and lobby entrance.
Below: Bookcase which rotates to reveal the Lobby Bar.

During the check-in process the front desk associate introduced me to the conveniences of the hotel such as dining including an option to have the mini-fridge cleared to make way for one's personal use. At the same time one of the bellman, also dressed in a sweater vest, brought out a tray with a hot towel and welcome drink of lemonade. This is a personal touch that if characteristic of my stay would definitely make the hotel a favorite of mine.

The obvious and unusual element dominating the lobby is the surfboard installation by artist/surfer Herbie Fletcher made of over 100 boards broken in half. The surfboards were collected from some of best pipeline surfers including Mick Fanning, Christian Fletcher, Nathan Fletcher, Andy Irons, Bruce Irons, Joel Parkinson and Kelly Slater. The installation has become a popular photo stop by guests. At the other end is the large lobby bookcase which in one piece rotates to reveal a passage leading to the hidden Lobby Bar behind it. The bookcase alone seems alive with several digital photo frames dotting its shelves.

A refreshing complimentary welcome drink served at check-in.

The concierge desk is located nearby where I noticed guests making inquiries being offered the personal use of iPads. One should note that the lobby is located on the ground level and that the second level is the first floor and so on.

The hotel's only parking option is valet at $28 per night. Visitors to the hotel's restaurant, bar or club are offered validation. Otherwise there is self-parking across Hobron Lane. It's important to know that this parking is not affiliated with the hotel. Because of this be sure you make it clear if you are visiting the hotel for a few hours or staying as as a guest overnight or for a few days to be sure you are charged the correct parking rate. Those who visit for a few hours of dining or clubbing are charged a flat $7 rate at this lot for 10 hours. Always make a reality check as parking rates, especially anywhere in Honolulu can change regularly. One of the harsh truths about Honolulu is that parking is often scarce and when not free is awfully expensive.

Upon entering Hobron Lane from Ala Moana Blvd, the valet parking and hotel is on the right and self-parking on the left, entrances to both located mid-block. Guests who self-park can enter the hotel through second level pedestrian bridge. After entering the hotel, take the elevators to the ground floor. Those choosing to cross the street at ground level must do so at one of the designate crosswalks at either end of Hobron Lane. Hotel check-in time is 3pm and check-out at 12pm.

This is one in a series of posts about the Waikiki Edition. Click HERE to view the full series of posts.

The bellmen and valets at the Waikiki Edition.
(image: J Heckathorn/Hawaii Magazine)

Staycation at The Waikiki Edition: The Hotel

The hotel name is placed inconspicuously on the property at the corner of
Ala Moana Boulevard and Hobron Lane. (all images: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Waikiki Edition debuted with much fanfare last fall with a weekend featuring celebrities and ushering in the introduction of the newest and one of the most luxurious hotels to open in Honolulu. The hotel also served as the launch of Edition, the newest brand in the Marriott collection. Other brands of the lodging company include Renaissance, JW Marriott, Courtyard and Autograph.

Some of the excitement of the hotel's opening is from this first partnership between Marriott and hotelier and real estate developer Ian Schrager. He is famous for his hand in co-creating the boutique hotel genre. Among his creations which are characterized by their sophisticated and modern designs are the Royalton (New York), Mondrian (Los Angeles), Delano (Miami) and Gramercy Park (New York) Hotels.

View of hotel from Ala Wai Yacht Harbor.

Living in Hawaii, I've been trying to experience the hotels of Marriott and Hilton located in Hawaii over the years. Since I also belong to each of their loyalty programs (Marriott Rewards and Hilton HHonors) and earn points at their hotels when I travel out of state, stays in Hawaii offered the opportunity to accrue points without the need for airfare or grand purpose other than to just get away. So I was eager to add this first Edition property to my list of visited hotels.

With the Waikiki Edtion rates advertised for this weekend starting at $379 for a city-view room and topping out $1,395 for an ocean-view suite, I was sticker shocked. But a call to the hotel's reservations desk resulted in an unadvertised 'kamaaina rate' (Hawaii resident rate) of $199. It should be noted that almost all of the hotels in Hawaii offer a discounted rate to residents with a Hawaii state I.D. or license normally requested upon check-in. Often the discounted rate is only a few dollars less than the website rates but it's always a good idea to call and ask.

The hotel's balconies along Hobron Lane.

I initially booked a two-night stay but due to prior commitments, this staycation was reduced to just one night but it still allowed lots of time to experience the many aspects of this hotel property. Part of looking forward to this hotel stay was the inclusion of dinner reservations at Morimoto Waikiki located on the property and serves as the primary dining option for the hotel. The following posts features various aspects of the hotel and photos from this June 2011 stay at the Waikiki Edition.

Currently the only other Edition property is The Istanbul Edition. Other cities announced to host the brand are Bangkok, London, Mexico City and Miami Beach.

This is one in a series of posts about the Waikiki Edition. Click HERE to view the full series of posts.

'The Importance of Being Earnest' Video Clips

Enjoy these clips of the 'The Importance of Being Earnest' playing at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway and filmed live for limited movie screenings this month. Visit the prior post for a review and information about the show.