News Releases

MAUI, HAWAII (October 23, 2012) – Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa and acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto are pleased to announce that they will team up to unveil Morimoto Maui, which will focus on the seamless integration of traditional Japanese culinary techniques with local, Hawaiian ingredients. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa and Morimoto Maui are scheduled to open in Summer 2013. The opening of Morimoto Maui will complement the resort’s personalized amenities and will offer an unforgettable dining experience for guests.

“Our relationship with Chef Morimoto is another example of Andaz Maui’s fresh approach to luxury in Wailea,” said Michael Stephens, general manager, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa. “This exciting collaboration will enhance the resort experience for our guests and community. As we begin to secure our plan for our amenities and offerings, we could not be more pleased to welcome Chef Morimoto to Andaz.”  

Morimoto Maui will be open daily for lunch and dinner under the direction of Chef Morimoto, known to millions as the star of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America. Embodying the renowned chef’s distinct culinary style, the menu will feature the islands’ freshest, local ingredients executed with traditional Japanese techniques.

Award-winning design and architecture firm Rockwell Group is spearheading the design of Morimoto Maui, which will encompass a 57-seat interior dining area, 56-seat outdoor terrace, and 23-seat terrace bar. Situated just steps from the beach, this restaurant and bar will capture the laid-back island culture and atmosphere of Hawaii, with full-height glass French doors on three sides of the restaurant opening to create a fluid movement between the interior and exterior spaces. Every seat inside the restaurant offers stunning views of the beach and ocean, connecting guests to the beautiful surrounding environment. The fourth wall will create an intimate, eight-seat sushi bar serving sushi and sashimi made from some of Maui’s freshest, local fish. Natural earth tones of cream, brown, and gray are used on decorative accents, lighting, and furniture to reflect Maui’s relaxed spirit. Local craft materials are discovered in reclaimed teak wood tables and chairs, modern stone sculptural pieces, and black stone floor tiles. A warm, intimate ambiance is created by a unique light box shade in the sushi bar, and organic-shaped, hanging pendant lights and wall sconces in the adjacent dining area. Guests can also enjoy a full beach-dining experience outside, as well as unwind over cocktails at the terrace bar as they watch the spectacular Maui sunset.

Scheduled to open in summer 2013, Morimoto Maui will be located at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa. For more information, please visit www.andazmaui.com.

About Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa

The LEED-certified Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa is situated on Mokapu Beach in Wailea, one of the most sought after leisure and resort destinations in the world. Andaz Maui, which is slated to debut in 2013, will offer 297 guestrooms and suites, including seven luxury 2 - 4 bedroom residential villas. The 15-acre resort designed by world-renowned architecture firm, Rockwell Group, will feature four cascading outdoor infinity pools; a 15,000 square foot full-service spa with a private adult pool; a state-of-the-art fitness facility; two highly acclaimed full service restaurants; on-site water sports adventures; privileges to championship golf and tennis clubs, and access to Maui experiential tours.  For events and meetings, there will be 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including three outdoor venues with breathtaking views for weddings and special events.

In keeping with the Andaz brand, Andaz Maui at Wailea will be a part of its neighborhood and capture the spirit and feel of today’s Hawaii. The resort will work actively with the community on successful partnerships and Andaz Salon programming that will allow guests to experience the local neighborhood culture through food, wine, music, fashion and art. For more information on the resort, please email michael.stephens@andaz.com or anita.rahman@andaz.com.  

About Masaharu Morimoto

Through the seamless integration of Western and Japanese ingredients, Chef Morimoto has effectively created his own, unique cuisine—one defined by innovation and inspiration.  In 2001, he opened Morimoto restaurant in Philadelphia.  In 2004, Wasabi by Morimoto opened to great acclaim at the Taj Mahal in Mumbai, followed in 2005 by the Michelin-star rated Morimoto-XEX in Tokyo.   In January 2006, Morimoto brought his eponymous restaurant to New York City.  Earning the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Restaurant Design, Morimoto New York has garnered numerous awards, including being named by Condé Nast Traveler as a 2006 Hot List restaurant; one of New York’s Top 50 restaurants by Travel + Leisure; Top Newcomer by Zagat Survey; and one of New York Magazine’s Best New Restaurants.  Morimoto’s first cookbook, Morimoto: The New Art of Japanese Cooking, was published by DK in 2007 and was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Book Award and won two IACP awards.  

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