The CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is a must-try for anyone in search of a dining experience with great food and views on the island of Hawaii.
The oceanfront venue boasts a thoughtfully-crafted menu that features fresh, local ingredients, and is run by the husband and wife duo of Matt Raso, Executive Chef, and Yuka Raso, General Manager.
I was invited to have dinner there, and I was so excited!
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| 1st course: Kusshi Oysters |
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| 2nd course: Ahi Tataki |
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| 3rd course: Mahi Mahi |
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| 4th course: A5 Wagyu |
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| 5th course: Chocolate Kona Coffee Fudge Cake |
The tasting menu is very reasonably-priced for what you get. The Oytsers, Mahi (I really liked the heat from the chili spice), and Wagyu were faves.
For dessert, our server simply asked for a preference (chocolate), and he brought out the Chocolate Kona Coffee Fudge Cake, an item on the dessert menu. The dessert included a lilikoi sauce that tended to clash with the rest of the flavors, but everything else came together nicely.
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| Chef Matt's Signature Crab |
Chef Matt's signature crab dish was amazing. It's not on the menu, but our server suggested we get that, and who could say no to crab? If your server offers it, get it. Brown butter, bread crumbs, green onions - my friend kept raving about it, and it was definitely one of the highlights of dinner for me as well.
The Shokupan Pull Apart Bread was highly recommended, and I completely agree that it is a must-order. It comes to the table in a tin, which the server removed, and he subsequently took two forks to pull apart the bread (it's HOT!).
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| Shokupan Pull Apart Bread |
The amazingly pillowy-soft, buttery bread, with the crunchy, salty crust, was heavenly. I could've eaten the entire loaf myself!
The Kekela Farms Mixed Greens were tossed in a delightful yuzu truffle dressing.
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| Kekela Farms Mixed Greens |
If you love mushrooms, you must try the Whole Maitake Mushrooms (it pairs well with one of the beef entrees).
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| Whole Maitake Mushrooms |
The Roasted Potatoes could be a meal in itself! Accompanied by a slow cooked egg, bits of smoked pork jowl, and dressed with a mustard miso, the potatoes were delish (this would also make a great pairing with one of the beef entrees).
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| Roasted Potatoes |
I decided to get the Coconut Lime Panna Cotta for dessert because it was a warm evening, and the dessert sounded refreshing.
It was quite tart, but the Strawberry Guava Ice was so pleasant!
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| Coconut Lime Panna Cotta |
Our server was friendly and accommodating, and although it felt like he was rushed at times because he was also taking care of several other tables (it was quite busy!), we appreciated his efforts.
I'm definitely going back to get more Shokupan Pull Apart Bread, and I'm trying the Pork Jowl next time!
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr
Waimea, HI 96743
Mahalo to Mauna Lani for hosting dinner. Gratuity was paid on my own.
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