Arden, the much anticipated new restaurant to replace tbd Hawaii in the Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head Hotel, has opened! I was fortunate to attend a media dinner where I met Chefs Makoto Ono and Amanda Cheng; a talented husband and wife duo and creators of the now closed Vancouver award winning restaurant Mak N Ming.
The menu is divided into three parts: light, bold, and sweet. From the light, we had the island caesar salad, li hing tomato salad, Maui venison tartare, hamachi sashimi, Kauai prawns, roasted cabbage and french fries with smoked mentaiko dip. Each dish was delicious, especially the sashimi and the tartare, but the li hing tomato salad was really something special. I don't even love li hing, but those Kahumana Farm tomatoes served in the li hing mui vinaigrette were dangerously addictive. The roasted cabbage was quickly devoured and the french fries with the smoked mentaiko dip is a must order.
From the bold, we had the mushroom rice, peppered crusted ahi, foie gras terrine, and the lamb lollipops. I could have easily been satisfied with just the first two dishes for my meal, but the foie gras terrine was a spectacular treat - rich, buttery, and visually fun.
We ended with both sweets: the Baked Hawaii and the Chocolatana cake. I highly recommend you order both as they were fabulous. Lucky for us, Chef Amanda mentioned there is another dessert in the works!
If you are looking for an extraordinary dining experience in a beautiful space, then I highly recommend Arden to you. The restaurant is open for dinner from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Wednesday through Saturday. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or visit their website at ardenwaikiki.com. Complimentary valet is available at the Lotus Honolulu.
Read the press release here:
HONOLULU, HAWAII – October 20, 2023 – Experience the allure of Arden, a brand-new restaurant at the Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head Hotel. Nestled in a sanctuary at the foot of Diamond Head in Waikiki, Arden invites you to discover a new era of Contemporary Hawaii Cuisine where flavors, cultures, and a dedication to genuine culinary craft intertwine to create an exceptional dining experience. Chefs Makoto Ono and Amanda Cheng welcome you into their world of edible expression where every moment is woven into a cherished memory.
At Arden, Chef de Cuisine Makoto Ono celebrates local farmers, fisherman, and purveyors and uses local ingredients in all his dishes. Arden’s menu is Chef Ono’s interpretation of Contemporary Hawaii Cuisine which is inspired by his time in the Hawaiian Islands and his experiences, influences, collection of unique flavors, and memories in Hawaii.
“I want to create a diverse dining experience that explores the flavors of Hawaii,” said Chef Makoto Ono. “I’m passionate about the islands and its culture and love sharing that with our guests.”
Chefs Ono and Cheng source ingredients from many local farmers and purveyors throughout the islands including Sumida Farm in Pearl City. Sumida Farm president, Emi Suzuki said, “We appreciate chefs who take the time and effort to educate themselves regarding how they can support local farms and showcase local produce on their menus. We were honored to have Chef Makoto and Chef Amanda visit us here at Sumida Farm to learn more about how we grow our freshwater springs fed local watercress. We look forward to seeing how these talented and accomplished chefs incorporate watercress and other locally sourced ingredients into their delicious menus!”
Chef Makoto Ono, an acclaimed culinary talent, has left an indelible mark on the restaurant industry with his impressive career. With notable roles as the Executive Chef at renowned restaurants in Vancouver such as Mak N Ming and PIDGIN, Chef Makoto has consistently demonstrated his mastery of both Japanese and European gastronomy, along with a unique and creative culinary style. Chef Makoto’s exceptional skills and dedication to his craft have garnered him numerous accolades, including being named the “First Gold Medal Plates Canadian Culinary Champion.” His restaurants have been celebrated as some of the finest dining establishments in Vancouver, with Makoto’s restaurant even earning the prestigious distinction of being one of the “19 Best Restaurants in Vancouver” by Conde Nast Traveler. His contributions to the culinary world have earned him recognition from esteemed figures in the industry, solidifying his reputation as a true culinary artist.
Chef Amanda Cheng is celebrated as one of Canada’s top pastry chefs, known for her exceptional desserts. Her creations are favored for their unforgettable flavors and simple yet elegant presentation. With training from The Culinary Institute of America and experience at respected restaurants like Mak N Ming and PIDGIN, Chef Amanda has gained acclaim from industry experts and renowned food personalities, earning her well-deserved international recognition. Chef Cheng’s culinary style is to create her own twist on classic desserts.
Arden is open for dinner from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Wednesday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended and can be made on OpenTable at Arden Waikiki or on its website at ardenwaikiki.com.
For more information about Arden, visit ardenwaikiki.com or follow us on Instagram @arden_waikiki. Experience the allure of Arden and discover the essence of Contemporary Hawaii Cuisine.
About Arden
Nestled in a sanctuary at the foot of Diamond Head in Waikiki, Arden invites you to discover the essence of Contemporary Hawaii Cuisine. Chefs Makoto Ono and Amanda Cheng welcome you into their world of edible expression where every bite narrates a story. Experience the allure of Arden, where flavors, cultures, and a dedication to a genuine culinary craft intertwine to create an exceptional dining experience. Join us to savor the unique essence of Hawaii’s culinary expression. To learn more, visit ardenwaikiki.com or follow us on Instagram @arden_waikiki.
About Lotus Honolulu Hotel at Diamond Head
Lotus Honolulu Hotel at Diamond Head: Experience a different side of Waikiki. Located on the edge of Waikiki, the AAA Three Diamond Lotus Honolulu Hotel is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle – steps away from the Beach. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to unwind or craving the excitement of Waikiki, our location provides a seamless balance of island living and adventure. With exclusive boutique hotel amenities, our location at the foot of Diamond Head will make you feel special. At the Lotus Honolulu Hotel, we curate an upscale yet relaxing experience with personalized touches to make your stay truly spectacular. The Lotus Honolulu Hotel is owned by MacNaughton and managed by MacNaughton Hospitality.
About MacNaughton and MacNaughton Hospitality:
MacNaughton, headquartered in Honolulu, is a family-owned, award-winning real estate investment, development and operations firm focused on creating high-performing, people-centric assets. The company is highly regarded in the State of Hawaii as one of the most active investors and developers across all real estate sectors. For decades, MacNaughton has invested in, developed and consulted on hospitality assets in Hawaii and the continental United States, totaling over 2,000 hotel keys. For more information visit www.macnaughton.com.
MacNaughton Hospitality was created in 2019 to oversee the hotel operations of the company’s growing portfolio of hospitality assets and provide consulting services and substantial operational expertise across MacNaughton’s entire portfolio. Current hospitality assets owned and managed by MacNaughton include The Lotus Honolulu Hotel at Diamond Head, Hotel Renew, Arden Waikiki, and Waikiki Malia. MacNaughton’s integrated approach brings together the best talent, design and innovations to create one-of-a-kind spaces and experiences. For more information visit www.macnaughton.com/hospitality.
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