Jason Grosfeld of PACREP LLC, developer of the Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach, welcomes guests and prospective buyers on Saturday, June 22. (Star-Advertiser photo by Bruce Asato)
BY JASON GENEGABUS / jason@staradvertiser.com
Waikiki will gain two new restaurants with the opening of the Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach, according to representatives from developer PACREP LLC and the Ritz-Carlton, who were in Honolulu this week to open sales of residential units to prospective buyers.
Japanese restaurant Sushi Sho and farm-to-table restaurant BLT Market will be part of the project when it opens in 2016.
Sushi Sho, owned by Keiji Nakazawa and renowned for its Edo-style sushi, has 15 locations throughout Japan. Nakazawa serves more than three dozen types of fish at his restaurants — each with its own unique method of preparation — that utilize different aging techniques, types of sushi rice and other special ingredients.
“I can’t imagine a better location for the first-ever Sushi Sho outside of Japan,” Nakazawa said in a press release. “My strongest desire is for these people with various cultural backgrounds to all enjoy our sushi.
Tokyo-born, Nakazawa started his culinary career as a teen and opened his first restaurant in 1989. More recently, he was featured on the original “Iron Chef” television series as Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s opponent in the show’s first sushi battle.
New York-based ESquared Hospitality will expand its footprint in Hawaii with the opening of BLT Market. It joins BLT Steak, which opened in 2009, and will operate as “an exploration of simple cooking techniques that highlight the concentrated flavors of ingredients in peak season.”
That also means working with a variety of organic and sustainable products that will change based on what’s available from the same local suppliers who sell at various farmers markets.
“Our chefs have been inspired by the bounty of fresh produce available on the island of Oahu,” said ESquared managing partner Jimmy Haber. “Residents and visitors have been so supportive (and) we are excited to continue growing in this community.”
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“Grind Time” is always looking for the latest places to get your grub on. Email Jason Genegabus with restaurant, bar or any other food/drink-related item at jason@staradvertiser.com.