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Elevate Your Dining Experience With a ‘Signature’ Touch

Cover Story Features

November 10, 2013

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: Rachel Breit

With epic views served up at every table coupled with unsurpassed cuisine and stellar service, The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood provides unforgettable experiences that take the restaurant to new culinary heights.

Situated atop Ala Moana Hotel on the 36th floor, The Signature is making its mark on Hawaii’s dining scene under the guidance of restaurateur Peter Kim, a Kaiser High School product who gained notoriety as a kicker at University of Alabama. Kim helped launch Yummy’s Korean BBQ in 1986, and has since expanded his culinary repertoire to include an assortment of restaurant ventures, the latest being The Signature — his first full-service foray.

“Keeping food quality consistent is definitely something that we’ve nailed down,” explains Jessica Melton, manager of The Signature. “What sets our steakhouse apart from everyone else is the quality of our wines by the glass. We believe in value and taste as cornerstones of the restaurant,” including a kamaaina discount of 20 percent off bottled wines every evening.

The 275-seat restaurant opened its doors in late May, and offers panoramic views spanning from the Koolau Mountains to East Honolulu, across Waikiki to the south shore — virtually guaranteeing ideal vantage points for stunning sunsets and occasional firework displays. Guests may even dine atop The Signature’s iconic white grand piano, using the top of the instrument as a tabletop while live music accompanies the breathtaking views of Oahu’s skyline that epitomize the pinnacle of paradise.

Those looking to plan ahead when it comes to ringing in the new year in style can do so with The Signature’s Countdown to 2014. At the first seating from 5:30 to 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, diners may enjoy Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, a choice of Caesar Salad or French Onion Soup, a main course of 8 ounces of Prime Filet Mignon, 16 ounces of Prime Rib Eye or Miso Butterfish served with rustic truffle potatoes and sauteed mushrooms as well as Chocolate Buttermilk Layer Cake for dessert ($90 per person, including tax and gratuity).

The second seating from 9 to 9:30 p.m. allows guests to ring in 2014 while enjoying Dungeness Crab Cake to start, followed by Signature Chopped Salad or Lobster Bisque, a choice of 12 ounces of Prime Filet Mignon, 20 ounces of Prime Bone-In Rib Eye, Miso Butterfish or 1 pound of Alaskan King Crab Legs along with lobster mac and cheese, and Brussels sprouts and Truffles & Fresh Berries for dessert ($125 per person, including tax and gratuity).

While the celebratory experiences feature live entertainment and a complimentary champagne glass, the second seating also includes champagne bottle service — an extraordinary value that enhances the unforgettable experience.

The Signature features three private dining areas that comfortably host eight to 40 guests, and the spaces also include audio/visual capabilities for private entertainment and presentations. While available space for holiday get-togethers is filling up quickly, Melton encourages those interested in booking a special gathering for 2014 to inquire about the myriad options available. The restaurant will also be open on Christmas.

The Signature’s menu presents prime-cut beef that is dry-aged for up to 39 days, including Prime Bone-In Rib Eye ($55.95) — a succulent 22-ounce cut that is packed full of flavor while remaining tender. Dining Out readers are also invited to try Tomahawk-Cut Rib Eye ($105), a hearty 28-ounce portion of super-premium Wagyu beef, elegantly marbled prime steak from Japan that is not listed on the menu, but remains available for one’s dining pleasure upon request. Additionally, each entree is accompanied by The Signature’s Rustic Truffle Mashed Potatoes.

Diners may also look forward to happy hour specials available daily at The Signature from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. In addition to enjoying half-off appetizers, including Ahi Poke ($14, $7 during happy hour), patrons are treated to assorted drink specials such as Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 ($14, $9.50 during happy hour) and Cake-bread Chardonnay 2011 ($15, $10 during happy hour). The special menu also features signature cocktails, including B.Z.T. ($13, $7 during happy hour), which incorporates Zing Zang Bloody Mary mix infused with Sriracha and wasabi along with Grey Goose Vodka served up or on the rocks with a slice of crispy bacon, and The Rumour ($13, $7 during happy hour), which is built around Absolut Hibiscus vodka.

“It’s a great place for our 9-to-5 ‘working’ crowd to come in, have a glass of wine and enjoy appetizers at the piano, lounge or at the bar,” Melton says. “You aren’t pressured to order a four-course dinner. There’s also a convenience for those that happen to work near and around Ala Moana.”

The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood

Ala Moana Hotel, 36th Floor
410 Atkinson Drive
949-3636
Open nightly 4:30 to 10 p.m.
SignaturePrimeSteak.com

Honolulu, HI 96814

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