New Menu Makes The Cut

Hawaii Ranchers Filet Mignon “en Sous Vide” (Valentine’s Day Four-course Degustation Menu)

Japengo at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa has updated its menu recently, focusing more on steaks and seafood.

The upscale, elegant-casual restaurant, which also changed its name to Japengo Steak and Seafood, originally featured Hawaii regional cuisine and a sushi bar.

“We’re trying to focus on wagyu steaks, so we get some locally, such as from Hawaii Ranchers,” says chef de cuisine Joseph Rose. “Also, our filets come from the Big Island, grass-fed on the Big Island. And then we do have a USDA Prime Tomahawk (that starts this week), a certified black angus porterhouse as well, and then a Hawaii Ranchers strip steak that we use. So, we’re trying to get a variety of different cuts.”

Along with its impressive steak offerings, the new menu, which was introduced a couple of months ago, also features fresh island fish and, of course, original Japengo favorites, such as Crispy Japengo Chicken, Scallops Truffleyaki, Mac Nut Shrimp and Coconut Creme Brulee.

There also is a brand new full-service liquor bar (where the sushi bar used to be) and happy hour (5 to 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday) with drink and food specials.

SPARKS WILL FLY WITH THIS MENU

For Valentine’s Day, Japengo Steak and Seafood has created a special Four Course Degustation Menu ($96 per person, available 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.). Walk-up wine selection also is available for an additional cost.

To start, enjoy “Together,” Ahi Poke (with ogo, sesame oil, Maui onion, kukui nuts, lime and soy gelee) and Kona Kampachi sashimi (with cucumber ginger broth), served with a taro crisp. The second dish, also shared “As One,” is Kauai Shrimp and Pork Belly with Thai coconut curry broth, jasmine rice, bamboo, straw mushrooms and herb salad.

For your entree, choose Hawaii Ranchers Filet Mignon “en Sous Vide” served with garlic potato puree, truffle mushrooms, Ho Farms tomato jam and veal-thyme jus; or Roasted Hapu Hawaiian Sea Bass with sweet corn, leeks, Yukon potatoes and ginger lime butter sauce.

Finally, finish the night with sweet Dark Chocolate Lava, cheesecake bits, fresh local fruit, marshmallow, blondies and Rice Krispies treats.

Japengo Steak And Seafood

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa
2424 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki
237-6180
Daily, 6-10 p.m.; lounge opens at 5 p.m.; happy hour Friday-Sunday, 5-7 p.m.
Japengowaikiki.com