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Morton’s Delights Palates With Merry Meals

Columns Lite Bites

December 15, 2013

Story By: Yu Shing Ting | Photos by: Leah Friel

This holiday season, stop in at Morton’s The Steakhouse and treat yourself to a dining experience that is sure to exceed your expectations. Known for its exceptional food quality, attention to detail and first-class service, the premier steakhouse has become a favorite for locals and tourists from around the world.

“Hospitality and aloha are extremely important to us,” says general manager Zyron Schoniwitz. “People come here to relax and enjoy themselves. You can come and wind down a little bit. We also have high-powered meetings here (in our private boardrooms), and we also have walk-ins, people just looking for a martini and a burger.”

Whether it’s a quick break from shopping, a nice family dinner, an elegant holiday party or a casual gathering with friends, Morton’s provides the food and service you’d find at a fine-dining restaurant, but in a steakhouse-oriented setting that is a bit boisterous, fun, inviting and very comfortable. Just like the original Morton’s that opened in 1978 in Chicago, where big stars such as Frank Sinatra visited regularly, the Honolulu location also often entertains famous faces, corporate CEOs and local movers and shakers. Among those who’ve been spotted: Johnny Depp and most recently Dr. Dre just earlier this month.

As for what to order, Schoniwitz suggests the Bone-In Veal Chop ($52), which was added to the menu earlier this year and is a nice festive dish for the holidays. It features a 16 ounce bone-in veal chop, cooked to order, and is topped with a black truffle butter that just explodes with flavor. The meat is really tender, and it’s a hearty portion.

Morton’s also has extended its Legendary Flavors promotion through the end of March because of popular demand. Among the specials is Porcini Crusted Bone-In Filet ($59), which is a 12-ounce bone-in filet topped with a porcini mushroom crust, and served with a madeira demi-glace and whole roasted garlic. Pop a garlic out of its sleeve and savor it with a bite of steak.

Internationally renowned, Morton’s serves USDA Prime Aged Beef. The eatery also wet ages its beef, which makes for a very flavorful and tender product. And while Morton’s is famous for its steak, it also has an amazing selection of seafood. The Alaskan King Crab Legs (market price, 2 pounds) consists of big, thick crab legs that are all split for you already, so you can simply pull out the gigantic chunks of crab meat and enjoy. “It’s a classic steakhouse dish and everyone’s all-time favorite,” notes Schoniwitz.

“It’s certainly mine.”

Also popular is Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes ($37) which is one of Morton’s signature dishes, and is great for sharing, ordered as an appetizer or as an entree. Served with a mustard mayonnaise sauce and fresh lemon, Morton’s crab cakes are truly irresistible with noticeably a lot more crab meat than filler.

This week, the restaurant also opens for lunch Dec. 18 to 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. offering signature lunch dishes and special three-course lunch menus. Happy hour, known as Power Hour, takes place Sunday through Friday, two times a day: from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. and again from 9 p.m. to closing. Enjoy drink specials, including select beer, wine by the glass and Mortinis; as well as discounted bar bites.

For those with special diet needs, Morton’s also offers a soy-sensitive and gluten-sensitive dinner menu. For special occasions, let the restaurant know in advance, and the staff will decorate your table with confetti and add a personalized heading on your menu with the date to save as a momento. They also provide a complimentary photo of your group, which has become very popular with guests.

For private parties, reserve one or both of The Boardrooms, which can seat up to 72 people (two rooms combined).

The Honolulu location has been open for 12 years, and is located on the makai side of Ala Moana Center, above Old Navy and next to Neiman Marcus. There’s plenty of free self-parking or pull up for complimentary valet parking, and take the private elevator up to the restaurant.

Morton’s The Steakhouse

Ala Moana Center, second level
1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
949-1300
Monday-Thursday, 5:30-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 5-11 p.m.
Sunday, 5-10 p.m.
Bar opens from 4:45 p.m. daily
Holiday hours: Christmas Eve, 4-9 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve, 5 p.m.-midnight
New Year’s Day, 5-10 p.m.
Also open for lunch Dec. 18, 19 and 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
mortons.com/honolulu

Ala Moana Center, Honolulu, HI 96814

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