A Tasty Trio

Three Selections options ($59; $5 more for a shellfish supplement)

La Vie’s reopening this past Friday so perfectly aligns with its mission to share in the lives of its guests — its name does mean “the life,” after all — and with dine-in services up and running, the eatery and its staff are ready to welcome back longtime regulars and new visitors wanting to try the restaurant’s extraordinary cuisine.

Known around the state and beyond for its three- and five-course meals, La Vie is offering a welcome back special that’s slightly different from its previous tasting selections.

“Guests will now enjoy the option to order a la carte or create their own tasting menu with a fixed price ($59; $5 more for a shellfish supplement) by selecting an option from our appetizers, entrées and desserts,” explains Dusty Grable, general manager of La Vie and Quiora, which is also located at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach.

Foie Gras Parfait ($21)

The culinary mastermind behind it all is La Vie and Quiora executive chef Shaymus Alwin, who’s won the “Best overall TASTE” Award in 2016 and the “Best Use of Ingredients” Award in 2017 at the Hawaii Food Manufacturer Association Cook Off. Oh, and he also made an appearance at the acclaimed James Beard House in New York City back in 2016. Alwin is joined by La Vie chef de cuisine Patrick Collins, who adds that the restaurant’s “selections are cohesive and contribute to the vision of French inspiration while highlighting a sense of place.”

The European influence is evident throughout the menu, which also features a handful of local ingredients, thanks to La Vie’s partnership with Ludovico Farms — try the Ludovico Farms Chicken Poele: morel fricassee, bacon lardon and black kale fettuccine ($32) — Hirabara Farms and many other area growers.

Or, indulge in the Foie Gras Parfait ($21), which features sauternes gelée, Asian pear, caramelized brioche and shiso. Those wanting succulent seafood can try the Opah Belly Grenobloise ($32): cauliflower en croute, gruyère, fines herbs and cognac and peppercorn.

Ludovico Farms Chicken Poele ($32)

“La Vie finds inspiration from France, Creole, North Africa and more,” explains Grable. “Our culinary team has fun creating a modern French menu filled with artfully plated, sophisticated, chic dishes that are surprisingly comforting that we hope are as delicious as they are beautiful.”

Guest flock to La Vie for the food, and nothing quite beats the view when dining in its open-air seating area — which has been rearranged to accommodate safe social distancing. Adding to the overall ambiance is the staff’s friendly demeanor and genuine care shown to all who walk through the restaurant’s doors. And, they’re all ready to welcome back hungry guests with impeccable service and, of course, good food.

“We hope to bring happiness and joy and turn our simple dining moments into memories, a forever imprint and shared experience,” Grable says. “We take notice and nod to the intersections of life within our dining room.

“Thank you for your support in our first year of opening, thank you for your support during our closure,” he adds. “Words will never begin to explain how fortunate we are to have your support, and we look forward to serving you again.”