Loving this feast

Quiora’s newly minted chef de cuisine, Jared Murakawa, unveils the restaurant’s Valentine’s Day menu.

As the newest member of the heart-of-the-house team at Quiora, chef de cuisine Jared Murakawa is already making flavorful waves by coupling his vast experience with a passion for pasta and locally sourced ingredients.

The local boy and Punahou product made his way to the Quiora kitchen after working at three-Michelin star restaurant Quince in San Francisco and moving home to perfect his craft alongside Alan Wong at the culinary wizard’s namesake restaurant.

Lobster Carbonara

By offering an incredible ambiance coupled with alluring dishes incorporating local ingredients and flavors, Quiora appeals to all the senses. Quiora, which is conveniently located just off Kalakaua or Kuhio avenues at the Ritz Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, opened in 2019 and is part of G.LION Hawaii that also operates sister restaurants Hy’s Steak House and La Vie.

Murakawa’s influences are on display with Quiora’s Buon San Valentino (Valentine’s Day) Menu ($125 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity) available Feb. 14-15.

Red Wine Braised Short Rib

The Valentine’s Day menu launches with Caprese and the bold flavors of housemade focaccia, tomato, mozzarella and basil. Next up is the striking Pickled Strawberry and Roasted Beet Salad, featuring local mixed greens, goat cheese cream, pistachio crumble and olive oil.

Lobster Carbonara is a signature showstopper on the special menu comprising housemade spaghetti, pancetta, roasted tomato, Parmesan and local egg. For the fourth course, guests have a choice of alluring entrées: Red Wine Braised Short Rib with red cabbage, polenta, roasted Brussels sprouts, baby carrots and gremolata; Pan-Roasted Mahi Mahi with asparagus, corn, caviar butter sauce and chile crisp; and Wild Mushroom Risotto coupled with mixed mushrooms, black truffle, Parmesan and lemon-basil oil.

Pickled Strawberry and Roasted Beet Salad

For dessert, diners are treated to Mixed Berry Tiramisu with white chocolate mascarpone cream, lady fingers and Brachetto coulis.

“From the special Valentine’s Day exclusive menu, the Lobster Carbonara will certainly be a guest favorite, as this is a reimagined take on an Italian classic,” Murakawa says. “Combining a decadent component like lobster with a satisfying comfort food like carbonara is something I think all fans of Italian cuisine will love. Our guests will be able to come back to enjoy each of these dishes individually as they become staples of the new 2023 Quiora menus.”

Caprese Note: All items are part of the Buon San Valentino Menu ($125 per person)

As Murakawa notes, beginning March 1, Quiora will launch its new menu program that includes a revamped wine list and cocktail offerings. Fans of Quiora’s business lunch will also have new items and beverages to choose from. Expect a wide range of delicious and authentic Italian dishes, including keiki menu selections, that are sure to tantalize the taste buds of customers on a budget.

The new menu is a result of the collaboration between Quiora’s talented culinary team featuring Murakawa and executive chef Eric Oto, as well as local farmers, fishermen and suppliers, to bring the freshest and highest quality ingredients to the table.

With a focus on mindfully sourced ingredients, the refreshed menu offers a range of dishes that celebrate the flavors of Italy and Mediterranean regions.

“We are beyond excited to have chef Jared Murakawa join the team and can’t wait for everyone to experience his craft through his special menus,” Oto says.