Owned by franchisee Desert Island Restaurants, the newest Ruth’s Chris Steak House opened on October 9 after a traditional Hawaiian blessing by Daniel “Kaniela” Akaka Jr., director of cultural affairs for Mauna Lani Resort.
As with all Ruth’s Chris locations worldwide, it offers Hawaii residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy prime steaks and an award-winning menu and wine list. It joins award-winning establishments, the premier location in Restaurant Row on Oahu which opened in 1989 plus two Maui locations, on Front Street in Lahaina and in The Shops at Wailea. A fifth Ruth’s Chris will be opening by early 2007 in the new Waikiki Beach Walk on Oahu.
“The Big Island of Hawaii is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in the world. The Mauna Lani area is blessed with award-winning resorts and unequaled residential developments that have attracted discriminating individuals. In addition, it is a prime destination for upscale incentive groups, weddings and meetings, making it ideal as the latest location for Ruth’s Chris Steak House in the islands,” said Randy Schoch, chairman of the Scottsdale, Arizona-based Desert Island Restaurants and a former long-time Hawaii resident who divides his time between the Mainland and the islands.
Award-Winning Menu Presented
Ruth’s Chris Steak House has garnered many awards in Hawaii for its unparalleled excellence, having been singled out for its menu, fine service and outstanding wine list. Among its accolades since its launch in the islands have been the Hale Aina Award for Best Steak House from HONOLULU Magazine, “Best of Honolulu” Award for Best Steak House and Best Wine List from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Ilima Award for Best Steak House from the Honolulu Advertiser, “Best Steak House” Award from the Maui News and many others, including national awards from the Zagat Survey (Hawaii’s Top Restaurants, America’s Top Restaurants) and an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine.
Open for dinner nightly from 5 p.m., the newest Ruth’s Chris showcases the sizzling prime steaks for which the chain is noted in the more than 90 locations worldwide where it operates. Its menu also includes an array of fresh seafood preparations, live Maine lobster, signature a la carte salads and side dishes, and delectable desserts inspired by the New Orleans roots of the restaurant. Many of the recipes come directly from Ruth Fertel, the late founder of the chain.
Under the guidance of regional executive chef Nawai Kekoolani who oversees all Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses in Hawaii, the restaurant will incorporate local ingredients and products whenever possible.
Outstanding Decor for New Restaurant
The new Ruth’s Chris Steak House is designed to reflect the fine dining atmosphere and outstanding food offered at the establishments worldwide since its founding in 1965 by the late Ruth Fertel.
Located on the second floor of the new Shops at Mauna Lani, the restaurant is both casual and elegant, warm and inviting. It incorporates the best of contemporary Hawaiian design with a mix of color and textures that evoke a touch of classic old Hawaii. Laua¹e ferns and a border of maile on the carpet, walls bathed in a texture reminiscent of tapa bark cloth, tile borders inspired by ancient Hawaiian kapa designs, the rich warmth of deep woods--all these accents pay homage to the restaurant’s locale. Artwork depicting scenes of the rugged coasts of the Big Island, complete with exuberant palm trees, pleasant ocean vistas, beautiful Hawaiian maidens and geometric shapes long associated with traditional crafts, round out the overall ambiance of Hawaiiana and hospitality.
Seating options take advantage of the spectacular ocean vistas and views of Mauna Kea and Hualalai volcanoes beyond the Mauna Lani Golf Course.
Diners can take advantage of gracious circular booths or more traditional seating, with a private dining room ideal for special occasions.
Overlooking some of the best golf holes in Hawaii, the new Ruth’s Chris Steak House will showcase a post-play, late afternoon menu in addition to its dinner options.
Management Team Announced with Strong Big Island Roots
Having lived on both Oahu and Maui for many years, Desert Island Restaurants CEO Randy Schoch is conscious of island traditions and respectful of Hawaii ways. With these elements in mind, he and company president Bob Snyder have assembled a management team second to none, with Hawaii regional vice president Paul Ah Cook overseeing all operations statewide. A graduate of the University of Hawaii, prior to joining Ruth’s Chris, Ah Cook was director of operations and general manager of Sam Choy’s Restaurants and Let’s Eat Hawaii Product Line and Catering Company. He also served as general manager of Michel’s at the Colony Surf.
Reporting to Ah Cook is Charly Yoshida, general manager of the Ruth’s Chris at Mauna Lani. No stranger to the Big Island, having been born and raised there, he has management credits ranging from Alan Wong’s to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel itself. An acknowledged leader in the hospitality industry, he brings an extensive knowledge of wine to his position and is available to offer personal tips on what vintages complement Ruth’s Chris Steak House dinners.
Assistant general manager Kyle Nishimura, originally from Hilo, has worked at Hakone Japanese Steak House at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and at such establishments as Roy’s Waikoloa Bar and Grill, Mauna Lani Resort and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, among others.
Award-winning executive chef Darcy Ambrosio is in charge of the kitchen at the new Ruth’s Chris Steak House. His ‘5 years¹ experience on the Big Island in professional cooking and kitchen management includes positions at the Harbor Grill in Kawaihae, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, and Ritz-Carlton Laguna Nigel when he lived in California.
Alex Kirley, regional director of sales and marketing, is overseeing groups, conventions and special event business for the new Ruth’s Chris Steak House, as she does for the other three locations. She has a variety of group menus available for corporate and group business and is expert in assembling unique menus for private parties, weddings and other functions.
Contact Information
Ruth’s Chris Steak House at The Shops at Mauna Lani is open nightly for dinner. Private functions, including luncheons and other group gatherings, also are available. Call (808) 887-0800 for information and reservations.
|
