TheBuzz
TheBuzz
The world-famous Spago restaurant is coming to Hawaii -- specifically, to the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Culinary glitterati
going to MauiSpago founder and internationally renowned chef Wolfgang Puck has had a Hawaii presence for years, as his smiling face invites grocery shoppers to open the freezer section door to choose one of his gourmet pizzas. When the restaurant opens in December, he will be here in person -- with a much warmer face.
Puck's proverbial foot in the door to the Four Seasons Resorts chain and to Hawaii will be his best-known "foot" or "concept" as they say in the restaurant biz. Spago is the best-known of Puck's five fine dining "concepts." He and his partner and wife Barbara Lazaroff also have casual dining and quick service restaurants, as well as a catering business.
There was talk he would open one of his casual dining restaurants at the historic Kakaako pump station at Ala Moana and Keawe Streets, but that's all it ever turned out to be.
"The Spago negotiation has been ongoing for the past year and a half," said Yvonne Biegel, Four Seasons Wailea public relations consultant.
Spago is to replace Seasons, Hawaii's second Triple-A five-diamond restaurant, which will close the first week in October. The two dozen staffers will be offered positions within the resort, and will receive hiring preference as Spago recruits kitchen and wait staff, she said.
California-based Engstrom Design Group will work with local companies in the construction of Spago, to begin once Seasons closes.
Plans for the new Spago indicate Puck and Corporate Chef Lee Hefter have studied Hawaii Regional Cuisine, a perception Biegel confirmed. Puck "has met quite a few Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs," she said, "including Beverly Gannon and Chef Mavro." The planned menu includes Sashimi of Big Island Moi with Yuzu Ponzu, Pan-Roasted Organic Huli-Huli Chicken with Blanched Garlic and Confit Lemon and Crispy Fried Quail with White Maui Pineapple Glaze and Basil Leaves.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin.
Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached
at: eengle@starbulletin.com