As more emphasis is placed on restaurants serving fresh and available food, the Banyan Tree at the Kapalua Ritz Carlton is a leader in incorporating local food on its menu. The chefs, in conjunction with the Jean-Michael Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program, have cultivated an herb garden on the premises to provide fresh-picked aromatic plants to use in their recipes.
Local Island Farms Provide Fresh Food
On the upper slopes of the nearby West Maui mountains, ten acres of farmland are set aside and being prepared for growing vegetables to be served in the restaurant. A greenhouse on the hotel property is outfitted for hydroponic farming and expects to be flourishing soon.
At the present time, up country farms on the slopes of the dormant Haleakala volcano supply seasonal vegetables including squash varieties, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. Local tropical fruits such as pineapples, papayas, and melons are also brought in from Maui farm areas. All produce needs are purchased as close to the hotel as possible.
The surrounding ocean provides several varieties of Hawaiian fish: ahi tuna, mahi mahi, butterfish, snapper, and shellfish. High-grade beef is shipped from the nearby island of Hawaii and other meats from there as well. The chefs plan menus according to the freshest items available, which means seasonal variety.
Fine Dining with Impeccable Service
Dining at the Banyan Tree is casual yet elegant. Each guest is made to feel special and treated with flawless service. From the welcome by the maître’d through the seating and menu offering, to the server’s introduction and the assistant servers competent service, each person is genuinely friendly but not overbearing.
There are tables in the courtyard surrounding a bar where more casual meals can be arranged. Inside dining is tiered so most tables have an unobstructed view of the sloping lawns out to the coast. Awesome sunsets can be observed through the open windows. An extensive wine list is offered as well as cocktails.
When it is time to peruse the menu, the talented server provides an in-depth description of the items with tantalizing word pictures of the evening’s selections. It is difficult to choose from among the well-described offerings.
A warm loaf of the signature sesame bread is served with a light virgin olive oil and dukkah, a blend of seeds and spices ground together and used for dipping with the oil and bread. The dukkah is a specialty of the house and is so popular that the server carries copies of the recipe in his jacket to give to guests who request it.
Menu Offerings at the Banyan Tree
While the menu changes depending on the local foods available, there will always be several choices in each category. In the starters category, there is a combination of three items offered for those who cannot settle on just one. The small portions provide a sampling of the unique and flavorful dishes.
For entrees, there are several choices of fish, chicken, vegetarian, beef, and even a “spa” menu for those who wish lighter fare. Every dish is prepared fresh and enhanced with seasonings to bring out the flavors.
Local Flavors Enhance the Food
On the hills of Maui, there are fields of lavender and the Banyan Tree uses this tasty flavoring in several dishes. Especially delicious is the homemade lavender sorbet, one of several flavors on the dessert menu along with baked goodies.
From the newly established herb garden on the restaurant grounds, many local spices garnish the dishes. Varieties of basil, oregano, lemon grass, fennel, pepper, and many others are picked just before cooking. The chefs are careful to be subtle in their use and each distinct flavor can be tasted.
Certainly the Banyan Tree is an excellent example of chefs committed to using local products to provide a fine dining experience. The freshness and regional aspect of the food makes everything taste special. While prices at the restaurant are in the expensive range, they are merited for the outstanding quality received. Starters range from $15. to $30. and entrees from $35. to $60. Dinner for two, with drinks, dessert and coffee would be about $200. It is meant to be a special night out.
The Banyan Tree Restaurant is located at the Kapalua Ritz Carlton grounds and reservations should be made by calling (808) 665-7096.
Ethel Brodie - Intrigued by the world, encouraged to write my observations, published in newspapers and magazines, and sharing special places.
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