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A Taste of the 50-50 Menu at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

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  Site Where: One Ritz-Carlton Drive [map], Kapalua, Hawaii, United States, 96761
June 19, 2009 at 9:44 AM | by globetrotting gourmet | 0 Comments

The Banyan Tree restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is arguably one of the top dining dogs on Maui, with unbeatable views of the Pacific Ocean, the island of Moloka'i and the Pailolo Channel. But, like a lot of the super swank resort’s services and amenities, it’s not exactly budget friendly.

The restaurant is bringing its five star dining experience within not-just-for-special-occasions-only reach with its new three-course 50/50 menu deal for $50, which includes mea ‘ai mua (perfect starter), mea ‘ai nui (entrée), and mea ‘ai momona (dessert).

For another $50, you can buy a bottle of wine from a select list that changes weekly, including plenty of picks we would gladly recommend: Family Vineyards Viognier 2005 and Henschke Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia 2005. We’re a bit of a wine snob and loved many of the selections. (Both deals are exclusive of tax and gratuity.)

The Banyan Tree is best known for incorporating the island’s top-notch fish and produce in its seasonal menus and foodies may sample dishes like Kona kampachi with sizzling peanut oil, spinach and enoki mushrooms, pine nut-crusted ahi with cucumber noodles and Thai basil pesto and Local leeks with red miso and dashi broth. Chef Ryan Urig also has an interest in molecular gastronomy à la El Bulli, so menus may incorporate mad scientist-like elements such as air gazpacho or Kona lobster with carrot ginger foam. Urig sources approximately 90% of his ingredients locally. He also has an onsite garden that produces everything from tomatoes and beets to every herb imaginable.

For oenophiles drinking on the cheap, The Banyan Tree is also offering 50 percent off of every single selection on the wine list during Wine Wednesdays.

The Banyan Tree is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Call ahead and request a table near the ocean edge of the restaurant and time it for the tail end of sunset. Between the stunning view, spectacular service and swoon-worthy food, it packs all the necessary elements in the holy trinity of TK.

You won’t find a single banyan tree on the hotel property, but rest assured: one used to grown through the middle of the building and they grow all over the island.

Since we’re dishing deals on this much talked about property, we recently heard about a great rate deal in Suzanne’s Files on Spire.com. Here’s the lowdown: Take advantage of an exclusive opportunity to reside as a member of the The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Kapalua Bay – a brand new members-only club and private residential community, smack on the island's best white-sand beach. Purchase a four night stay and the hotel will tack on 3 complimentary nights, for a seven consecutive night stay in all. Call (866) 605-8683 to book your stay.

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