Fine Wines
If you’re a wine enthusiast, rest assured that enjoying an evening in Waikiki doesn’t mean you have to forego your glass of red for a tropical cocktail. You’ll find outstanding wine collections throughout O’ahu’s most exciting area at some of its best dining establishments.
A sip of the islands awaits you at Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, one of D.K. Restaurants’ renowned eateries, where in addition to a temperature-controlled wine cellar, the Waikiki gem’s custom Cruvinet system keeps more than 30 bottles fresh on tap for weeks.
General manager Ivy Nagayama pours her passion for wine into crafting a list that blends beautifully with contemporary sushi and Pacific Rim cuisine. “These wines are going to be fresher, cleaner, [with] great acidity,” she says. “They’re going to be dry, light and ethereal.”
As a member of the Sommelier Journal group, Nagayama is always tasting and researching new bottles to add to the cellar, and consulting with local Master Sommelier Chuck Furuya doesn’t hurt, either. Furuya’s own brand entitled CF Wines is also featured at the restaurant, and Nagayama suggests pairing a glass of his CF Riesling Medium Dry “Euro-Asian” with Sansei’s popular Panko Crusted ‘Ahi Sashimi Sushi Roll with soy wasabi butter sauce.
Continue to wine and dine at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in Royal Hawaiian Center, where a stunning glass-enclosed wine cellar showcases more than 800 bottles to perfectly accompany sumptuous dry-aged steaks.
“Wine really opens up a lot of avenues for people in conversation, engagement,” says Nagayama. “It’s something that is very versatile.” So regardless of where you quench your thirst in Waikiki, remember to savor each sip.
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Waikiki Beach Marriot Resort and Spa
2552 Kalakaua Ave. [C:11 Waikiki Map]
(808) 931-6286
www.sanseihawaii.com
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
Royal Hawaiian Center
2301 Kalakaua Ave. [C:8 Waikiki Map]
(808) 922-3600
www.wolfgangssteakhouse.net/waikiki
