Banyan Tree Candlelight Ambiance

The Banyan Tree Restaurant is an extremely elegant restaurant devoted to exceptional preparations within earshot of the ocean in Kapalua, Maui.

You’ll take a stroll to get here – via the path along the Ritz’s glitzy pools or  “around the back” if you park near the little Chapel and bridge adjacent the hotel. The road less traveled is alluring in its stillness. Hold your honey’s hand as you stroll along the path, guided by the light of the tiki torches; it’s going to be a quixotic night.

Romance is further fueled by soothing, exotic strains from Ranga Pae, a duo whose melodies match the striking flavors served at The Banyan Tree. To stimulate your palate and set your mind to dreaming of what’s ahead, have a glass of wine or a tropical elixir at the lovely bar. (If it is Wednesday, show the lady what you’re made of and order the good stuff – it’s half price!) Ah, but such pedantic concerns need not be uttered. Instead, simply request a table in the open-air section of the room; candle light will dance in her eyes as flames flicker in the breezes.

Chef Ryan Urig

You’re in good hands now. Chef Ryan Urig was recently voted one of Hawaii’s Best Chefs under 35 with good reason. Since taking the helm at the Banyan Tree following Jojo Vasquez’s move to Oahu, Chef Urig has resurrected the popular “create your own trio” pupu option first introduced by his predecessor. He’s also added a few signature dishes, like the Kona Lobster Hearts of Palm Martini, one of the most delicious amalgams of flavor on Maui. Other wonderful appetizers, such as the Smoked Salmon Ravioli with Tobiko Crème or the uber-awesome Roasted Beets with Surfing Goat Feta, red quinoa salad with Minus 8 Vinegar , will win your heart. During a recent visit we also sampled the traditional Ahi Sashimi, pronouncing it tremendous, but it was the Surfing Goat Dairy Cheese, Lavender-Strawberry Mac Nut Tuille that revealed an unexpected taste sensation, proving it’s good to be adventuresome.

Moving on to Na mea `ai nui (Entrees) you might again chose traditionally – Grilled Ahi and Foie Gras with Rhubarb Cherry Sauce, or the Beef Tenderloin with Wild Mushrooms and Potato Rosti. Both are melt-in-your-mouth-like-butter delicious! Your adventurous sidekick might opt for the Mediterranean Hapu, tender island fish nestled in couscous, baby fennel and bell pepper chimichurri – a fantastic preparation when you want something out of the ordinary.

Certainly you’ll indulge in the home baked bread and dukka, an addictive combination of spices brought to the table early, along with a multi-option appetizer and superlative entrée but don’t leave without dessert since it is every bit as enticing as everything Chef Ryan creates. Thanks to skillful preparations, dinner at Banyan Tree is a wholly satisfying symphony of flavors yet you’ll have room for dessert and a glass of sherry but still feel fit as a fiddle-head fern.

Try a sampling of sweets including the Chocolate Molten Cake with White Chocolate/Vanilla Sorbet and Sliver of Dark Fudge Cake; Meyer Lemon Cream Cake; or the Pineapple Caramel Cake. You’ve likely tried molten lava cake somewhere along the way and Banyan Tree’s version, slightly more sophisticated and intense, is superb. The Meyer Lemon Cream Cake is thankfully not so bitter it makes you pucker; instead it’s smooth and delightfully refreshing at the end of the meal. The Pineapple Caramel Cake, an individual upside down cake wrapped in pineapple Carpaccio served with a scoop of Maui Lavender sorbet, is a Kapalua Classic.

Banyan Tree

If price is no object and your palate is highly refined, you’ll likely agree with the many food critics who have given Banyan Tree Restaurant an exceptional rating, WCM included. If your good taste exceeds your budget, stop in on Wednesdays for the 50/50 deal – a three course meal for $50 and superior bottle of wine another $50.  Of all the dining deals currently being offered to stimulate the economy on Maui, this ranks as WCM’s personal favorite.

Now that we’ve whetted your appetite for fabulous dining, please note the Banyan Tree restaurant will be closed starting this Sunday, 10/18/09 and re-open on Tuesday, 11/17/09. They are making the space even more beautiful for your enjoyment! Make your reservations now for the grand reopening just in time for the holiday season.