Posts made in July 2018

ANDAZ MAYAKOBA RESORT RIVIERA MAYA

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ANAUM WELLNESS & SPA AT ANDAZ MAYAKOBA RESORT RIVIERA MAYA LAUNCHES NEW MENU

~ Refreshing New Spa Menu Highlights Local Ingredients, Beauty Partners and Mayan-Inspired Treatments in Lush Natural Setting ~

Naum Wellness & Spa, the 10,000-square foot verdant wellness hideaway at Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, has just launched a new spa menu. The new menu, which incorporates many local and natural ingredients, brings in traditional Mayan rituals and offers a variety of spa services promoting health, beauty and inner harmony. The spa’s namesake, Naum, is the Mayan God of consciousness and mind. The Mayan-influenced spa, whose décor follows the same theme as the menu, is simply designed to blend into its lush jungle surroundings, immersing guests into the culture and nature of the region. The six open and airy treatment suites have oversized windows with beautiful decks and striking green views that bring guests a sense of peaceful relaxation.

The new spa menu, which has been carefully curated by Spa Manager Daniel Escalante, is inspired by native Mayan traditions known as “rituals”, which are reflective of the mind, body and spirit. The new treatment Rituals on the menu include the Ritual Sac Ki, which frees the body of harmful toxins and reveals fresher and brighter skin with a dry exfoliation using “Sac Ki”, the Mayan word for white henequen considered the green gold for the Mayan culture. This is followed by an invigorating massage with the anti-inflammatory power of the sacred copal oil. The second Ritual is the Ritual de Ixi’im y Chia, which offers the antioxidant power of the exotic Blue Corn and the purifying power of “Chia”, the Mayan word for “Strength”. The treatment also includes a nourishing massage with shea butter enriched with the regenerative benefits of calendula extract. Couples can reconnect with each other and renew their love through one of the Lovers Retreat rituals including the Eternal Romance Ritual which combines Swedish massage and hot stones with the exquisite aphrodisiac synergy of clove essential oil and wild roses. Rituals range from 90 to 120 minutes and are priced between $349 for a single treatment to $539 for the couple’s treatments.

The Naum Rituals were created to pay homage to oneself and the Mayan Gods, and to find harmony based on the guest’s selected area of wellness intention – whether that be Clarity (Tsoolik), Rest (He’lel), Strength (Muuk’) or Connection (Molcintah). Each Ritual is a three-part experience, alluding to the balancing nature of the number three with a beginning, middle and end. The Rituals begins with a Mayan Time of Reflection, followed by the treatment experience itself, and concludes with a Mayan Celebration to help guests balance and reconnect with themselves and the universe.

Apart from the traditional Rituals, spa guests can also choose from a selection of facials, massages and body treatments, many of which feature local and natural ingredients. Valuing the importance of the science of beauty care, Andaz Mayakoba created specific treatments in partnership with innovative beauty brands such as Naturopathica and Barbor, renowned for their high-quality formulas that contain natural plant extracts mixed with technology to combat a variety of skin problems. Highlights from the new menu include the following:

Naum Signature Treatment, 90 minutes, $316

This unique four-hand sensory treatment combines Volcanic Stones, Swedish Rhythmic techniques and a custom synergy of essential oils to stimulate the vital energy of the body, and brings all muscles and senses to maximum relaxation reaching the connection between mind, body and spirit.

Mayan Stone Massage, 60/90 minutes, $167/$237

This Mayan-influenced massage induces the flow of vital energy through the stimulation of each of the body’s centers, harmonizing mind, body and spirit, in addition to improving the circulatory system and releasing toxins from the skin.

Vitamin C Facial by Barbor, 60 minutes, $192

The Vitamin C Facial by Barbor is a true cosmetic jewel that contains a fresh texture and revitalizing citrus aroma for all skin types, including the most damaged. With an active concentrate of 20% Vitamin C, the treatment increases the production of collagen and the luminosity of the skin for a smoother complexion and firm and bright skin tone, protecting the skin from the sun.

Gentleman’s Facial by Barbor, 60 minutes, $192

The Gentleman’s Facial is a barber style facial designed for the demanding male skin, which is subject to stress. Taurec, the powerful exclusive active ingredient of the series BARBOR MEN, soothes the skin and enhances its energy and vitality.

Anti-Aging Facial by Naturopathica, 90 minutes, $264

In partnership with Naturopathica, the anti-aging facial is a reparative, regenerating and corrective treatment that combats the signs of aging. Active ingredients Argan Plant Stem Cells, Matrixyl synthe’6 and a Tri-Retional blend work together to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin tone and firmness.

Xoco – Tequila Body Wrap, 60 minutes, $187

This locally inspired treatment revitalizes the skin and combats stress with powerful Mexican antioxidants. Chocolate and tequila, in addition to being delicious delicacies, have the ability to preserve beauty and youth while relaxing the mind and senses on a path to emotional well-being.

Jade Oro y Plata Body Wrap, 60 minutes, $187

This natural body treatment embodies mineral and dazzling wisdom with this ancestral elixir of jade, gold and silver, stimulating cell regeneration, blood circulation and bringing luminosity to the skin.

The spa offers an array of additional services ranging from hand and feet rituals to wellness experiences including yoga, meditation and personal training. Access to Naum Spa’s Hydrotherapy services are complimentary with the purchase of any spa ritual.

“After seeing the success of our Naum Wellness & Spa in our first year of opening, we are excited to debut a completely refreshed menu for our valued guests,” said Spa Manager Daniel Escalante. “We have partnered with innovative beauty brands that share our values of sustainability and holistic well-being and have introduced new treatments and rituals that incorporate indigenous methods and local ingredients that are native to Mexico. From the moment they step in the spa, guests will have a completely immersive and authentic experience into the region’s nature and culture.”

For more information, visit: http://mayakoba.andaz.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html.

About Andaz Mayakoba Resort Rivera Maya
The newest addition to idyllic Mayakoba, Andaz Mayakoba Resort in Rivera Maya, Mexico invites guests to a hidden paradise – a place where style meets nature in an innovative hospitality experience. The resort’s breathtaking design reflects the native Mayan culture and features 214 guestrooms, including 41 luxury suites. Stimulating upscale experiences entertain guests, whether immersing in a lushly preserved mangrove environment, sunbathing in one of two outdoor pools, relaxing in the 10,000-square-foot Naum Wellness and Spa, experiencing the state-of-the-art Kimbo Kid’s Club, or unwinding on the pristine white sanded Caribbean beach. For meetings and events, the property offers 14,000 square-feet of versatile indoor and outdoor meeting space. Additionally, four unique restaurants and bars offer the distinguished culinary experiences for which Andaz® hotels are known for, and all with stunning views of the pools, lagoon, and ocean. Andaz Mayakoba Resort brings to life locally inspired and indigenous experiences and authentic Mexican hospitality. For more information, please visit andazmayakoba.com and follow at facebook.com/andazmayakoba, twitter.com/andazmayakoba, and instagram.com/andazmayaoba.mx.

About Andaz
Global in scale while local in perspective, Andaz hotels weave the sights, sounds and tastes of their surroundings into each property for an experience that truly immerses guests in the eclectic culture of each local destination. Through personalized, unscripted service, Andaz creates a barrier-free environment where guests are encouraged to explore their personal sense of style and become inspired by the spirit of the culture around them. Sixteen Andaz hotels are currently open: Andaz 5th Avenue and Andaz Wall Street in New York, Andaz San Diego, Andaz West Hollywood, Andaz Napa, Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Spa, Andaz Savannah, Andaz Maui at Wailea, Andaz Ottawa Byward Market, Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica, Andaz London Liverpool Street, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, Andaz Delhi, Andaz Xintiandi in Shanghai, and Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills. For more information, please visit andaz.com. Follow @Andaz on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and tag photos with #WhenInAndaz.

Sophie Simmons Hits Top 40 Billboard Charts

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Sophie Simmons, daughter of Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed, has been noticed as an artist on the rise in 2018 with the release of her singles “Black Mirror”, “Burn Me Down”, “Paper Cut”, and now, “sabotage”. The independent artist has not only charted on Billboard for months straight, but has been featured on the top Spotify and Apple Music playlists for her releases, as well as found regular play on Top 40 radio nationwide. Known for her sultry vocals, she’s co-written and sung on over 2 dozen tracks released with various dance artists throughout the industry such as The Galaxy, Yellow Claw, Cesqeaux, Rytmeklubben, Kidswaste, Different Heaven and many more. As if she doesn’t seem busy enough, Sophie runs a child advocacy center called Sophie’s Place in her second home: Vancouver, Canada. The multi-talented artist has several more releases on the horizon before the year is over, so be sure to keep your eyes on this “one to watch”.

Valee Releases Video For “Juice & Gin”

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G.O.O.D music artist, Valee releases music video for “Juice & Gin.”

Elements NYC Festival Celebrates Five Years

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After a hugely successful exploration into art and music at Elements Lakewood 3 day camping festival in May. BangOn!’s Elements NYC Music and Art Festival returns to New York City on Saturday, August 11th to celebrate its fifth anniversary. Taking place at Hunts Point in the Bronx, the festival welcomes Bassnectar, Emancipator, Desert Dwellers, Snakehips, SNBRN, Goldfish, Justin Jay and more top names as it announces the final set times. Blending an industrial waterfront location with visionary technology, out-of-this-world immersive art, interactive performances and mind blowing musical talent, Elements NYC is a must this summer for lovers of quality music and art with a passion for exploring the latest in creative innovation.

Elements NYC 2018 taps one of its most exciting lineups to date, bringing 32 artists together across dubstep, house, funk and more to perform across five uniquely themed stages. Bass music heavyweight Bassnectar headlines the bill with downtempo guru Emancipator, British hip-hop duo Snakehips, California’s own Dirtybird Players with Justin Jay and Sacha Robotti and many more joining the roster. Elements also takes the experience beyond music alone, meticulously placing each artist at the stage that best fits their sound. Both emotional and heavy acts such as Bassnectar and Emancipator hit the Earth Stage, silky smooth artists like SNBRN and Goldfish grace the Water Stage, the lively Dirtybird Players take over the Fire Stage, and ethereal rising performers like Dance Spirit (Live), Lost Desert and more land at the Air Stage.

Elevating beyond the music, Elements NYC curates an immersive experience unlike any other with ‘Art of the Future’ showcasing installations and technology-driven pieces from 14 artists. Marpi will present a take on interactive, large-scale projection mapping using Kinect (a line of motion sensing devices), while photographer Jarid Blue will use human bodies as his canvas to project digital imagery. Utilizing mixed media, Justin Wood will combine projections with mirrors and fog, and LED sculptures by Orbism will pulse to attendees heartbeats. Rhizome will showcase stunning projection mapping using CNC design creating incredible textures and depth, meanwhile Seth Hosko & Dan Ragan will treat festival goers to an immersive audio and video sound experience. Other notable installations include a sensor-based infinity mirror that responds to one’s presence by Brendan Burke, a sculpture by Vicki Lam using mixed media technology that combines projections with UV light and water, “Salix Vivifica,” a weeping willow by Dom Romaniello & Rachel Smucker that uses sensor-based misters, and “Whispers in the Grove” a collection of LEDS and sensors that respond to sound by Mirabai Howard-Geoghan, Kathy Creutzburg, and Natalia Lesniak.

After wowing attendees in Lakewood with their exceptional decor, the creative team led by Julianne Irene has collaborated with 30 artists to transform Hunts Point into an interactive playground that begs to be explored. Fans will be impressed by climbable structures and the Lotus art car by Eagle Rock Studios, an alien garden known as the ‘Galactic Green House,’ and ‘Pipe Dreams’ – a dark cosmic peep show hidden inside a silo. Other decor that is sure to impress includes pyro at the Fire Stage and psychedelic alien-esque trees growing throughout the Earth Stage by Chateau Brooklyn. Bringing all five art cars from Lakewood, the iconic pirate ship last seen sailing in Pennsylvania will drop the anchor on land serving as the Water Stage. Numerous performers will roam the grounds including Team Kitty Koalition comprised of gogo and choreo dancers, stilt walkers, aerialists, fire, LED performers and thrilling over the top circus antics and jaw-dropping dance numbers with Fou Fou Ha. For those looking to partake in some fun-filled physical activities, festival goers can head over to the Big Kids Carnival Games presented by funtender Rawb Lane. Fans can test their skills at knocking down targets at The Wet Paint Pitch, drop it like it’s hot at The Bass Drop vertical target game and after dark, join in on a glow-in-the-dark Champagne Ring-Toss. For those needing to refuel, a plethora of food vendors on site will cater to every palate with options varying from tacos to burgers, Thai, Mediterranean, vegan rolls, lobster rolls and slushies. Keeping health and wellness in mind, Elements will also host an abundance of workshops, bass yoga, sound healing, meditation and much more making this one of the most diverse and engaging festival experiences to hit the East Coast this year.

Advance tickets available now via Night Out.

Ferrari: Race to Immortality

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“It’s definitely a film worth watching.”
-Forbes

“Grand Prix racing in the 1950s is shown as being an utterly lethal pastime
in this fascinating documentary.”
-The Independent

“A visual treat for fans of fast cars.”
-Radio Times

At the centre of it all was Enzo Ferrari, a towering figure in motor racing and patriarch of Ferrari who dared to dream about speed in ways nobody else could. Amidst the stiff competition within his team, two of its stars, Peter Collins and Mike Hawthorn, decided that their friendship was as important as winning the next race.

Ferrari: Race to Immortality tells the story of the loves and losses, triumphs and tragedy of Ferrari’s most decorated drivers in an era where it was la dolce vita during the week and a coin toss of whether they lived or died on the weekend.

Get the trailer from YouTube here and download from here.

Ferrari: Race to Immortality

Leave a reply

“It’s definitely a film worth watching.”
-Forbes

“Grand Prix racing in the 1950s is shown as being an utterly lethal pastime
in this fascinating documentary.”
-The Independent

“A visual treat for fans of fast cars.”
-Radio Times

The 1950s. Dawn of the iconic Scuderia Ferrari in the Formula One World Championship and deadliest decade in motor racing history. As cars pushed the limits of human ingenuity, drivers lived on a knife edge between life and death.
At the centre of it all was Enzo Ferrari, a towering figure in motor racing and patriarch of Ferrari who dared to dream about speed in ways nobody else could. Amidst the stiff competition within his team, two of its stars, Peter Collins and Mike Hawthorn, decided that their friendship was as important as winning the next race.

Get the trailer from YouTube here and download here.

Ferrari: Race to Immortality

Leave a reply

“It’s definitely a film worth watching.”
-Forbes

“Grand Prix racing in the 1950s is shown as being an utterly lethal pastime
in this fascinating documentary.”
-The Independent

“A visual treat for fans of fast cars.”
-Radio Times

Get the trailer from YouTube here and download from here.

Pirelli Design Launches Audio Speaker

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July 24, 2018 – Pirelli has joined forces with IXOOST, an Italian firm from Modena that specializes in high-end car audio, to create a new sound experience inspired by motorsport. The result is an exclusive hi-fi system that includes a cutting-edge Bluetooth™ speaker within a replica Wind Tunnel Tire: made by Pirelli for Formula 1™ Teams to conduct aerodynamic testing.

The wind tunnel is a vital tool for Formula 1™ Teams to study every aspect of air flow, in their unending search for optimal performance – where the tires play a vital role as well.

And from the scale-model F1™ Wind Tunnel tire, PIRELLI P ZERO™ sound by IXOOST was born. This is a mini tire that sets new standards of design and technology, traveling its own road when it comes to music.

The acoustic system includes a powerful amplifier with a 100-watt digital signal processor and is equipped with a 100-millimeter midwoofer as well as a 25-millimeter silk tweeter. The whole system is made entirely in Italy by IXOOST, featuring hand-crafted unique touches and attention to detail.

With the most advanced 4.0 Bluetooth™ APTX technology, PIRELLI P ZERO™ sound can connect wirelessly to smartphones and other compatible devices, enhancing the audio signal in wireless mode and ensuring the best possible playback.

PIRELLI P ZERO™ Sound is available in nine different colors that reflect those used to distinguish the different racing compounds. Thanks to its appealing shape and extremely compact dimensions (330 millimeters diameter and maximum depth of 200 millimeters), this inspiring design piece will fit in anywhere, lending a unique and original touch to its surroundings.

The new speaker was previewed at the FORMULA 1 PIRELLI GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE 2018. PIRELLI P ZERO™ sound will be seen in the F1 Pirelli Hot Laps garage during other Grand Prixs this year.

JAPAN × UNIQUE ACCOMODATIONS

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JAPAN OFFERS UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Where to stay in Japan has become infinitely more interesting recently with a growing range of unique accommodations. From temples steeped in history, to renowned art installations doubling as hotels, the country’s lodging offerings extend much farther than conventional hotels, resorts and even the ubiquitous and wonderful traditional Ryokan inns. Travelers throughout the country can now stay at a selection of unusual overnight alternatives and immerse themselves in Japan’s unparalleled culture, tradition and innovation.

Terahaku (Temple Stays)

Launched on July 18, 2018, the new Terahaku project (meaning “temple stay”) allows travelers to look for, view and book stays at temples online through a dedicated search engine. In its first phase, Terahaku will initially feature 100 temples, including the 1,300-year-old Mii-dera (also known as Onjo-ji Temple) near Japan’s largest lake, Biwa-Ko, in Shiga Prefecture. Over the next three years, the project will expand to stays at 1,000 temples.

For more information and how to book, visit: http://terahaku.jp/

Kyo no Ondokoro, Kyoto

The Kyo no Ondokoro project first opened in April 2018 and focuses on Kyomachiya houses that have stood for many years in traditional neighborhoods of Kyoto; the second location is slated to open in August 2018. Instead of operating Kyomachiya as townhouses, the company behind Kyo no Onkodoro, Wacoal, is breathing new life into the structures as “homes” that offer a comfortable lifestyle, available to guests looking for private, home-style accommodations. Kyo no Ondokoro offers guests traveling to Kyoto a luxurious home-away-from-home experience in a traditionally designed and tastefully appointed private house.

For more information and how to book, visit: http://www.kyo-ondokoro.kyoto/en/

House of Light, Niigata

House of Light is a meditative-inspired facility designed by world renowned artist, James Turrell; indeed, it is a fully immersive piece of art offering guests an overnight experience like nothing before. The unique structure represents the juxtaposition and incorporation of day and night, tradition and modern and the Eastern and the Western. Turrell’s inspiration for the House of Light comes from Junchiro Tanizaki’s essay In Praise of Shadows. The house was built as a space where one can experience living in light, by relating light inside to light outside. The House of Light incorporates elements such as a sliding roof so that guests can gaze through the open ceiling at the sky, tokonoma, the Japanese idiom for alcove, and shoji, traditional Japanese paper sliding doors.

For more information and how to book, visit: http://hikarinoyakata.com/eng/

Sasayama Castle Town Hotel NIPPONIA, Hyogo

Sasayama Castle Town Hotel NIPPONIA is a luxury resort located on the grounds of the 400-year-old town of Sasayama castle. The resort, which opened in 2015, “defends historical architecture” and allows guests to travel through space and time. NIPPONIA is the result of thoughtful design and architecture; the hotel respects the historical significance, culture and history of the land it sits upon. Comprised of five buildings scattered across the ancient village, guests can enjoy luxuriously appointed accommodations, French cuisine prepared by Grand Chef Shu Ishii, and more.

For more information and how to book, visit: http://www.sasayamastay.jp/

About Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

As the official tourism board of Japan, JNTO is involved in a wide range of promotional activities to encourage international travelers to visit Japan. Through a variety of campaigns and initiatives, JNTO is inspiring more American travelers to visit Tokyo, Kyoto and beyond, and is raising awareness of Japan in the lead-up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

For more information, visit us on our Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google+.

A Sinful Meal at Yauatcha

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Some meals are sinful. Their decadence almost ensures your glutinous damnation. Each minuscule morsel is ravenously devoured with the same lustful rapture say a night of carnal pleasure on a secluded, moonlit beach delivers. It’s wrong, but desire overcomes your senses and you lose your sense of time, space, and all forms of manners in polite company. That’s what Yauatcha delivers a damning dining experience that’s worth turning over your soul to the devil.

Yauatcha is the creation of Alan Yau, a London-based restauranteur who’s most notable restaurant Hakkasan, has transformed over the years from a Michelin-starred restaurant in London’s chic West End, to a full-blown empire that now includes one of the hottest night clubs in all of Sin City. Yauatcha, however, represents a return to Yau’s roots and heritage and does so with the same exacting nature and attention to detail as his other endeavors. Primarily a Dim Sum restaurant, Yauatcha in Waikiki could perhaps give Yau his next Michelin Star; at least that’s what my taste buds tell me.

As a child, my first experience with dim sum came by way of my extended family. Their recipes were one of my fondest childhood memories and what I looked forward to devouring every time we visited. Chief among those recipes I yearned for was one for Char Siu Bao, a sticky, squishy, sumptuous rice flour dumpling filled with BBQ pork. I could pontificate on this humble little bun for days, but suffice it to say, I judge Dim Sum on their Char Siu Bao. Yauatcha’s did not disappoint.

The three Char Siu Bao buns were like clouds. These little balls of heaven dissolved in my mouth as if they were made of cotton candy. And the BBQ pork is buttery and savory and absolutely mouth-wateringly splendid. I’ve had oodles of Bao before, and as I mentioned earlier, I grew up eating them. These, these perfectly white little bubbles of sweet, sweet pork are on another level. Sorry, Grandma Amy.

Up next were Yauatcha’s venison puffs. As with all of the restaurant’s servings, they can be shared, although take a bite of any offering and you may wish you had come alone. The venison puffs are a new take on other traditional dim sum, but elevated to a level of refinement I scarcely believe can be pulled off day after day. They’re smoky bite-sized pieces of heaven. The crust is flakier than your mother’s, or grandmothers, lard-baked apple pie. It’s as buttery too. Yauatcha uses clarified butter throughout the cooking process, including in the pastry dough. The chef meticulously applies the butter to the crust layer after layer, letting each seal the smoky meat underneath in a pristine eggshell-like capsule. Cracked open and the meat still steams. We ordered two plates of the venison puffs as there wasn’t enough.

Our waiter Joey, who had been lovely throughout the night, suggested we then try two other dishes, the Jasmine Tea Ribs as well as the Prawn and Crispy Bean Curd. We nodded incessantly to both suggestions; our mouth’s salivating after the beautifully scrumptious dishes prior.

A quick aside, Yauatcha’s wait staff is knowledgeable and passionate about the food. They know how each dish is constructed and how fresh the ingredients are, all of which are practically still mooing, growing, or photosynthesizing. Yauatcha’s staff is exactly how restaurants want their staff to behave and every damn restauranteur needs to take notice of Yauatcha, their execution is perfection distilled.

As for Joey’s suggestions, they couldn’t be any more spot on. The first out were the Jasmine Tea Ribs. AS they come in a half-rack, Joey split up the ribs at the table so as none of the important juices left the plate. However, he could’ve blown on the ribs and they would’ve split, as calling them fall-off-the-bone wouldn’t do these ribs justice. Imagine the finest, most indulgent Swiss chocolate as it melts in your mouth. That’s almost the same texture of the Jasmine Tea Ribs. They almost liquefy, leaving nothing but a spring-cleaning devoured bone that you’ll suck on like a lollipop due to the jasmine smoke permeating the bones themselves. Yauatcha additionally coats the ribs in a sweet, slightly smoky sauce that’ll have you asking where you can buy a bottle of it. Sadly, you can’t.

With my first healthy bite of the Prawn and Crispy Bean Curd, I uttered “Holy Moses!” After hearing my exaltation from across the quiet and reserved room, Joey came over, looked at my face, which surely made my emotions well-known, and told me it was his favorite dish on the menu. I’m not sure how to even describe the dish itself outside of writing how I think my grunts, groans, and moans are spelled. There’s a soft, luscious texture of this dish that makes you think you’re actually eating something much more high-class, something more similar to caviar or a truffled steak. The prawns are crispy, yet the overall texture is soft. The flavors are both bold, yet demure. No ingredient overpowers the others. They brought us eight pieces, I wish it was twelve.

We additionally paired our meal with a 12 year old sake that came in an ingenious glass that featured an ice recess on the outside of the bottle ensuring that the sake was perfectly chilled and water-free, and a glorious Japanese take on a Moscow mule—Virginia Black whiskey, ginger, cardamom, vanilla, lemongrass, lemon and ginger beer. They were everything we could’ve asked for.

Yauatcha’s lineage traces back to Yau’s flagship restaurant in London, where the Yau earned a Michelin star. You might think that some of the first restaurant’s greatness would get lost in transit across the Atlantic, but you’d be dead wrong. Yauatcha in Waikiki deserves every ounce of praise as the flagship location in the West End. Between the lovely wait staff and the knowledge that they bring, and the food they prepare with all the delicacy, precision, and care of a brain surgeon, you’ll have one of the best meals in your life. I know I did.