I went on a quick weekend getaway to Oahu recently.  My friends and I decided to eat at Morimoto Waikiki since it was right at The Modern Honolulu where we were staying.

We shared a bottle of Morimoto sake. We enjoyed the Morimoto Sashimi-Seared Toro, Smoked Salmon, Eel, Tuna, Hamachi with Five Sauces. I was expecting to be served a sashimi moriawase style plate, but this was an artfully presented delicious combination of sashimi.

Hamachi Carpaccio was my favorite dish of the evening.  It was clean tasting and lightly sauced.  The flavor of the hamachi came through beautifully.

Oyster Foie Gras–Market Oysters, Foie Gras, Uni, Teriyaki Sauce.  I was looking forward to this dish since it is a trio of decadence in one bite.  I think I would have liked it better without the teriyaki sauce so that the flavors of each item came through more, but it was tasty.

Yose Dofu–Tofu Prepared Tableside, Kimchi Sauce, Dashi Broth.  The tofu was very good. When the restaurant says the tofu is prepared tableside, they mean that they bring a stoneware pot, put the liquidy tofu ingredients in it and heat it for about ten minutes. After waiting the requisite ten minutes, the bowl is uncovered and the liquid in the bowl has magically transformed into a delicous warm bowl of freshly made tofu. The silky tofu paired with the kimchi soup was very tasty.  The dashi broth was a close second.

Spicy Alaskan King Crab–Tobanjan Aioli, Tobiko, Micro Cilantro.  I love Alaskan king crab and this was meaty and easy to eat, but I thought the spicy sauce was overpowering. Like the oyster dish, I would have preferred less sauce so that the flavor of the crab can come through.  Nonetheless–this was a spicy, crabby party in my mouth.

Ramen Soup–Morimoto Chicken Noodle Soup.  We ended our meal with a bowl of broth and noodles. The noodles were perfectly chewy and the chicken broth was the perfect accompaniment. This was a great end to a memorable dinner.

My friends and I shared everything that was served and finished every dish. Our server, Brandon, was patient with us and provided excellent and personable service. We were the last table out of the restaurant. Good food, good friends, good fun. Living Hilo Style.