WINE SPECTATOR’S 2008 “BEST OF AWARD OF EXCELLENCE” AWARD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HONOLULU, August 6, 2008 – Halekulani is pleased to announce La Mer’s recent recognition by Wine Spectator for the 2008 “Best of Award of Excellence,” the only restaurant in Oahu to receive this honor. This prestigious award recognizes restaurants for their rare and extensive wine list and remarkable menu pairing, inspiring an unforgettable dining experience for the most discriminating wine enthusiasts. La Mer, Hawaii’s only AAA Five-Diamond restaurant for the past 18-consecutive years, is celebrated for its masterful dining and service, overlooking the magic and romance of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.
La Mer’s unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and innovation is revealed through impeccable neo-classic French cuisine and its distinguished wine menu, carefully selected by Kevin Toyama, Halekulani Sommelier and Randy Ching, Halekulani Wine Manager. Of note, Randy Ching, recent recipient of the “2008 Passionate Wine Service Award” also played an integral role in developing Halekulani’s exclusive and distinctive Halekulani Designer Wines.
“It is an honor to receive such a respected industry award,” said Sabine Glissmann Director of Food and Beverage at Halekulani. “To be the only Oahu restaurant to receive this recognition is a true testament of La Mer’s culinary team, in particular Randy and Kevin, who are dedicated to providing each guest with a consistent and comprehensive food and wine dining experience.”
About WINE SPECTATOR
To qualify for this award, each menu must hold up to the highest of standards. Wine Spectator bestows three esteemed award categories to which the lists are considered.
Award of Excellence
3,254 winners
The basic award, for lists that offer a well-chosen selection of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Typically, these lists offer at least 100 selections.
Best of Award of Excellence
802 winners
The second-tier award, created to give special recognition to restaurants that clearly exceed the requirements of the Award of Excellence. These lists display either vintage depth, with vertical offerings of several top producers from major regions, or excellent breadth spread over several winegrowing regions. These wine lists typically offer 400 or more selections, along with superior presentation.
Grand Award
73 winners
The highest award, given to restaurants that show an uncompromising, passionate devotion to the quality of their wine program. These restaurants typically offer 1,500 selections or more, and feature serious breadth of top producers, outstanding depth in mature vintages, a selection of large-format bottles, excellent harmony with the menu and superior organization, presentation and wine service.
La Mer’s eighteen years of excellence have been filled with accolades and remarkable reviews of its fine food and wine. Since 1996, La Mer’s Chef de Cuisine, Yves Garnier, has perfected the culinary craft of marrying French cuisine with Hawaiian culture – a creation he calls "cuisine du soleil" or cuisine of the sun. The inspiration for such a unique blend stems from Chef Garnier’s impressive past in the restaurant industry, where he served as chef de cuisine at La Coupole in the Mirabeau Hotel and the Ritz-Carlton Hotels in San Francisco and Florida. As a Michelin-starred chef and expert of French cuisine, it is no doubt that Chef Garnier’s past experiences, dedication and culinary ingenuity have played a key role in La Mer’s reputation as one of the top restaurants in the world.
La Mer features an exquisite Degustation Menu available for $150 per person. The masterful experience includes a decadent nine-course array that begins with champagne and amuse bouche and offers a bounty of the finest ingredients available. All Halekulani menus, including the new vegetarian dining options, are trans-fat free to ensure a healthy and enjoyable eating experience unique to Halekulani.
La Mer’s exclusive collection of Designer Wines by the leading producers around the world include, CUVEE “LACE” Chardonnay by Winemaker Gary Burk of Costa De Oro Vineyards, Santa Maria, California; CUVEE “JOY” Riesling by Dr. F. Weins-Prum, Mosel, Germany, Graacher Domprobst, Kabinett; CUVEE “SILK” Meritage-Red by Winemaker Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat Winery, Santa Maria, California; “CLOS WINDSBUHL” Chardonnay by Winemaker Olivier Humbrecht of Domaine Zindhumbrecht, Alsace, France and “CELEBRATE” Cabernet Sauvignon by Winemaker Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat Winery, Santa Maria, California.
###
Director of Public Relations
Hotes & Resorts of Halekulani
diane.ako@halekulanicorp.com
Phone: (808) 535-0623
Fax: (808) 536-8794
Director
Evins Communication, Ltd.
maureen.gillespie@evins.com
212.377.3591
212.935-6730
www.evins.com
Account Executive, Travel & Hospitality
Evins Communications, LTD.
martha.pulido@evins.com
Phone: (212) 377-3581
Fax: (212) 935-6730