Hyatt Regency Maui’s Japengo dining room. Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Maui.

Japengo at Hyatt Regency Maui is launching its 2016 Tastemaker Dinners with a special kick-off dinner hosted by the restaurant’s own chefs. The “Our Roots” dinner will happen on Friday, Feb.19 and feature five courses of Pacific Rim cuisine.

Japengo’s culinary team of Chef Gevin Utrillo and Chef Jin Hosono crafted a five-course menu of dishes that have influenced their growth as chefs. Punctuated by ingredients local to Maui, the menu celebrates the unique bounty of the island and Pacific Rim flavors. The Maui Tastemakers program features dinners, events, tastings, and special menus, presented in partnership with local, Maui-based purveyors. The series gives resort visitors and Maui locals the opportunity to connect with the food and drinks, along with the personalities behind them, in an intimate and interactive setting.

Held at the resort’s award-winning Japengo restaurant in Lahaina, the “Our Roots” event will feature five courses of Pacific Rim cuisine, each highlighting influences in the Chefs’ past. The menu for the evening features: Iwai Temari Sushi, OnoMazé Poké Roll, Gyoku with Sea Eel, “Pūlehu Style” Sous Vide Steak, and Banana Butter Mochi Lumpia.

“The ‘Our Roots’ menu features some of my favorite Pacific Rim flavors and ingredients at Japengo,” explains Gevin Utrillo, Japengo Chef de Cuisine. “Each dish highlights special influences from mine and Chef Jin’s past, like the Pūlehu-style steak, one of my favorite family recipes.”

The Tastemakers dinner will start at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 19 and is priced at $90 per person, excluding gratuity and tax. To make your reservation, call Japengo at (808) 667-4727.

Future Tastemaker dates will be announced in the coming weeks. The resort looks forward to partnering with local Maui brands, including Maui Brewing Company, Simpli Fresh Farms, Ocean Vodka and Kona Brewing.

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