Gather around the ‘Ohana Table to Connect & Customize

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“The best moments are surrounded by food.”

Alongside a beautiful Hawaiian hardwood table at Black Rock Kitchen laden with food, Chris Lederer’s observation rings true. The executive sous chef at Sheraton Maui says the ‘Ohana Table was a collective idea to make group dining effortless, interactive and memorable.

“For me, having dinner with my family’s a big thing,” says Lederer, who crafts and presents each dish. “Especially nowadays with all the technology, people sometimes forget that aspect of life and enjoying your family.”

Whether family, friends or business colleagues, the ‘Ohana Table accommodates eight to 10 guests, who work with Sheraton staff in advance to create a custom menu.

It includes a choice of one salad, one starter, two entrées and two desserts per party, all of which are served family-style. The special menu is priced at $89 per person, not including tax and gratuity.

Featured salads and starters choices are classic Caesar, Waipoli greens, pork belly bao buns, barbecue baby back ribs and Alaskan crab cakes. For entrées, one meat and one seafood dish will be included, with selections like grilled bone-in ribeye, fresh island catch, grilled chicken and jumbo shrimp. The menu also includes a Maui vegetable medley and choice of one shareable starch of garlic fried rice, roasted baby potatoes or mashed potatoes. Diners will finish on a sweet note with Chef Lederer’s signature poi beignets and peanut butter paradise pie.

“Poi beignets for dessert are excellent; it’s a twist on a french donut,” explains Lederer. “I use taro and poi, it’s really light, airy and sweet.”

For parties interested in upgrading to other entrée offerings, menu enhancements are available, like the 36-ounce Australian Wagyu tomahawk steak or the bubu arare and sesame crusted seared ahi.

Sheraton Executive Sous Chef Chris Lederer interacts with diners at the ‘Ohana Table. Photo by Kiaora Bohlool

36-ounce Australian Wagyu tomahawk steak, avialable as a menu upgrade at the ‘Ohana Table. Photo by Kiaora Bohlool.

Salad option at the ‘Ohana Table. Photo by Kiaora Bohlool.

Black Rock Kitchen at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kā‘anapali. Photo by Kiaora Bohlool.

Sweet potato offering at Black Rock Kitchen’s ‘Ohana Table. Photo by Kiaora Bohlool.

Kiaora Bohlool at Black Rock Kitchen in Kā‘anapali.

Vegetables and fish at the ‘Ohana Table, available at Black Rock Kitchen. Photo by Kiaora Bohlool.

The ‘Ohana Table seats eight to ten guests at Black Rock Kitchen. Photo by Kiaora Bohlool.

Kauai Prawns and Ahi Poke’tini, offered in support of Localicious Hawai‘i at Sheraton Maui through March. Courtesy photo.

“The dinner table is where you often gather and celebrate with your ‘ohana,” said Tetsuji Yamazaki, general manager of Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. “We wanted to create a special place for friends, neighbors, and family to share food and talk story, and the ‘Ohana Table at Black Rock Kitchen is the perfect venue to do that.”

Reservations for the ‘Ohana table can be made starting now, with one booking per evening during Black Rock Kitchen’s dinner hours from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sheraton offers kama’āina rates of 20% off food, and Happy Hour at the nearby Cliff Dive bar overlooking the pool.

Black Rock Kitchen is also taking part in the Localicious Hawai’i campaign, running through the end of March. One dollar from every Ahi Poketini starter and Kauai Prawns entrée sold during that time will go toward the Hawai’i Agriculture Foundation to promote ag education in public schools. Learn more about Localicious Hawai’i and the participating Maui restaurants in our article.

Chef Lederer, who was born and raised on O’ahu and received much of his training and experience through Roy’s restaurants, says the ‘Ohana Table menus can be tailored to those with food allergies, gluten intolerance, or just specific tastes. He likes to keep the vibe more casual, intimate and personable.

“Definitely connecting with the guests is a big thing for me,” he says. “I’m always in the dining room as much as I can, so coming out to the table, have me cooking for you, it’s something special, it should definitely be remembered.”

Reservations for the ‘Ohana Table must be made at least 24 hours in advance; call 808-662-8059 or visit Sheraton Maui’s website to get your group a spot.