The Maui Tastemakers Series returns to Japengo at Hyatt Regency Maui, and will feature cuisine prepared by Japengo Chef de Cuisine Gevin Utrillo, Sushi Chef Jin Hosono and handcrafted cocktails pairings from Ocean Vodka each Friday throughout the month.

Vodka Braised Veal Osso Buco with hamakua mushroom risotto, tatsoi, pancetta and shiso gremolata, paired with Ali’i Kula Lavender Cocktail. Photo Courtesy

Friday Maui Tastemakers dinners in May will feature a $75 prix fixe three-course menu accentuated by handcrafted Ocean Vodka cocktails. Distilled on Maui, Ocean Vodka uses deep ocean mineral water and organic cane sugar. The menu includes:

· Ocean Vodka Marinated Tuna Carpaccio with shio leaf, ogo, rice crackers, yuzu pepper, mango pearls, paired with Halona Kai Sunset

· Vodka Braised Veal Osso Buco with hamakua mushroom risotto, tatsoi, pancetta and shiso gremolata, paired with Ali’i Kula Lavender Cocktail

· Chocolate Decadence Tart with vodka sabayon, vodka macerated strawberries, paired with Raspberry Vanilla Wai’ona

The Maui Tastemakers Series features dining experiences carefully crafted around and inspired by its local partners. Beginning in January 2017, the award-winning Japengo restaurant will offer a tastemakers dining experience each Friday every other month to showcase our area’s outstanding food and drink, and the personalities behind them in an intimate and interactive setting.

Japengo is open nightly featuring dinner and sushi bar service from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., lounge service from 5 to 10 p.m., and happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m.

For more information about Japengo or to make a reservation for an upcoming Tastemakers dinner, visit the Japengo website or call 808-667-4727.