Binchotan Grand Opening Offers Lively AfterHours At Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i
NETWORKING—Superb food, a lovely setting and an air of excited anticipation was enjoyed by Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce members at the November AfterHours, which doubled as the grand opening for Binchotan Bar & Grill at the Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i.
AfterHours attendees supped on an array of grilled skewers, handcrafted sushi and decadent desserts as the sun sank into the horizon. Resort GM Kelly Cosgrove performed a ribbon cutting to officially open the new indoor-outdoor dining hub to a rousing round of applause.
Binchotan is a multi-million dollar renovation of the former Norioʻs Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar. The open design of the 1,500-square foot restaurant includes woodwork, woven rope furniture and metallic finishes while weaving evocative Hawaiian patterns in a fiery red and charcoal palette. An indoor dining room, full-service bar and alfresco dining patio with two fire pits completes the space.
Executive Chef David Vivano said the new restaurant concept was inspired by the age-old tradition of grilling meat, seafood and produce over an open flame. Binchotan Chef de Cuisine is Kaua‘i native Justin Kalaluhi, who detailed the eveningʻs food offerings.
Signature Bichotan dishes include the Robatayaki Experience—chef’s selection of grilled items such as shishito peppers, tiger prawns and short ribs—and Okonomiyaki, Kona lobster and Macadamia Nut Shrimp drizzled with honey from the property’s beehives. A full-service bar serves artisan cocktails, premium sake and a vast collection of whiskey.
Binchotan is open for dinner Thursday-Monday and reservations are recommended, 808-887-7320. The next AfterHours is a holiday celebration Wednesday, December 11 at the W.M Keck Observatory headquarters in Waimea. Chamber attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift for a keiki in lieu of the usual $15 admission fee; any fees collected will be donated to purchase holiday gifts for children by Family Support Hawaii. Signup at kona-kohala.com or phone 808-329-1758.