Halekulani Announces the Debut of L'Aperitif Epicurean Concept

Inspired by the extraordinary French cocktail culture of the late 19th Century, L’Aperitif is located in La Mer, Halekulani’s finest and Hawaii’s longest consecutively ranked AAA Five Diamond Restaurant. The creation of this new aperitif experience is part of a comprehensive Renewal at Halekulani, incorporating the founding values that have made Halekulani an iconic global destination.

“This new historically-based bar concept is a nod to the Belle Époque – a period of French history when peace and prosperity allowed the arts and sophisticated Parisian social culture to reach unprecedented heights from the latter nineteenth century until the start of World War I. Reflecting the French neo-classical cuisine philosophy which is the enduring hallmark of La Mer, the aperitif was the very symbol of Belle Époque lifestyle that encouraged the period’s remarkable joie de vivre, where individuals relaxed and celebrated life through fine spirits and social interaction,” said Peter Shaindlin, Chief Operating Officer of Halekulani Corporation. “L’Aperitif pays tribute to this classical French tradition and cultural pastime while also celebrating Halekulani’s precious legacy.”

L’Aperitif may be enjoyed as a prelude to fine dining at La Mer or other Halekulani restaurants, or simply as its own destination experience. Conceived by Halekulani and executed in close collaboration with the legendary Ritz Paris and Head Barman Colin Field of its iconic Hemingway Bar, the elegant yet relaxed L’Aperitif spirits and amuse bouche offerings whet the appetite without overwhelming the senses. Field, long recognized as “Best Barman in the World” by Forbes and other luxury media institutions, consulted in the bar’s overall redevelopment including staff training and creation of unique aperitif and menu pairings in tandem with Halekulani’s renowned chefs.

Halekulani Executive Chef Vikram Garg and La Mer Chef de Cuisine Alexandre Tranche have created unique food pairings to complement L’Aperitif’s cocktail offerings. Signature cocktails include The Serendipity and Hemingway Old Fashioned. Small samplings such as Oyster with Lychee Ginger Sorbet, Sumak Shrimp with Sweet Chili Aioli, Big Island Goat Cheese with Cinnamon Tuile and Pickled Beetroot are featured on the menu’s Cocktail Accompagnements.

“L’Aperitif fuses Halekulani’s indigenous Hawaiian hospitality and unmatched levels of personalized service and quality with The Ritz Paris’ timeless elegance and incomparable sophistication, creating a consummate epicurean experience that is not duplicated anywhere else in the world,” said Shaindlin.

L’Aperitif is open from 6pm to 10pm daily, reservations not required. Gentlemen are asked to wear long-sleeved collared shirts, jackets encouraged. As an elegant fine dining restaurant, La Mer restricts patrons to adults and children 8 years or older.

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