New Raw Bar at Duo, Four Seasons, Maui
Sipping salty oysters is one of James’ favorite activities, so when we heard about the new “raw bar” at Duo at the Four Seasons, we called our foodie friend Adiel and set a date.
(It’s not technically a raw bar, because a few items are cooked – but I guess it’s sexier to say “raw bar” rather than “seafood bar.”)
You can visit the bar once for an appetizer course, or do what Adiel and James did and get the “Endless Catch” entree … an all-you-can-eat option that, once ordered, signals to tablemates (me, in this instance) that much of their time will be spent alone as the seafoodies visit the bar once, twice, and, yes, possibly, oh-okay-what-the-heck a third time.
(I met a very nice family at the next table, similarly abandoned by half of their members who couldn’t help but go back for “maybe one more oyster.” We agreed that gorgeous filet mignon does not quite make up for the absence of our loved ones. Some dealt with the loneliness and extended mealtime by posting on Facebook; others by ordering a second dessert. It didn’t really matter what we did – no one eating oysters noticed that there was anything amiss. I’d bet breakfast that James, after reading this, will express surprise that I felt such a loner at this meal, which he remembers as a beautiful, sharing experience. With Adiel.)
The Endless Catch is $60, and overall we felt it was a fair deal. The offerings change depending upon what is seasonal and available, of course, but when we visited there were five types of oysters, steamed crab legs, gigantic prawns, two beautiful ceviches, and tako (octopus). (In case you’re wondering, yes, the cold-water creatures (crabs, oysters, etc.) are all flown in, as they ALWAYS are in Hawaii.)
I believe this raw bar, which sits to your left as you enter the restaurant (and on the night we visited was manned by Mike Termini, who we recognized from his stint on Hell’s Kitchen), is available only on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, so if you’re interested, make sure you mention it when you make reservations. (808) 874-8000
April 8, 2011 @ 5:10 pm
i notice you never revue our favorite restaurant on maui, pacific 0’s. there is no better place for lunch or dinner, for fresh greens, and great fresh fish. why not give them a nod once in a while? we have never seen you plug this 4 star establishment……
April 15, 2011 @ 3:05 pm
Aloha Paul, and thanks for commenting! Ummm, have you read our book? I think you’ll find that Pacific’O’s is highly rated 😉 Also, Chef James is a guest blogger for us once in a while (search James McDonald and you will find his posts). However, it happens I DO have a blog post in the works about two recent meals at Pacific’O, so thanks for the nudge. By the way, when we blog on this site the posts are neither reviews (those are in the book) or “plugs,” which implies that we have been compensated in some way by the restaurant in question. We are never compensated; we pay for all our meals, and we don’t give plugs. We just write about the most important of our many recent meals. Happy dining!