Morimoto Maui

04-21: Another quiet and peaceful day. We had a delightful walk on the beach and watched the waves for a little while. I am surprised at the large number of people on the beach for a Tuesday. We played games in the afternoon and perused the Morimoto menu, which is where we will dine tonight. We are both excited about this menu. We have been to Morimoto’s at Sea several times and I have been to the Napa location many years ago, but this will be different. Our drive down to Wailea took a bit longer because of the washed-out road but it is still very close. Instead of being in the Wailea Mall area, it is actually located at the Andaz Resort, a pretty posh place. Morimoto was a bit of a surprise. It was not fancy or Asian looking at all. Outdoor furniture graced the patio where we ate, it wasn’t very comfortable. Service was pretty good. The waiter we started out with was well informed, but he was not our waiter for the whole time. We decided to try the tasting menu with wine paring. Things started out great. Toro tartar was a nice dish. It was beautifully presented with tiny rice cracker balls on top, caviar, and finishing salt as well. The soy dashi had freshly ground wasabi, which was quite mild and tasty with a little Japanese peach for a palate cleanser. The blue fin was so finely chopped, it felt like it was pureed. The next course was my favorite. Seasonal fish carpaccio, tonight is red snapper.  Using soy and Mitsuba, which is somewhat like parsley and cilantro, and on the top the orangey, yellow stuff is Uni from a sea urchin from a certain area of Japan. Delicious! The next plate was Nigiri with Chu Toro, Hamachi, Salmon, Campachi, and Big Eye Tuna. A palate cleanser was next but neither of us cared for that. It was supposed to be cucumber sorbet but it tasted like lawn clippings to me! Our next course was surf and turf; it was quite disappointing. The Australian wagyu was overcooked the shrimp with it were okay, but small and the duck fat brussels sprouts were just okay as well. We have canceled next week's wine in wagyu because we don't want that same steak again. Stuart didn’t finish his. We watched the end of the Luau taking place on the grounds. Back to the condo and Rummikub.