(HawaiiNewsNow) - Handcrafted Restaurants
LLC, the parent company for Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman will soon open doors
to their second location and first O'ahu restaurant in December 2012. Opening
in the world class Ko'Olina Resort, the restaurant will embrace Chef Peter
Merriman's passion for regional and sustainable cuisine and offer a new
family-friendly dining experience to visitors and guests of the resort.
With construction nearing completion, the
10,000 square foot location will feature an exhibition kitchen, wood fire pizza
oven, signature Monkeypod Kitchen bar with 36 craft beers on tap, an expansive
25 ft. water feature, a large stage for live music and a two level dining
experience, differentiating itself from the single level flagship restaurant in
Wailea.
"I have always wanted to open a
restaurant on Oahu. Their farmers, ranchers and fisherman produce great tasting
high quality foods, we can't wait for the opportunity to use products from all
over the island", says Peter Merriman. "We have so many friends on
Oahu, the opening will feel like a big family reunion", adds Merriman.
The new location will hire over 150 people
for their operation, including front and back of house positions. "Our
biggest obstacle between today and opening is finishing construction after the
36 draft beer system is installed" says Handcrafted Restaurants CEO Bill
Terry. "The biggest obstacle for guests will be choosing what beer to
drink with 36 drafts on tap at 29 degrees," he jokes.
Focusing on a locally sourced menu using only
socially conscious ingredients, Monkeypod Kitchen Ko'Olina will celebrate the
"Art of Craft" in everything from cuisine, beer, décor and living.
For more information about Monkeypod Kitchen please visit www.monkeypodkitchen.com or www.facebook.com/MonkeypodKitchenByMerrimanOahu.
About Handcrafted Restaurants LLC: A
partnership between Hawai'i Regional Cuisine founding Chef Peter Merriman and
Restaurateur Bill Terry, Handcrafted Restaurants LLC is a multi-concept
restaurant company that is dedicated to operating world class, full service
restaurants in premiere cities and resorts. Handcrafted Restaurants LLC
celebrates the craft of food, drink and merrimaking while integrating itself
into local communities by supporting local farmers and fishermen, creating new
jobs, and keeping impact on the environment as minimal as possible. By focusing
on locally sourced ingredients, sustainable business practices, and socially
conscious values, Handcrafted Restaurants LLC seeks to develop connections
between residents, guests, the land, and one another.
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