Seaside Escape
June - July 2010
Redefining casual dining at Big Island’s Beach Tree
THERE’S NOTHING BETWEEN YOU and the ocean except a stretch of golden sand.
Languish at umbrella-shaded tables to enjoy a leisurely lunch. Recline atop cushioned slatted chairs, perfect for conversation and a game of chess. Linger over a cocktail while the setting sun sinks into the waves lapping nearby.
You don’t have to check in to check out the renovated Beach Tree at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Casual, warm and welcoming, the Beach Tree has the feel of an oceanside Hawaiian beach house with all the comforts of home.
The vibe is cozy and friendly, and the restaurant, lounge and bar all seem to flow together with the theme “taste, see, relax, be.” The Beach Tree gets its name from the beachfront heliotrope tree that stands sentinel over the comings and goings of the favorite gathering spot.
Located in sunny Kaupulehu-Kona on the Big Isle, the restaurant’s 16-foot vaulted ceiling opens to trellised seating and a lounge that overlooks the ocean. A planked wood floor, similar to a boardwalk, connects the restaurant and lounge to a fun, thatched-roof bar. All around, overstuffed sofas and chairs beckon resort guests and public patrons to unwind, reconnect and celebrate at the ocean’s edge.
Taste the new menu created by chef de cuisine Nick Mastrascusa, who came to Hualalai from 5757 Restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel New York. He oversees cuisine with California, Spanish, Italian and tropical influences. Mastrascusa says the location’s seaside ambiance, coupled with Big Island-produced food, inspired the culinary offerings.
Case in point is one of the small dinner plates, the tuna crudo, with its chunks of local ahi.
“Crudo is ‘raw’ in Spanish, and we finish the fresh, local fish with volcanic black salt and a spicy aioli and serve it with Molokai sweet potato chips,” says Mastrascusa.
His paella for two features saffron-scented Calasparra rice (from a village in Spain) and Big Island lobster, finished tableside with aged sherry.
Munch on Big Island grass-fed beef burgers and Eisenberg hot dogs with fries. Try a refreshingly chilled mango gazpacho or Mastrascusa’s ceviche. The Beach Tree has its own pizza oven, and mouthwatering pies include the Gorgonzola with macadamia nuts and fig.
Thirsty? Meander over to the bar, where fresh tropical fruits dangle in nets from the rafters. A friendly bartender will pluck one of these juicy orbs to prepare a frosty libation of your choice while gentle breezes sway the nearby palms. “Tom’s pink shirt,” named after Beach Tree bartender Tom Callero, is one of the fave house drinks and is indescribably tempting. It combines Tangueray Rangpur and guava liqueur with fresh Waimea strawberries and a homemade sweet-sour using agave nectar and fresh lime.
When daylight dims, tiki torches light up the sand, and small lanterns emanate a golden glow across tabletops. To toast the sunset, accompanied by Hawaiian music and hula, sip on your choice of 66 wines offered by the glass, half carafe and full bottle. They hail from California, Italy, Spain and France.
Whether en route to catch a plane at nearby Keahole Airport or wanting to spend the afternoon in comfortable confines along the sea, the Beach Tree beckons you to taste, see, relax, be.
Beach Tree
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
72-100 Kaupulehu Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
808-325-8000 x42
www.fourseasons.com/hualalai
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