Merriman's Preview Party

The theme of the night was food, friends and more food at the Merriman’s Preview Party, where guests helped chef Peter Merriman celebrate his newest restaurant opening.

THE PARTY Hawai‘i celebrity chef Peter Merriman opened the doors to his new restaurant, Merriman’s—the first of the restaurateur’s solo endeavors on O‘ahu—in Kaka‘ako’s Ward Village. THE GUESTS Merriman and his wife, Vicki, greeted guests as they entered the restaurant for the first time. O‘ahu celebrity chef Alan Wong came to support his fellow Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine co-founder, while executive chef Jon Matsubara and his staff worked hard behind the scenes to provide ono appetizers. THE HIGHLIGHTS A traditional Hawaiian blessing kicked off a celebratory evening filled with food. Attendees sipped on prosecco and house-crafted cocktails while small bites were passed throughout the night. Hors d’oeuvres included sprouted rye with cream cheese, roasted broccoli, Maui tomato and olive oil; mini Keahole lobster potpies with a corn crust; and tempura green beans served with a chipotle aioli. Toward the end of the fete, servers passed Waialua molten chocolate purses, pineapple bread pudding and other desserts from the menu. -Morgan Chamberlain

Photos by Mike Vidales for Joseph Esser Photography