Cuatro

Cuatro Restaurant

Kihei Town Center

Cuatro conveyed a bright ambiance... a refreshing presence, versus a low-lit restaurant. The choice of being well-lit was a smart designer move. The bright lighting privileged a more spacious feel for a small room, and showed-off surrounding art and woodwork. We were led-in by a maitre'd whose pleasant persona and apparel lifted the restaurant class many notches up. He welcomed us with his name, and made our presence important.

To have demonstrated such confidence, assured us the food will be welcoming too. He was proud, and enthusiastic of his station, a comfort to any visit.

We were led to an interesting seating area...a combination of a booth seat, and dining chair.

Such a clever way of making use of a smaller restaurant space. Designed within the interior perimeter along the wall , were colored upholstered booth bench-seating's. Each linen covered dining table were pushed-up against the booth bench-seating, which left proper seating space, and an appropriate dining chair was placed at the other end of the dining table. It was totally comfortable. The booth bench-seating ran along the wall, therefore when I sat, there was more space on both sides of me, to place my handbag. Of course, this aesthetic design allowed for more guests to be invited in! The modern motif table setting was impeccable, again a superb decision to avoid design clutter, with the use of simple lines.

Once I entered Cuatro, it was considered a place to want to linger before the main course, with some nice White Wine and a pause, to take-in the surroundings. Immediate service provided us with a selected bottle of chilled wine. Very nice...

Although neighboring guests were close, the brightness of the entire restaurant offered

amicable clean "spaces" between each table...a sense that provided unspoken friendship, but not encroachment upon each other. After all, traditionally a meal should be an eventful affair, with the inclusiveness of others present but, without obligation. In this sense, it did make dinner a pleasant "party."

We started with a fabulous hors d'oeuvre: Shrimp Mini Tacos with grilled marinated shrimp,

Maui island greens, Roasted Pepper, Onion Salsa with an Avocado and Cilantro Creme. This

went perfect with chilled White Wine, and conversation. The unique clean taste encouraged us

to order another hors d' oeuvre. We selected, Spicy Tuna Nacho with crispy Wontons, Spicy tuna, Truffle aioli, Latino Kochujiang Cilantro Pesto, and Avocado relish.

These Southwestern-Latino combinations were moderately spicy, but smooth to the palate.

The hors d'oeuvres were not "filling or heavy" rather as an appetizer should, it encouraged our appetite.

For the main entree, Roasted Chicken Breast stuffed with green chiles, Ham and Pepper Jack Cheese was served with Mashed Potatoes, a Southwestern Butter Sauce and House Vegetables.

Presentations for each serving was appealing to the eye, and inviting to the palate taste.

Tijuana Caesar Salad was an option, but the entree we ordered, was complete with House Vegetables, enough for a well-balanced meal.

We ended with Fresh Fruit Dessert, and an introduction to the Chef.

I particularly followed-through to contact the Chef of his anticipations with Cuatro. Discovered

his culinary experience began in Southern California. Chef Eric is welcomed here on Maui to offer his Southwestern-Latino Cuisine. Most importantly, his welcoming staff help completed a

pleasant comfortable dinner. I wait, to be invited to Cuatro , again.

The friend, who introduced us to Cuatro, spilled some celebrity news that her friend Richard Chamberlain, well-known movie celebrity, and a Wailea resident, dines at Cuatro. Well if it's good for Richard Chamberlain, let's shuffle-on down to Cuatro and touch bases with people

who love the haute lifestyle!

5 STAR RATING