If you like celebrities served up with your steak and pineapple, in a gloriously stylish and beautiful setting – and we certainly do – then you would agree that the grand opening of Duo, a swanky new Maui dining experience, was “to die for” – and we certainly did. In addition to local notables, some of Hollywood’s finest and flashiest also greeted guests and tasted samples, and one of the biggest names in rock music provided entertainment along with favorite Island artists.
The star-studded affair, held this spring, highlighted the latest scrumptious unfolding of a massive renovation at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.

Celebs abounded, but the real stars of the occasion were Duo’s sous chef Noel Badillo and his inventive culinary creations. Dishes such as Japanese Kobe steak, the Duo Double Chop Salad, and countless other delectable choices were prepared to perfection.

Some might suggest, however, that an even bigger star dominated the event -- Hawai‘i itself. With a backdrop of a luxurious poolside garden and the Pacific Ocean, plus a private dining room, near a picturesque waterfall pool, Duo offers not only a divine combination of steak and seafood, but a perfect balance between fine dining, glamorous interior design, and natural, tropical island beauty.

The kitchen is centrally located between the entrance bar--stocked with an impressive international wine list and mixologists prepared to create any specialty cocktail -- and the private dining room. Views of the “open” kitchen may be enjoyed from the patio dining area, which means that Duo’s award-wining chefs under the direction of executive chef Roger Steeler and Badillo, are center stage.

The design of Duo was handled by Brayton + Hughes design studio of San Francisco, who oversaw the entire resort renovation. The aesthetic is open and comfortable with tropical motifs and materials used throughout. Thin vertical running bamboo reeds embedded in glass act as screens and wall coverings, while horizontal stripes, which give the appearance of Polynesian tapa patterns, surround and frame the open kitchen. Rich woods are used for doors and tables. The total impression created is one of impeccable taste and style.

The menu reflects the quality that Duo exemplifies. Choices focus on an array of prime cuts of steak, including the afore-mentioned Japanese Kobe beef, which for taste and texture has no compare. Additionally, the chefs use the freshest catch for seafood plates, enhancing every dish with local, seasonal island produce. Chef Badillo has created a number of sauces for the steak and seafood dishes that are impressive in their own right and truly magical when eaten with the fine cuts of steak.
Each plate is designed with as much care to attention and detail as the dining room, and it is apparent that everyone at Duo, including the servers, share a passion for the total dining experience. Wines are paired with each course and meal by the sommelier of Four Seasons Resort Maui.

As if all of the fine dining and fabulous design were not enough of an attraction for the grand opening of Maui’s latest restaurant, the management of the Four Seasons Resort wanted to put one final feather in its cap, by inviting Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac
fame, to introduce his latest musical creation, Mick Fleetwood's Island Rumours Band. With Fleetwood behind the drum kit, the front men (and woman) of the band are some of Hawai‘i’s beloved musical talents including Barefoot Natives Willie K and Eric Gilliom and Raiatea Helm.
For their first public performance, the group played flawlessly and entertained the audience for well over an hour with classic Fleetwood Mac songs, Barefoot Native songs and a number of other Island favorites.

Grand openings can sometimes be more of a pressure than a pleasure, but Duo carried off a celebratory affair that truly was, well, just grand!