Moana Surfrider’s Nightly Wine Event Gets Upgraded

The historic Moana Surfrider in Waikiki launched a nightly wine service back in 2007, but it didn’t last too long.

But the concept — a nightly wine event with food pairings in the lobby of Waikiki’s oldest hotel — was a good one.

So in December 2011, Chef Will Chen relaunched the event — but with a twist.

bin 1901 — “bin” stands for a collection of wine bottles; 1901 is when the Moana first opened — offers not just wine but a variety of hand-crafted cocktails, rare liquors and unique beers, all paired with imaginative nosh on small plates.

Like a flute of champagne with french fries. Or a haupia dessert with a smooth ice wine.

“It’s definitely a bit of old and new with this event,” Chen says. “We wanted to make this exciting — rather than just a place to drink wine.”

bin 1901’s summer menu will be lighter and fresher, with seasonal cocktails and fruity beers, he adds.

A pianist adds the soundtrack — sometimes jazz, sometimes contemporary Hawaiian music — to the event, which is held nightly between 5:30 and 10:30 p.m. near the grand staircase in the lobby of the iconic hotel.

For more information, contact the Starwood Dining desk at (808) 921-4600 or e-mail at [email protected].

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