What is I’o? One of Maui’s most innovative restaurants
Island dining with Helen Reed
“I’O? What is I’O,” you ask. “How do you pronounce
it?”
Well, first off, it’s the hottest new restaurant on Maui, and it’s
pronounced “EE-OH.” Astronomically speaking, Jo, one of Jupiter’s moons,
is the hottest spot in the solar system outside of the sun. In
“We’ve even
had it called ten,” laughed Manager/Partner Stephen Bel-Robert.
Whatever you
call it, don’t miss an opportunity to visit this exciting establishment and
luxuriate in the finest culinary creations of award-winning Executive Chef/Owner
James McDonald. I’o is a boutique restaurant with personality, eye-popping new
cuisine and amazing architectural designs.
At age 13, James
Vincent DePaul McDonald V had a humble beginning in a restaurant owned by his
best friend’s father.
“We both
washed dishes and peeled potatoes,” said McDonald smiling. “I decided to
become a chef, because I loved to eat and knowing how to cook seemed a logical
start to feeding myself.”
His first
schooling in culinary arts began with a three-year baking course at the Upper
Bucks County Vocational Technical School outside Philadelphia, but the true grit
of his training took place
Chef McDonald has come a long way since then as epicureans can testify,
having experienced McDonald’s spectacular presentations at his companion
restaurant, Pacific’O, for the past six years.
Just stepping
inside I’o — co-owned by Bel-Robert and Louis Coulombe — you’ll sense
McDonald’s provocative flair for artistry, not only in his cuisine but in
decor as well.
There’s a
fabulous show kitchen behind beautiful sea-life etched glass with whimsical
yellow sea horses shining down on a green, free-flowing wrap-around bar. Outside
dining by the sea is also available in their new intimate lanai.
And we haven’t
even mentioned the cuisine! Chef McDonald added a new twist to Pacific Rim
Cuisine by creating an exotic and intriguing menu with an emphasis on local
fresh fish and seafood.
We began our
feast with the Silken Purse, two pale green and two peach-steamed wontons
stuffed with roasted peppers, mushrooms, spinach, macadamia nuts and silken
tofu, complemented with a jalapeno-scented tomato sauce and basil yogurt puree.
“Silken Purse
is our most popular appetizer right now,” said McDonald. Try it, and
you’ll see why!
A close second
would surely be The Box, a clever black box containing grilled skewers of
island fish glazed with Miso Sabayon.
Other
appealing appetizers offered are the Shrimp Satay, Potstickers
The
tall, cool Tropical Seafood Cocktail brimming with a blend of fresh seafood
prepared Ceviche-style with assorted tropical fruit, Maui onion and Chipotle
Tomatillo sauce was a very satisfying concoction.
The menu
features so many fascinating entrees, but a sure winner is the Lemongrass
Coconut Fish medallions of fish crusted with lemon grass and coconut threads,
served with fresh hearts of palm salad and chilled spicy soba noodles. The
marvelous mango dressing and sweet beet vinaigrette was so flavorful!
Lobster Thai-hitian is lobster stir-fried in a wok with sweet potato,
pineapple and bamboo shoots flamed in dark cane rum.
Tiger By The
Tail is wok-roasted giant tiger prawns with oyster mushrooms and asparagus.
Indulge yourself
by ordering from the Sweet Retreats Dessert Menu, paired with suggestions for
the perfect after-dinner drink to compliment your choice.
An extensive
wine list is available, or one can choose the wine suggested with each food
item.
See for
yourself why l’o is one of the most innovative new restaurants on Maui!
You’ll find them at the beach at 505 Front Street. Call 661-8422.
Pau for now...
Reprint courtesy of Lahaina News 7/7/1999 (www.westmaui.com)
Prices, specials, and business hours are subject to change without
notice.