Long-awaited Senia opens today downtown
COURTESY RYAN YAMAMOTO/MIDDLE MANAGEMENT
On the menu at the new Senia: Hot-smoked King Salmon
Ladies and gentlemen, the time has finally come: Senia, perhaps the most anticipated restaurant of the year, opens today in Chinatown.
Senia is the brainchild of chefs Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush. While the two bristle at defining their cuisine, they’ve come to decide upon the descriptor of Regional American.
Their menu runs from Poke Cracker “snacks” to char siu-glazed bone-in pork belly to foie gras terrine. Dinners are in the $60 range; lunches, set to begin in early 2017, will be about $30.
Dining options include a Chefs’ Counter experience, set to start in a few weeks, featuring an elevated, multicourse tasting menu ($185, an additional $95 with wine pairings and $160 with reserve wine pairings).
Local boy Kajioka made friends with Rush, who hails from England, while working side by side at Per Se, the Michelin three-star restaurant owned by Thomas Keller.
The Senia team includes sous-chef Patrick Collins, pastry chef Mimi Mendoza and wine director Chris Ramelb, with Katherine Nomura, Rush’s wife, taking the helm as general manager.
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Senia is at 75 N. King St. Hours: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays (lunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., begins in early 2017). Call 200-5412. Visit restaurantsenia.com.
17 responses to “Long-awaited Senia opens today downtown”
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Geez, since when did the SA print press releases under news?
So sorry I’ve never heard of the most anticipated restaurant opening of the year!
I’m so sorry for you.
She is a mainland transplant who lives on the windward side. For many who work down town this one has been long awaited.
Nor have I. However, Sonic is coming!! Get ready for the “REAL MOST ANTICIPATED”.
I have to go in person! But based on the pictures from the website, the place looks kinda run down. The decor looks cheap.
I’m sure the food is good though!
Doctors, lawyers, millionaires – the time has finally come. Let’s eat!
Congrats Chris!!!!! Can’t wait to come and try the dishes. I’m sure they will be amazing!
its just bloody food, people
Yes. No Vegan items?
Bone-in Pork Belly???
huh? Since when did Belly pork have bones?
Just with any unknown restaurant I will wait and see. I’ve dined at Town–twice–and to me it was overrated. It might have been the dishes that I chose at Town–shrug–but that was my experience. For Senia I wish the co-owners well in their grand opening.
The most anticipated!? For me, it’s Sonic! Can’t wait! Bring IT!!
This is not Front Page News…It is a commercial
Long awaited? Are people in this town THAT bored without anything going on their lives other than the next Vegas trip or where to stuff their faces and overpay for it??
Will probably get overwhelmingly brown nosey reviews on Yelp by people that already have low expectations from being raised on Loco Moco with extra gravy.
YAWN
Let’s see if they give back to the community, than that would be new’s to read.
Proud to see Iolani School’s Chris Kajioka finally open his restaurant. Loved what he did at Vintage Cave and am excited to eat at Senia. If you’re scoffing at this article – no worries. Senia wasn’t conceived with you in mind.