HONOLULU The famed Halekulani Hotel has begun offering menu items free of genetically modified organisms, making it purportedly is the first U.S. luxury hotel to do so.
“Halekulani is introducing its new GMO-free cuisine in response to its clientele’s growing desire to be provided this option in an era of increasing focus and awareness on product choices and wellness,” says Chief Operating Officer Peter Shaindlin.
The special menu items are available at the oceanside open-air restaurant, Orchids, as well as through roomservice. GMO-free menu items from Executive Chef Vikram Garg include Ahi Crudo and Daikon, Sumida Farm Watercress and Hearts of Palm Salad, and Lentil and Rice Risotto with Turmeric and Asafoetida. Organically produced wines and USDA-organic juices are also offered at Halekulani.
“I have been a long-time proponent of health-conscious cuisine—honest foods—foods that are locally sourced, simple, pure and unprocessed. [They] speak to the way so many of our discriminating guests live and eat,” Garg says.
To ensure that food items contain minimal amounts of chemicals and pollutants, Halekulani sources produce from local organic farms. All dairy, fish, meat, fruits and vegetables are free of chemicals, preservatives, hormones food additives, enzyme flavorings and processing agents—including rennet, used to make hard cheeses—meat, eggs and dairy products from GMO-fed animals. In addition, fish are wild-caught and contain less mercury and pollutants.