THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cassis by Chef Mavro

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cassis by Chef Mavro Restaurant Review:

George Mavrothalassitis, chef-owner of the highly regarded Chef Mavro, brings his interpretation of a French bistro gone tropical island-style to his new venture. The location provides a bird's eye view of Honolulu Harbor. We suggest visiting with an eye to watching the sunset---it is the perfect bold complement to the somewhat flirtatious, yet subtle, cuisine. Mavrothalassitis' philosophy of pairing wines to specific dishes is in play here and there is nary a misstep. Start with the ceviche made from whatever was freshest at the fish auction that morning; it shows off bright flavors of tomato, jalapeño and cilantro. For your entrée, you won't go wrong with the delicately balanced flounder grenobloise with Yukon potato crisps or the petite rotisserie chicken nestled on a comfy bed of garlic Kahuku creamed corn with a plum wine sauce. If it is possible for a course to lift a dining experience to the extraordinary, it happens with the desserts from pastry chef Cherilyn Chun. Leave room for one of her topnotch preparations whether it be malasadas filled with house-made macadamia nut ice cream afloat in a lush sea of pineapple caramel or an impossibly rich pot de crème. The restaurant is still new, so look for ongoing improvements and an evolving menu from the man Mavrothalassitis has entrusted with his new "baby," executive chef Ben Takahashi.