Nobu Waikiki helps Parc celebrate 25th anniversary

Nadine Kam photos
Members of Iona Dance Theatre welcomed guests through the door at NOBU Waikiki for a celebration of Waikiki Parc Hotel's 25th anniversary.

Waikiki Parc Hotel marked its 25th anniversary with a celebration at NOBU Waikiki Nov. 20. Guests were welcomed by costumed members of Iona Dance Theatre, including a Living Fountain.

Parc staff members were offering guests shiny new quarters for tossing into the fountain's wishing well, to bestow many more years of blessings and good wishes upon the hotel, a sister of neighboring Halekulani Hotel.

Food was plentiful, and NOBU was offering some of its greatest hits, including popcorn shrimp tempura, black cod in butter lettuce cups, and one of my absolute favorites, silky, fiery hamachi topped with sliced jalapeño.

The event also honored staffers who have been at the property 25 years or close to it, and I was reminded I was there on opening day as well. (I must have been a prodigy.) I hadn't joined the Star-Bulletin yet, but was working for the Waikiki Beach Press.

The Parc is also marking its anniversary with a "25 Alive" promotion, through March 31, 2013, featuring accommodations in an Ocean View Room, chef’s special dinner for two at NOBU Waikiki, daily breakfast for two, a welcome amenity gift pack (Parc Chic private label wine, Parc’s Endless Summer CD featuring Grammy winner Daniel Ho and Herb Ohta Jr., and a Parc Surf note card pack) and complimentary parking. Guests will also receive complimentary VIP access to the Bishop Museum and Honolulu Museum of Art by presenting their Waikiki Parc Hotel room key card. Package room rates start at $885 for a minimum three-night stay.

Call 808-921-7272 or visit www.waikikiparc.com.

Meanwhile, for a look at more of what's yum and a chance to win a $100 gift certificate from Nobu (by Nov. 23), check out photographer Rae Huo and artist Zakka's Pop Iroiro.

Rae Huo photo

Photo courtesy Halekulani Corp.
Sadly, I was reminded I was there for the grand opening 25 years ago, and I was sent the photo to prove it. You can tell it was the '80s by my permed 'do! Also at left, our columnist Ben Wood with Halekulani VP Patty Tam.

Parc staffers offered guests quarters for tossing into Iona Dance Theatre's Living Fountain, bestowing 25 more years (at least) of good wishes upon the hotel.

Heaven is a platter of NOBU's hamachi and jalapeño.

Mini ceviche tacos.

Nobu's sushi platter.

Skewered Peruvian beef antikucho, marinated in cumin, peppers, garlic and vinegar.

Black cod in butter lettuce cups from Rae Huo and Zakka's Pop Iroiro online magazine.

Offering guests their thanks for 25 years of patronage were COO Peter Shaindlin, left, and general manager Ulrich Krauer, both of sister Halekulani Hotel.

Also welcoming guests were longtime Parc employees general manager Julie Arigo, employed for 19 years, and 25-year veteran sales director Mike Kikuyama.

Guests went home with a Parc cupcake, which didn't last long after this photo was taken.