Maui, Hawaii: Mama's Fish House

Margarita

Lilikoi Colada

Taro bread

Amuse bouche

Amakua mushroom and fennel bisque

Papa’s Three Fish Sashimi

Ono with Haiku orange, olive oil and Molokai pink sea salt. 

Ahi with ponzu, baby red shiso and Big Island citrus pearls. 

Opakapaka with lilikoi, Hawaiian chili pepper and “Hawaii Kai” brand black sea salt

Beef Polynesian

Seared tenderloin in a grilled Hana papaya

Opakapaka sautéed with Hamakua mushrooms, garlic butter, white wine and capers

Grilled Whole Opakapaka with asparagus

Ono, Mahimahi and Ahi sautéed in Panang Curry and coconut milk with vegetables, heart of palm, taro, tropical condiments and Mama’s mango chutney

Grilled Mahimahi, slow-cooked Big Island Wild Boar, Octopus Luau and Ahi Poke with baked Hana banana, Molokai sweet potato, lomi-lomi, fresh poi and Haiku Lilikoi

Mama’s home-made ice cream, mint chocolate chip

Birthday festivities for two of my gal pals were celebrated at Mama's Fish House in Paia. The restaurant is situated near a private beach on the north shore of Maui. It's one of the few seafood restaurants where fresh fish is caught daily and the location and name of the fisherman who caught it is listed on the menu. I still have fond memories here. Hubs and I came here right after he proposed to me 6 years ago. Fresh fish caught daily and an ocean view. It's a perfect setting to celebrate a special occasion.

Mama's Fish House

799 Poho Place

Paia, HI

858.579.8488

http://www.mamasfishhouse.com/

What's Next: Washington, DC

I'm leaving to Washington, DC for a very short business trip. A 6 hour flight to only stay in DC for less than 24 hours. Luckily I have a client dinner at Corduroy. I wish I had enough time to stop by Central Michel Richards for a lobster burger or the fry plate at Palena.

Preview: Europe 2014

It's that time again.

 

I have an itch to get out of the country so I finally pulled the trigger on our next European trip. So far I've booked accommodations to London, the outskirts of Paris and a day trip to Brussels, Belgium. This time around, I'm having Visa Concierge book all of my restaurant reservations. I have a good sense of where I want to dine in London (the list is very short) but Paris is another story. I know I'm not willing to fork over 150 EUR for a meal.

 

As for the convenience of concierge services, I still have to research when I need to place my requests. I have a good 6 months to work this out which is plenty of time. I hate it when I can't find reservation info on food blogs. By trade, I'm a researcher so I hope to help others looking for the same information.

 

London

 

St. John: Book 90 days in advance by calling 020 7251 0848, email reservations@stjohnrestaurant.com or online at TableTop.

 

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal: Reservation system operates on a 90 day rolling basis on TopTable.

 

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon: Book 60 days in advance on their website.

Instagram: Maui, Hawaii

 

I managed to do something different during my trip to Maui...beach hopping. 

• Flying over Diamond Head crater on Oahu

• Triple Crème Brûlée from Duke's Kaanapali

• Kaanapali North Beach

• Pineapple Macadamia Nut Pancakes, Gazebo Café

• Kalua Pork Omelette, Gazebo Café

• Napili Bay

• Spa day at the Spa Grande, Grand Wailea

• Sushi and drinks at Kai Wailea

• Deep Dried Mochi at Kai Wailea

• Scallop Sliders at Tommy Bahama's

• Near Dragon's Teeth Labyrinth

• Mokapu Beach, Wailea

• Hamakua Wild Mushroom pizza at MonkeyPod Kitchen, Wailea

• Garlic Truffle Oil Fries at MonkeyPod Kitchen, Wailea

• Bulgogi Pork Tacos at MonkeyPod Kitchen, Wailea

• Honolulu Coffee Company, Wailea

• Spam and eggs breakfast at Paradise Grill in Kaanapali Beach

• Kuau Cove at Mama's Fish House, Paia



Maui, Hawaii: Gazebo Cafe

 

Original coconut syrup 

Special: Kalua Pork Omelette

Fried Rice

Pineapple Macadamia Nut Pancake

Banana Mac Pancakes

Best breakfast joint on the island. Unfortunately, you have to get there by 6:30am to avoid the rush. The place opens at 7:30am. By 8:30am, the wait is nearly an hour. Complimentary coffee is served to those waiting in line. It's a very small café adjacent to Napili Bay (at the Napili Shores Resort). It is a 15 minute drive north from Kaanapali. The fried rice alone is worth the trek. Mahalo!

 

Gazebo Café

5315 Lower Honoapiilani Rd

Lahaina, Hawaii 96761

http://www.napilishoresmaui.com/