Let's do the fine dining first; it's what people expect from me and Conrad, I think. We try not to disappoint.
Up first, dinner at Orchids on the Thursday night I arrived. I LOVED this meal, helped in no small part to exhaustion from the travel and the time change as well as the cocktails. But still, it was tasty, and sitting on a patio with the waves just beyond was delightful. We started with the special ahi tuna seared on the outside.
We then split the Island Greens and Tomato.
My main course was the Herb Crusted Opah with Grilled Asparagus and Kahuku Eggplant, finished with a Light Citrus Curry Butter. The eggplant was the perfect sop for the sauce, and I would have licked my plate if I were at home.
Conrad opted for the Sautéed Wild Salmon served with an Edamame and Tomato Ragout on Tangerine and Ginger Sauce
Dessert was a surprise. The pot de creme caught my eye, flavoured with chai. Well, it was a little bland, but the accompaniment was terrific: chocolate banana pavlova. Yum!
Saturday we stayed in the city and before doing some shopping, we dined at Mariposa at Neiman Marcus. Yes, it's in a department store in a mall, but it's quite fine. For starters, out comes a little cup of chicken consomme (meh) and a popover with a papaya and pineapple butter - tasty, and good for dessert!
Conrad ordered the special of diver scallops with tortellini
while I opted for the lobster club sandwich. And a glass of champagne, of course!
Handsome, isn't he?
Saturday night we met some of Conrad's colleagues for dinner at Duc's Bistro in Chinatown. We caught a cab. A long one.
Duc himself greeted us, though I'm sorry that this other guy crossed through the shot without looking to see what we were up to.
Conrad enjoyed the filet of basa nonpareil
and I enjoyed the venison that was one of the specials.
The food was not as prettily styled as at Orchids, but you know what? It was quite good. We had a fun evening of it, and especially the Earthquake Petit Sirah. See? happy!
Again, not super beautifully plated food, but the ginger cheesecake was a good finish alongside a latte for me.
Our last night in Honolulu, we went back across the street to Orchids. Both of us dressed in great new silk shirts, looked pretty, and set out for a tranquil evening to end the trip.
We sat down in time to catch the sunset over the ocean, and otherwise put the camera away for the rest of dinner. Sometimes, you know, we just like to eat!
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