Dining Envy

Some people have all the luck. Gail over at HawaiiDiner.com spent the summer tasting her way through the fine dining highlights in Honolulu, all on someone else's dime. I have to confess to a generous portion of envy--what an opportunity!

Of the restaurants reviewed, I've only been to Alan Wong's. It's the kind of place I can direct friends with the confidence that they'll not be disappointed. (Believe it or not, the great food was not the most memorable part of my last visit.)

Of the other mentions, Chef Mavro has been at the tippy top of places I desperately want to visit, but so far I haven't had a Special Occasion concide with Feeling Rich Enough. If money grew on trees, I'd be there tomorrow. And probably Thursday, too. For now though, I've got a jar full of pennies that gets a little heavier every day. (Can you imagine if I paid my bill in pennies? Any jury would rule justifiable homicide.)

There were a few surprises in Gail's list. La Mer garnered my favorite quote, "Recommended for those who equate spending a lot of money with dining well." Yeowch! I guess that visit didn't go as planned. Also notable was the recommendation for Bali by the Sea. I've heard next to nothing about the restaurant, but the review piqued my interest in its double-whammy description of good views and good seafood.

I'll let you read the rest of her findings yourself--but be warned--you might be tempted to dip into savings to finance a few dinners out. I am.

Update 12/27: I've now visited Chef Mavro, and it was worth the wait.