Bali-By-The-Sea, Honolulu

Bali by the Sea is for those who appreciate attention to detail...be it the food presentation, the attentive service, the view and location of this restaurant, and of course the dessert....this restaurant has it all. This restaurant is not for those who don't appreciate the finer things in life....

We celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary here and would go back in a minute; just download the PDF menu from the HHV if you think it's ho-hum. The artwork (husband is a bronze sculptor, fussy as they come about art!) pulled you in to appreciate it; the atmosphere serene. The bread you're given tips you off right away nothing will be ordinary - homemade Irish soda bread w/currants (but not sweet at all) and 3 other interesting choices. Being a soup lover, my husb. tried the Kahuku sweet corn & Maui onion soup - we all tried spoonfuls, which was all he would give us - luscious (read up on this special fresh sweet corn). The Mahimahi w/citrus beurre blanc/scallion oil was fresh and tasty - the purple/orange potato croquette a treat; my seafood bounty was expertly cooked and lavish on the lobster side (my favorite shellfish) - the cognac flame was expertly done and along with the lobster truffle sauce a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the shellfish. Being a Sauce Freak, I loved it. The chef came out to see if we were happy - we had a great discussion about "The Saucier's Apprentice" but that's another review. Dessert, the signature DARK chocolate replica of Diamond Head floats over to your table trailing clouds of dry ice - then the clouds settle over the table and you begin on the chocolate mousse interior. In the mood for tea, we found their selection of island teas (served in a bodium press) was an education - we ordered some from the website when we returned to our room! Because we couldn't finish the dark chocolate Diamond Head we asked to take it with us - it was beautifully packaged and upon opening we found it filled with exotic fresh fruit, dipped in dark and white chocolate. Having been shameless about the bread selection (we couldn't eat all that either) I asked to take it as well - we were also given a beautiful package with much more than we had left on table. But it wasn't just the generosity of the portions, the staff is as unobtrusive as true professionals really are, but somehow on the spot when you needed something (like an unusual wine requst from me). As they say in NYC, "What's not to like?"

First, we are looking to go back for our next anniversary---it was that good! We had the early "sunset special" price fixed dinner and could not have been more pleased. The staff catered to our every request, brought extra items and served us so good-naturedly. The food was deliciously prepared and served. Our steaks were tender and flavorful. The sunset view was romantic (even for us ) and the ambiance of the whole dining room was as good as any in Hawaii. We have made many trips there and eaten in a wide variety of fine restaurants.