Oahu - Hawaii with Kids - page 94

rustling the nearby coconut fronds. Michelin-award-winning chef Yves Garnier
melds classical French influences with fresh island ingredients to create elegant
soups with saffron, chanterelles, and savory fresh fish filets; moano (a delicate
goatfish) in strudel with basil and niçoise olives; ruby snapper, skin crisped, in
exotic sauces hinting of truffle and herbs. The wine list, desserts, and service—
formal without being stiff—complete the dining experience. Not appropriate
for kids.
In the Halekulani, 2199 Kalia Rd. & 808/923-2311. Reservations recommended. Long-sleeve collared dress
shirts for men; jackets provided if necessary. Main courses $36-$45; 9-course prix fixe $115, with wine pair-
ings $145. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 6-10pm.
EXPENSIVE
Bali by the Sea CONTINENTAL/PACIFIC RIM This is another
“adults-only” dining experience in a memorable oceanfront room—pale and full
of light, with a white grand piano at the entrance and sweeping views of the
ocean (ask for a table by the window). The menu merges island cooking styles
and ingredients with the chef 's Alsatian roots: an excellent herb-infused rack of
lamb coated with orange hoisin glaze; sake-steamed Kona lobster; and fresh
seafood in sauces hinting of plum wine, kaffir lime, black bean, ginger, and
lemon grass. Save room for dessert—a replica of Diamond Head (the one you
see out the window) created with chocolate truffles. If you cannot or don't want
to leave the kids behind, it's really best for children 12 and older.
In the Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kalia Rd. & 808/941-2254. Highchairs, boosters, and crayons. Reser-
vations recommended. Main courses $26-$45. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Sat 6-9:30pm.
Hau Tree Lanai PACIFIC RIM Informal and delightful, this Honolulu
institution scores higher on ambience than on food. The outdoor setting makes
it a popular informal dining spot; an ancient hau tree provides shade and charm
for diners. Breakfast here is a must: Choices include salmon Florentine, served
with a fresh-baked scone; poi pancakes; Belgian waffles; eggs Benedict; and the
Hawaiian platter of miniature poi pancakes, eggs, and a medley of island
sausages. Lunchtime offerings include house-cured Atlantic salmon and an
assortment of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and fresh fish and pasta specialties.
Dinner selections are more ambitious and less reliable: fresh moonfish, red snap-
per, opakapaka, ahi, and chef 's specials, in preparations ranging from plain
grilled to stuffed and over-the-top rich. Although there isn't a kids' menu, they
welcome families and will happily whip up a grilled cheese sandwich or a small
bowl of spaghetti for your finicky eater.
Room Service
You are no longer limited by the room service menu in your hotel room.
Room Service in Paradise ( & 808/941-DINE; www.rsiponline.com) delivers
almost a dozen different cuisines (from American/Pacific Rim to Italian to
sandwiches and burgers) from 50 restaurants to your hotel room. All you
do is select a restaurant and order what you want. (See their online menu
or pick up one of their magazines in various Waikiki locations.) You are
charged for the food, a $4 delivery fee in Waikiki ($4-$8 in outlying
areas), and a tip for the driver. Best of all, you can pay with your credit
card. Both lunch and dinner are available; you can even call in advance,
and they'll deliver whenever you want.