Have you ever walked into a restaurant that comes highly recommended from more than one source, sat down, and about lost it when you saw the prices on the menu? Yesterday Ted had the day off, and as we do on all Ted's days off, we explore. This exploring expedition took us to the quaint little town of Paia, which reminds us of a mini-version of Jackson Hole, WY, except replace the mountains with ...ocean.
This trip was going rather well. We'd done a little shopping, walking, and driving down unknown roads, until lunch sounded like a good idea. We'd heard of a place off the Hana Highway. It's the last stop in Paia. Mama's Fish House. Doesn't sound too intimidating. More like a roadside stop.
So, we swung our Mustang into the parking lot. Valet service greeted us. Ted rolled down his window and asked if he could park anywhere, and the valet man kindly told us the service was complimentary. Delighted, we jumped out of the car. Well, Ted jumped, I kind of slurped. I'd been snacking on Saltine Crackers, and left a nice crumb trail on the seat. Need to clean that up. Oops. I felt kind of bad leaving a dirty car for valet service to park.
After valet tucked our car into a tight spot, yes, we watched, we were welcomed by a friendly greeter. She was behind a rock pedestal, with a computer inside. She got our names and sent us on our way along a stone path that led to the beach in front of the open air restaurant, and then to an elaborate hostess station. By now, we should've figured out this place was going to be expensive, but we were too enamored by our surroundings.
A hostess informed me that no outside beverages were allowed in the restaurant. I'd brought my water bottle from the car. Luckily, it was almost empty and I relinquished it willingly. I wondered if they wouldn't let us in the restaurant if I'd refused. Too late to test that theory.
We were seated a few seconds later, after a walk through the belly of the place, boasting awards, pictures of famous people, and unique design. The owners were in one picture, smiling proudly. The whole place was packed with people at 2pm on a Monday afternoon, and we were excited that this place must live up to it's reputation.
The hostess showed us where two washrooms were located. Ted left to wash his hands. A waiter (the ones who only fill water glasses) filled my water glass with filtered water. He handed me two wine lists, and informed me that my waiter would be with me in a moment.
Ted returned, and we relinquished our wine menus to a new server. He looked disappointed we didn't order wine. Should've told him we were Mormon, but he was already handing us menus, and suggesting the two most expensive dishes.
We stared at the menus. Neither said a word for a few minutes. I scanned the prices, searching for something under $20. I found it. An appetizer for $18. I joked about ordering that. Ted suggested a sandwich for $30. I gulped and told him I'd rather get a real meal for $42, only $12 more, with all the fixings. He laughed and said he'd get the most expensive item on the menu then. And, we did, ordering the exact items the server suggested.
After ordering, I asked Ted if he thought anyone had gotten up and left the restaurant after looking at their prices. He was going to suggest we do that before I told him I would just get a real meal for $42. We laughed, wondering if we'd made the right decision to stay. Too late now. They were probably already cooking our food.
I got up and washed my hands. The washroom looked like it belonged in one of my interior design magazines. I stayed in there and surveyed the ornately carved wood changing table that looked more like a hallway table that belonged in a million dollar mansion.
Returning to the table, I checked out the unique design of the restaurant. There were sugar cane augers and boats used as upright supports. The roof was made of tan tarps, stretched tight like sails on a boat. The wall behind us was made of wood, like the exterior of a cottage from the island. And, the back walls were rock. The floor had tile, with rock walkways where the high traffic areas were. And, the wicker chairs we sat in were surprisingly comfortable. I sat back and enjoyed the sound of the waves and the smell of the ocean as we awaited the arrival of our food.
Poppysead bread arrived a moment later, along with a cup of soup, compliments of the chef. Mine was whisked away a few seconds later, as the server knew I was allergic to coconut, and that was a main ingredient. The soup was replaced with pineapple slices. So sweet! I ate all of them, until my tongue was numb.
The main dishes came later. They were huge! And the food, beyond perfection. My plate had mahimahi, fried bananas, Hawaiian sweet potato, poi, pulled wild boar meat, and tuna salsa. I consumed the mahimahi, which I never do, because I hate fish, but the server reassured us that all the fish was caught daily, by select fishermen from the island, and since it was never frozen, it didn't have the fishy taste. He was right, it didn't. The menus had the name of one of the fishermen, like he was famous or something. I would google him, but his last name was too hard to remember. His first name was Shawn though. The guilt washed away with every heavenly swallow. I almost cried at the amazing taste of the fish, wondering why I hadn't taken advantage of this delight before. I haven't had a meal that good since Chico Hot Springs in Montana. Then again, the prices are comparable.
After being offered desert, the bill came. Ted estimated $100. And, after the tip, our bill came to $114. Ted shook his head as I signed the receipt. We'd never paid that much for lunch before. Dinner, well, that was a different story.
We lingered, and enjoyed the beach for a while watching the wind & kite surfers, taking our time to get back to the car. If we were paying for the ambiance, might as well take advantage of it. Along the way, we counted 3 menus and asked ourselves why we didn't look at them before entering. But, it was a memory maker, and a record breaker. I reminded Ted that lunch was just a meal, like dinner. And, as long as we enjoyed our time together, it was priceless. He agreed, and we drove away a little happier than we did leaving our seats.
Unfortunately, the valet got short changed. Ted told him that we would give him more, but $2 was all we had to spare because the people at the restaurant stole the rest. Ha ha...gotta love Ted and his humor.
Overall, very pleased. The reviews are true. But be prepared to dish out the dough when you visit Mama's Fish House in Paia, HI. It's more than just a roadside stand.
Oh, and funny fact: We paid only $6 more at Costco for a two week supply of food that same night.
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