25 years – There has to be a reason

Last week Merriman’s Restaurant in Waimea celebrated their 25^th anniversary. For a restaurant to be in business that long, they must be doing everything right. Chef Peter Merriman is one of the founders of Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine. He features local fish, meats and produce in a refined setting in Waimea, the Big Island’s ranching area. He even has his own herb and vegetable garden on the grounds of the restaurant. Check out the website at: merrimanshawaii.com/waimea/.

We have been patronizing the restaurant for the past 20 years. We often go to Waimea to attend the Kahilu Theater and have dinner there before the performance. To demonstrate the commitment to the community, the restaurant usually opens at 5:30 PM. However, when a Kahilu performance begins at 7:00 PM, the restaurant will open at 5:00 PM to ensure diners will not miss the opening act.

Naturally, since we frequent Merriman’s we have our favorite wait staff, all of whom are extremely efficient and attentive. For example, we usually ask for Dylan as our waiter. A couple of weeks ago we arrived at the restaurant and as we were being seated Dylan appeared with two snifters of Macallan 12, our favorite whisky from their list. They have a nice list of 6 single malts with a mix of 2 from Islay, 3 from Speyside, and an Oban from the western Highlands. All are reasonably priced.

We usually begin with an appetizer; our favorites are either a Kalua Pig & Sweet Onion Quesadilla or Peter’s Caesar Salad. Both are excellent. The entrée is always a difficult decision, as there are local beef, lamb and pork specials each night. We have had all three and enjoyed them immensely. The fish dishes are also excellent, seared ahi being a particular favorite.

The desserts are also unique and difficult to resist. The Crispy Molten
“Original Hawaiian Chocolate” Purse is perhaps our favorite.

The total dining experience is delightful. There is no doubt why Peter Merriman has successfully operated the restaurant for 25 years.