Brown's Beach House at the Fairmont
Orchid Hotel in the Mauna Lani Resort has always had a good reputation. We have
avoided reviewing it because they have refused to give us our favorite waiter
and we were disappointed with their chef. All that has changed as they have a
new chef and management. We went back this past weekend and were delighted with
the changes. The venue has always been spectacular and now the service and
cuisine matches the location.
When we made reservations we
requested Christian as our server as we always do. We have known him for years.
This time there was no question as we were immediately escorted to his station.
If you dine there you will not be disappointed with having Christian as your
server.
We were with friends and we all
started with Macallan 12 which was very reasonably priced. The menu had changed
drastically and we had a difficult time choosing as everything sounded
delicious. Christian made some suggestions which were excellent. We began with
a romaine salad and a red and white gazpacho. Both were excellent and
show-cased local produce. For entree we both had Maui axis venison with an
ohelo berry sauce and Molokai purple potatoes. If you haven't had ohelo
berries, you are missing a great local treat. They grow high on Kilauea and
Mauna Loa and this is the beginning of their season. Legend is that these are
Pele's favorite and when you pick them you must always give the first one to
Pele. The venison was done perfectly and we just love Molokai potatoes.
Needless to say we were delighted with this choice.
For dessert we all shared a
strawberry shortcake and ice cream made with a malasada. While we have had
better malasadas made by friends, this combination was excellent. The Kona
coffee we had with it was one of the best we have had. When you are on the Big
Island it is a requirement to have our Kona coffee.
Throughout the meal there was an
accomplished local guitarist playing which added significantly to the ambiance.
The evening was a total delight and we will definitely be returning in the near
future.
