Cupid roams free on Maui. Almost everyone I talk to who has spent time on Maui has a story of a magical night under the stars sipping a glass of amazing vino, noshing on the most sensuous edibles, with time standing still. So I'm going to get the ball rolling here with tales of some of my favorite romantic dinner spots. Having lived her for over a decade and traveled all over the state, I'm fortunate enough to have a lifetime worth of these tales. But this section is also an open invitation to all you Hawaiirama readers out there to share the love and tell me (and everyone else perusing our blogzine) about your most amazing romantic dinner in Hawaii. Send them in and we'll post them up (minus extremely risque endings, of course -- some things are better left unsaid).

Restaurant: Pacific'O
Why: We love eating right on the beach. Not just ocean view but steps from the sand. It's so close to the ocean and that pulse of energy. Pacific'o is one of the remarkably few high-end restaurants in Hawaii that offers this. Chef James McDonald is consistently good. He's not afraid to spice it up, something that hotel chefs shy away from. For me a romantic dinner must have zest and spice is part of the mix. And the setting is off-the-charts amazing, set in the hustle and bustle of Lahaina but somehow away from all against the backdrop of flickering tiki torches, the inky Maui night skies and the sound of the waves lapping gently ashore.
What We Ate:
* Crispy coconut rice roll with seared Diver scallops, arugula pesto, yuzu lime sauce
* Vine-ripened red and yellow tomatoes napoleoned with homemade buttermilk cheese, fresh basil, crisp artichoke hearts and yellow curry vinaigrette
* Fresh-caught sashimi tuna seasoned with shiso leaf and spices, seared rare and served over green papaya tomato salad
* Skewers of grilled tenderloin with a cucumber peanut dipping sauce
* Banana pineapple lumpia and macadamia nut ice cream


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—Alex, 08/18/06