During our last trip to the Big Island, we decided to stay the night. As I've mentioned in a previous post from almost 10 years ago, Kamuela holds a special place in my heart. I'm glad the Missus enjoys the laid back, gentrified, farm-village vibe of the town. This time around we decided to stay for the night; something we hadn't done in years. We stayed at the Waimea Country Lodge and enjoyed strolling around town. For dinner, I had made reservations at Merriman's. We'd had dinner there over two decades ago and really didn't enjoy it much. This time, I hoped for better.
We walked on over.....
We arrived a bit earlier than our reservation; but the young man at the host stand told us "no problem" we have a table. We experienced this type of warm and accommodating service during our entire meal. It was such a pleasure dealing with folks who were efficient and professional, yet so very warm and kind.
The place was about two-thirds full at 530 pm. The Servers and staff seemed to know quite a few folks eating, so I'm guessing many were regulars from this town of about 9500. The Missus and I were so impressed by the staff....there was a young man with obvious learning/cognitive disabilities having dinner with his parents. Apparently he's a regular. All staff members dropped by to tell him hello, they knew he was wearing his "favorite shirt", they knew his favorite dishes....they embodied the "Aloha spirit". And this reminded me of why I almost took a job there back in the early 90s!
It's totally a tasting menu here two starters and desserts and a main. What we really enjoyed was that you could order 2 first courses and bypass the dessert! We ended up ordering three starters and one dessert which suited us perfectly!
Peter Merriman is considered one of the pioneers of "Hawaii Regional Cuisine", something that I have a love-hate relationship with. At its best the food represents the melting pot of people and cuisines of my home. At worse it is a cliched, soul less con-"fusion" of flavors and textures. I was hoping for the best here and the wonderful service had us off to a good start.
The amuse was Smoked Ulu (breadfruit) with Taro Chips. Basically a version of pulehu ʻulu.
I don't think the Missus has had ulu before. There were all the flavors She enjoys in this; a mild smokiness, a pleasantly sweet-rich flavor which harkens to a mix of sweet potato and roasted chestnut. She loved it.
Next up, the Shoyu Poke.
The Ahi as of excellent quality, so tender, well marinated in shoyu, though we would have appreciated more inamona and ogo. The mashed avocado kind of dulled the flavor of the poke.
The shrimp in the Grilled Wild Shrimp Bulgogi was fabulous; sweet and briny.
This really didn't need much and we were glad that the "bulgogi" flavoring did not interfere with the wonderful sweetness of the shrimp which were also cooked to perfection.
The Kalua Pork Quesadilla was our least favorite dish of the evening.
The pork was too salty, the smoke flavor too mild, the "tortilla" was more too hard and brittle; the sauce too sweet. This could have used something with a bit of "heat" to it.
The Missus ordered the "Day Boat Catch".
The fish was mahi mahi and was quite fresh, nicely cooked, mist and tender. The prawns were the highlight of this dish; fabulously tender and sweet.
This being cow country; I went with the Kua'Aina Beef Tenderloin. It was a great choice.
It was cooked to a perfect medium rare, loved the beefiness. I was told this is grass fed beef, so I expected it to be more toothsome. The cauliflower was delicious; at least that's what the Missus said as She quickly poached them all from the plate. The jalapeno mashed potatoes were quite creamy and not really spicy at all.
The Missus enjoyed the "Chocolate Purse".
Overall, we enjoyed the meal and loved the service. We'll definitely return in the future.
Merriman's Big Island
65-1227 Opelo Rd.
Waimea, HI 96743
I had picked the Waimea Country Lodge for a simple reason. Right next door is the Waimea Town Market, which opens at 730am on Saturdays! In fact, I could see the market, which takes place at the Parker School from our window.
And we headed on over right after the market opened.
We enjoyed our time there.
And made some nice purchases.
Waimea Town Market at Parker School
65-1224 Lindsey Rd
Waimea, HI 96743
On a fun note; the gentleman who was working the Akaka Falls Farm stand started chatting with us. He asked us where we were from and we told him "San Diego". He asked "where in San Diego"? And we said "Bay Park". He stuck his hand out to us for handshakes and told us, "North Clairemont baby!!!!" We cracked up.
Such a small world, huh?
just YUM!
Posted by: Laurie | Sunday, 19 November 2023 at 05:54 PM
That steak looks good
Posted by: Som Tommy | Sunday, 19 November 2023 at 06:01 PM
great meal
Posted by: kat | Sunday, 19 November 2023 at 10:09 PM
We really enjoyed this dinner Laurie! It's great hearing from you; hope all is well!
It was ST!
Yes, it was Kat! And the service was phenomenal.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 20 November 2023 at 07:07 AM
Small world! It's nice to relax after the day trippers have left.
Posted by: Junichi | Monday, 20 November 2023 at 11:03 AM
Yes, it's a small world Junichi! It's great to be able to enjoy things after all the day trippers are gone.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 20 November 2023 at 11:42 AM