GREAT EATS HAWAII: WAIKIKI YACHT CLUB

Saturday, May 30, 2009

WAIKIKI YACHT CLUB

HONOLULU, HI

We were curious when friends asked us to join them for dinner at the Waikiki Yacht Club. I have not been to a Yacht Club in 20 years and no nothing about boats or private club etiquette. Oh well, I threw on some shorts and a aloha shirt and made my way down to Ala Moana Beach park to see how the rich people live. We found parking quickly along the park. We entered into a small hallway where we were asked to sign in. Once signed in, they asked us for the name of the guest we were seeing at let us in through a locked door. The Yacht Club is somewhat old and showing its age. The age of the patrons however is older. We entered to find a very nice indoor/outdoor seating area and large bar overlooking the boats. I made my way to the bar and asked for a cold brew. The bartender asked if we were "guests" and I politely said yes. The beer came, conversation began and I was a happy camper. We moved outside to a table along the dock and enjoyed the great view. Our friends arrived and quickly began to introduce to many of the members. We took a walk along the slips and view our friends beautiful 30' boat. After the tour we were taken to the dining room which is wide open. Our table was right in front with great views of the boats and city skyline. Really nice spot. The menu has steak, prime rib, fish and several pasta selections. Prices range from $10 to $20 for entree's with a soup and salad bar. This is a pretty good deal. I loved the salad bar. It was loaded with fresh veggies. The salad was fantastic so I tried the Portuguese Bean Soup. Served with a nice garlic bread. Good too. I would return here just for the soup and salad bar. For my entree, I ordered the Pan Fried Mahi Mahi. I requested pasta in place of rice or potato and the waiter said no problem. They should never write Pan Fried on the menu. Pan seared or roasted sounds better. My Mahi was not fried at all. No batter or heavy oil. Just good, fresh Mahi served with an avocado relish and good pasta. I loved the dish. We also tried the Shrimp Scampi which according to my wife was bland and so so.

My daughter ordered a three cheese pizza that was served on a flour tortilla and then covered with enough cheese to cover Diamond Head. It quite simply was uneatable. Overall experience here was great and we all want to return to enjoy the beautiful evenings on the dock and great company.