LA MER IS THE BEST RESTAURANT IN HAWAII

Have you ever had a 5-hour dinner for two with a view of Diamond Head and a Waikiki sunset that cost a thousand dollars? We did last night at La Mer, which is on the second floor above Orchids.

The evening began with a gin martini on ice with olives at House Without a Key.

We went on to be served Heidsieck Champagne at La Mer, which once was free...but no more.

After being kept away from fine cuisine for more than 2.5 years by the pandemic, we splurged on Malossol Caviar. The roe came from U.S. aquacultured sturgeon. Caviar prices are absurd, but China is entering the picture, and prices could drop.

We selected the $300 version.

Sunset at Waikiki.

We selected the following Menu Dégustation.

First the amusement, of more caviar in a soup sauce.

Foie gras paté, beets, onions and popcorn, with a Justin Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles.

Then a roasted scallop/lobster consommé with cuttlefish.

Followed by a plate of chorizo, lobster and squid ink gnocci.

The final entre was filet of beef, foie gras, truffle mousseline and potato soufflé, deserving two photos.

Meal came with a cheese cart, where the roquefort and that middle one with the cover being exceptional. I had a Fonseca port wine to accompany my final phase.

Next a Gewürztraminer emulsion with pineapple wine granité.

We shared a soufflé and textures of chocolate with champagne gel and hazelnuts.

Chef Alexandre Trancher came by to chat, and saw us off at the end.

La Mer is a AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant. Michelin has not yet come to Hawaii. Trancher is from France and was the sous chef for La Tour D'Argent in Paris, one of my very favorite restaurants. I had lunch there on my last trip to Europe. Our table view was of Notre Dame, which the following month had a tragic fire. Restoration will not be completed until 2024.

Hurricane Ian mostly spared the Carolinas after doing substantial damage to Florida. The total death number will probably remain under 100. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 killed over 1800. From all reports, Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago escaped damage. Of course, it is located on the east side and 127 miles away from Fort Myers. The following was sent to me.

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