I'm not sure what it's called, but a couple of weeks ago when I was in Vegas, we went to a steak house on the top of Binnion's.
Set up by a friend of ours, I initially thought, "town" - yuk. At the bottom of Binnion's, there's a "steak-n-lobster" deal for $18 or something like that - it totally sucked. So, I thought it might be something like that.
The place on top however, was definitely "fine dining", complete with the white table clothes. Food was good. But the "steak-n-lobster" was $72.
Haynr8dr wrote:The place on top however, was definitely "fine dining", complete with the white table clothes. Food was good. But the "steak-n-lobster" was $72.
If the food was "good" then you definitely over paid. Well...let's see. What cut of steak was it and how big was the lobster? Did it come with sides or were like any upscale steakhouse, were they a la carte? What were sauce options? If you say A1 bro...I dunno you man.
I too ate at the DUO. Good grinds and atmosphere.
But, my friend bought and sent me a complimentary bottle of champaigne for over $50.00. I get home and found out they charged me for it (when my friend had bought it). Oh well.
I prefer local hole in the walls. But, some of places in Maui County I like:
Mamas (though it's a rip off nowadays)
Roys (Kahana)
The Lodge at Koele, Lanai (though a small MOI, rice and salad cost over $50. I catch um for free.)
Mama's was always too busy and touristy for my taste. I would always argue with my good buddy about it, who says he loves it. I mean, there is fish is good, but...
Then, my friend had lunch on a $100 gift certificate with his wife. Dude end up paying on top of that for nothin' special. Overpriced.
Don't forget on Maui: Nick's Fishmarket at the Kealani (although the service has gone down lately) and Sea Watch at the Gold/Emerald golf course in Wailea.
Hy's steakhouse is it still on Kuhio Avenue...downstairs of some apartment...near the zoo end? Man, that was sooo good. I miss Alfred's...did he reopen somewhere else?
Yeah - I guess I like Mama's mostly for it's location . . . tucked away in a cove. Kinda romantic with wifey. But, yeah, over-priced and food is average.
I've yet to try Nick's on Maui. I'll have to check it out.
I used to like Buzz's Wharf in Ma'alaea - especially the Prawns Tahitian and steak. But, not sure what happened but last time I went - prices went up, and quality and quantity went way down.
OKIE: One of my best friends (originally from the San Fran - Oakland area) just moved back to Maui from the South. He keeps telling me about how great catfish sandwiches are (and, some other sandwich called (something like) a "poaboy" or "poor boy".
Grinch wrote:
But, my friend bought and sent me a complimentary bottle of champaigne for over $50.00. I get home and found out they charged me for it (when my friend had bought it)....
Whoa.....that doesn't sound so "complementary" to me if YOU had to pay for it! Sounds like the "paradise" tax was ineffect for your meal. Shame on them.....you should have gone back the restaurant and raise hell or have a cow. Maybe ribeye?
Because in my mind,it's always clear...evil thoughts that twist my mind into despair- Iron Maiden
Paul B wrote:My Uncle Almar has been in the restaurant business for more than 25 years and he took me to ALL the locations on Oahu, Maui, and Los Angeles (if it's FREE, why not?).
Of course, I have to recommend my Uncle's current restaurant Formaggio Grill and previous restaurant Hy's Steak House.
(in no particular order, they're all good)
Roy's Restaurant
Sam Choy's
DK's
Alan Wong's Restaurant
Hailemaile General Store (Maui)
Ruth Chris
Avalon (Maui)
David's Restaurant (Maui)
Longhi's
Onjin's Cafe--but heard it closed down.
John Dominis
3660 on the rise
Hoku's
Too many to name on my list. All these guys and a few girls are my Uncle's friends.
These are good places.
I stumbled onto Onjin's for lunch when we did the Public Storage and Wedding Ring Shop. Best Kalbi sauce. My wife and I went there for dinner one time and it was really good. Don't know if she opened up again somewhere else.
Sam Choy's Kapahulu isn't what it used to be. I swear the first time I ate there, it was the best place ever with all the food he gave. The last two times I went there with my wife, made me say let's choose to spend our money elsewhere.
Hawai'i has the best fighters in the world. F___ that's all we do. --BJ Penn
Paul B wrote:My Uncle Almar has been in the restaurant business for more than 25 years and he took me to ALL the locations on Oahu, Maui, and Los Angeles (if it's FREE, why not?).
Of course, I have to recommend my Uncle's current restaurant Formaggio Grill and previous restaurant Hy's Steak House.
(in no particular order, they're all good)
Roy's Restaurant
Sam Choy's
DK's
Alan Wong's Restaurant
Hailemaile General Store (Maui)
Ruth Chris Avalon (Maui)David's Restaurant (Maui) Longhi's
Onjin's Cafe--but heard it closed down.
John Dominis
3660 on the rise
Hoku's
Too many to name on my list. All these guys and a few girls are my Uncle's friends.
Avalon was closed ten years ago due to some drug bust. Mark Eleman started with Maui Taco's and has opened a couple of Ma la grills since here.
David Paul's...Yes a good restaurant. I haven't been there for some time though.
I have never had a good experience at Longhi's. (in Wailea.)
But, yeah, over-priced and food is average.
Shame on them.....you should have gone back the restaurant and raise hell or have a cow. Maybe ribeye? 
