If I were asked to close my eyes, and imagine the perfect setting for a romantic dinner with my bride of 24 years, then the Brown’s Beach House Restaurant, set inside The Fairmont Orchid Resort, on the Big Island of Hawaii, would exactly fit the picture in my mind.

Before I get to the amazing food, let me set the mood for you.

We are seated at the outer edge of the outdoor patio.  The ocean breezes are gently calming our skin from the heat of the day.

A Hawaiian man, clad in a grass skirt approaches, turns toward the ocean, and blows into a conch shell producing a most ethereal sound.  He then sets about running from Tiki Torch to Tiki Torch; lighting them. This adds even more to the drama and romance of our setting.

As we all sit under the palm trees, enjoying our wonderful Oregon Pinot Noir, with the warm ocean breeze caressing our faces, we begin to admire the light show that God’s sunset is going to produce for us at this very moment in time.

In the background, adding to the intensity of the moment, is a Hawaiian lounge singer doing a wonderful rendition of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

For the life of me, I don’t know how the setting could be any more perfect.

Accompanying us for this meal are Bob & Karen Schroeder, wonderful friends from Michigan who have been on the Big Island for over a month.

As we begin to explore the menu we found items such as:

• Waimea Sweet Corn Bisque
• Ahi Poke
• Kaffir Lime Poached Ahi
• Crab Crusted Mahi Mahi
• Lemon Balm Grilled Walu
• Coriander Scented Snapper
• Grilled Ono
• and even a special Prix Fixe menu called the Brown’s Ali’i Experience, named after a 20th century Hawaiian statesman/athlete.

Having found myself in such a dream-like setting, I was a little afraid that the food might disappoint, and put a damper on this perfect setting.  Thankfully this was not the case.  In fact, I was greatly pleased with our dining experience.

The food lived up to the setting, the presentation was beautiful, the staff attentive, and the meal only served to add to the enjoyment of the evening.

As I think of Hawaii, it is moments like this that remain permanently fixed in the very cells of my being.  Great food, great setting, and all shared with great friends.

Thank you Brown’s Beach House Restaurant for making a very special experience and memory for us all.

Disclosure:  this dining experience was provided by the Brown’s Beach House Restaurant.