Whilst in Maui, we decided one day to take a drive to eat lunch at Maui’s most famous of restaurants, Mama’s Fish House. I had avoided it the previous year, because I thought that it was located many hours from our hotel. But in reality, or to put it more bluntly, if I was smart enough to actually know how to look at and read a map, I would know it was a mere thirty five minutes away. That run-on sentence took longer to write than it took to drive there.
In truth, I also wanted to go there because a reviewer of the restaurant, in an attempt to write something negative, declared it was like Disneyland. How soon after reading those words did I decide to go there? Faster than it took to write this word: immediately.
I wore my Anthropologie Songbird Skirt and an older black tee. The shoes are Anthropologie’s Almanac Sandals.
I hope it goes without saying that I would not be writing this post if the food had not been phenomenal. Because it was. It was honestly the best meal I have ever had. We eat one big meal out a day while on vacation and the rest of the meals we either make in our hotel room or catch a quick cheap bite somewhere.
This particular lunch was expensive, but food in Maui is expensive. For example, I grabbed three bags of Hostess Donettes at the grocery store and they were almost $17. They would have been $6 at home. How soon after reading that purchase are you discrediting that I know good food? Somewhere between the word “immediately” and a long run-on sentence, I bet. But trust me.
We had eaten one of the worst meals I have ever had at a different fish house in Maui and the prices were very similar. That made us appreciate Mama’s all the more.
Their poppy bread was delicious.
They brought out a small noodle appetizer compliments of the chef. I will be spending my whole summer trying to replicate it. It was one of the best things I have ever had. Here is what I know it had: cilantro, noodles, carrots, cabbage, lime, and if I were to guess, I would say mirin, fish sauce and sesame oil. I cannot wait to experiment with this. We all scraped our plates (’cause we’re fancy) clean. And look at the cute little fork they served with it. And being the awesome and super sophisticated mother that I am, I let my son eat his entree with that little fork, too.
Blame that decision on the best drink I have ever had. In my life. It is called “The Relaxer.” I drank two of these and this is another thing I will be recreating at home.
The menu changes daily as the fish is caught and it features the fisherman/woman’s name who caught the fish. How cool is that?
We all tried a different fish dish. My family loves fish. We ate fish every day while we were in Maui. Everyone’s favorite fish was the dish I chose. It was a trio of three white fish. And it had Thai curry sauce (the chefs are from Thailand).
The restaurant is also known for their Lilikoi Creme Brûlée. It was on the show, “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” This was the one thing I did not care for. I like passion fruit and I like creme brûlée. But together? Not so much. It was definitely not bad. Just not my favorite.
I am the only one of us that felt this way. The rest of my family liked it.
We noticed as we were leaving that my son’s napkin remained untouched throughout the meal.
“You didn’t use your napkin?” I asked slightly horrified. I say slightly, because by this time, I had all ready let him eat lunch with a tiny fork and had indulged in two Relaxers. Manners were a moot point at this stage.
“I didn’t want to ruin it. It looks so pretty,” was his reply.
I wish he felt the same way about his pants. But he is right. The napkin was pretty. I suppose it was a fair sacrifice.
We went outside for more pictures. The little restaurant is on a small quaint white sand beach.
I loved the curve of the palm trees.
Have you ever eaten somewhere that you would take a trip again, just to return to it?
We have decided we must return to Maui if only to eat here again. It was amazing. And the service was fantastic, too. This was definitely a highlight of our trip. How long do you think it would take to travel there from my house? The map is saying something crazy, like seven hours (and that involves air travel). I am choosing to be believe that is simply incorrect.
Now, if you will excuse me, I’m off to go eat a Donette (not to be confused with a “donut”. I did not earn my fancy palate for nothin’).
Wow, I also love fish and this restaurant looks incredible. Can I just say that I am so jealous (in a good way) that you have been to Maui not once but TWICE!!! Paradise as a vacation sounds incredible!
I agree with your son too, I often leave pretty restaurant napkins untouched because i hate to ruin how pretty they are…..I also do that with hotel towels that have been turned into swans….you can’t imagine how hard it is to bathe when you don’t want to ruin the towel.
Loved this post and what you wore, which was so perfect for the occasion.
Angie from reasons to dress, fashion, real mom street style & life as a North American mom in Italy.
Thank you! Oh my gosh! I owe you an email. I am so sorry! I am so behind. I keep finding more things to organize in my house. It feels like I have to get it all don before my kids get back home!
Maui is beautiful. We are very lucky to have been. I wish I was there right now!
Have a great week!
Jenni
In our visit to Maui, we not only ate but stayed in one of the cottages at Mamma’s. The cottages were beautiful (and wonderful) but not sure I would use this as my destination on Maui (we also stayed in another resort for most of our visit). Glad you enjoyed it as it is pricey. We also did not love the creme brûlée but my son loved the chocolate mouse in the shell desert (also one they are know for).
I had wondered about those cottages. It seems like that town would not have a ton to do. I was so shocked at how pricey the stores were there. There was a gorgeous skirt in the window at a boutique. It was really cute, but nothing amazing. I went inside to check the price. Almost $400!!! Wow!
My kids wanted to try the chocolate pearl, but we only wanted to get one dessert. Next time for sure!
Have a fabulous Friday!
Jenni
Gorgeous food, outfit, and location!
Thank you Heather! : )
Hope you are having an awesome Thursday!
Jenni
Ha ha! Hope you loved your donette…was it filled with confiture, or jam? ; )
My husband and I are freaks when it comes to finding the best most unique quaint spot to eat while travelling. We have lists of where we ate the best, crabcakes, the best creme caramel, the best coleslaw…you name it. I kind of wish we’d kept a written list now because our memories aren’t what they used to be.
We have never been to Maui, so I think we need to visit this spot. Thanks for the review!
bisous
Suzanne
Oh man! You should definitely start a written list. I should, too. That is a fabulous idea. Not only for places I have traveled but places in town. My friend actually does this. And she tries other people’s dishes so she can recommend things to friends if she goes there again. She is s true foodie.
We pretty much stumble upon things as we go, when we travel. I sometimes plan, but I always am disappointed when it is not what I expected it to be. I am so glad we tried this place!
You should definitely go to Maui. It is awesome.
Have a fabulous Friday!
Jenni
Beautiful pictures! It sounds like you had a great vacation. The Fish House sounds wonderful. You are brave. I don’t think I would take my kids to a nice restaurant…though your children are older and probably not as picky as mine. The non use of napkin is so cute. Pants can always be washed. ( I have had to repeat this mantra since having Colin…)
Thank you Alicia. I definitely would not have taken my kids when they were little. But my youngest is going to be eleven in August. I cannot believe it! No more kids menus soon! Ahhhhh! The expense!
Pants AND shirts! Oh my gosh. Most of my laundry is his. Two more days until I have much more!
Have a beautiful Friday!
Jenni
So fun! Glad you had a great time! Food and outfit look amazing! I love Maui…my husband and I got married there..just the two of us..a couple of years ago. We try and go every year but haven’t made it back in the last year…new doggy will do that 🙂 We need to try and get back there. (It’s the only place where I never think of work in the back of my mind…lol) 🙂
Oh my gosh! Yes, a new dog will definitely do that! They are much harder to arrange housing for than kids. How fun to get married in Maui! Congratulations! I hope you get back soon. I agree. It is the most relaxing place I have ever been. I truly miss it.
Have a great weekend!
Jenni
So lovely! Thanks for sharing these photos! I was especially interested in reading this post because Kyle and I strongly considered Maui as a honeymoon destination. (We ended up going to Charleston and Savannah instead, which obviously worked out given we moved to Savannah a few short years later.) We even talked about taking a trip to Maui last winter. When we travel, we’re all about the food, and Mama’s Fish House was one of the places on our bucket list. It looks like we would have made the right decision to go there!
I love all the food photos. The summer heat is kicking in here in Nashville, and a frozen bevvie and seafood dinner sounds glorious!
You also look darling. I would not have picked that skirt for a Maui trip, but now seeing it on you, it’s the perfect choice! It looks tropical and fun and blends so well with the tropical scenery. I tried it on a few weeks ago and have added it to my wishlist. I’m waiting for sale! Maybe I’ll actually be able to hold off this time (unlike with the firefleur maxi skirt…)
Looking forward to seeing more of your vacation photos, especially what you ate and how you dressed for your tropical getaway!
<3 Liz
http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com
Thank you Liz. I truly believe that that skirt will get a cut and you will be able to get it. It has mixed reviews, so I am surprised it did not get cut this round. I nerd you to get it, so that I can see how you style it. You are more creative than I am, so I think you will be able to really show what to wear with this. I am scared of color for the top.
I love that firefleur skirt. I keep watching it popback and then immediately sell out. I am still hoping to get it at one more cut.
That would have been an awesome honeymoon, although Savannah is romantic. We never had a honeymoon. We had to rush back the next day because my husband did not want to miss even one day of his new job. It was a bummer but I also think that is my favorite part about him. His loyalty and work ethic.
Have a lovely weekend!
Jenni
Can’t wait til you re-create the noodle app & THE RELAXER on your blog! Delicious!
Thank you Lyn! I wanted to try to recreate the noodle dish this week, but my daughter would be so sad if I tried to make it without her. She loved it the most. So, I am trying that next week. I am waiting until Sunday night for the drink, so my husband can have one.
Have a happy Friday! : )
Jenni
You look so beautiful and so does everything else in the photos! Was the Relaxer like a Pina Colada? If we ever go to Maui.. it will definitely be because of your post! Wonderful!
Thank you so much Lora! The relaxer was like a piña colada with chocolate liquor in it. It sounds weird, but it was amazing. There are many recipes that are on line for it. I am going to try the one I think sounds like what I tasted.
Have a beautiful Friday! : )
Jenni
LUV that post! I think I quite enjoy writing long, run on sentences when I post too, so you are a woman after my own heart! Just a fun, funny post! Great writing! You look lovely in that outfit & the beach/boat pics are dreamy! It really makes me want to visit Hawaii soon (w/ my family bc they have never been). I’m sure it’ll be a trip in a few years. There are so many beach destinations I want to visit, many in the Caribbean & Bahamas, so I can’t decide which would be the best to save up for next. I think Hawaii is probably the same price overall as the islands. (Suffice it to say, if we won the lottery, or became sudden multi millionaires, i think we would travel a lot!)! 🙂 Anyway, that was quite a long sentence too!
Still excited to see lots more Maui pics! Have a great day!
Rebecca
Thank you Rebecca. We have done cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. I do not think that is the same as staying there. The water is prettier there, but Maui, for us, is the most relaxing. We only go on one family vacation a year. I love to travel any where and everywhere. I loved your trip to Mexico. Homemade tortillas?! Yes, please! I want you to know my kids went horseback riding two days ago and I was so nervous. But then I remembered how much fun you had and calmed down. So thank you for that.
Have a lovely Friday!
Jenni
It’s great that your family loves fish! I know so many people who won’t touch fish with a ten-foot pole. Gorgeous skirt!
Happy Birthday!
Thank you Rachel. My kids each caught a fish today and ate them for dinner! I think that is so cool! I think that some people who don’t like fish might have had fish that wasn’t fresh. Fresh fish does not have that awful fishy taste. I wish I could eat fish every single day. But I always overcook it and it makes the house smell. Plus, it is expensive! I cannot eat Tilapia after seeing how they grow them on “Dirty Jobs”.
Have a really really good weekend! Happy Birthday!
Jenni
You look SO chic and lovely in this outfit! Really great, put together look.
Thank you Rebecca. I appreciate that. : )
Have a happy weekend!
Jenni
We did not get to try Mama’s Fish House during our last trip to Maui, but next time – definitely! Thanks for sharing! By the way, one of the best meals we’ve had in Maui on our trip was at this little shrimp truck called Geste Shrimp Truck – if you have not tried it, I highly recommend it!
Thank you Jenny. I want to try those food trucks so badly! I will write that down for next time we are there. My kids love shrimp and so does my husband. I cannot do it. I do not like the texture. But they would love me forever if I took them to a shrimp truck! : )
Have a beautiful weekend!
Jenni
YES! I feel exactly the same way about a restaurant in Budapest called M Etterem (etterem means “restaurant” in Hungarian). The chef makes whatever he feels like that day, and you can take it or leave it – though there are always several options on the menu. Last time we went there – because we keep going back to Budapest, and M is a mandatory stop for dinner when we do – we even met the chef while he was sitting outside having a smoke. “Don’t order the gnocchi,” he told us, “We ran out of gnocchi.” I loved that, haha!
Anyway, I am so glad you all seem to have had such a wonderful trip! That restaurant sounds AMAZING, especially how they always cook the catch of the day so it’s always fresh… The Relaxers sound like the two helpings of Honey Smash I had last Friday, hehe. And you look adorable! Love that skirt on you – and the accessories! 😉
Thank you Gwen! I love restaurants like that. When I was a little girl, I remember very vividly my grandmother and mother taking us to a Mexican restaurant that was several courses of whatever the chef had decided to make. I remember it being amazing. It was somewhere in Los Angeles and I wish I could figure out what restaurant it was because I would love to go there as an adult. M Etterem sounds like that. Yum.
Thank you for the compliments. Blushing. : )
Have a gorgeous evening!
Jenni
I love fish! I want to go to this restaurant. It sounds amazing. A Relaxer would be good right about now. (It’s only 10 AM but oh well).
I love your outfit. That skirt is so pretty and floaty.
10:00 a.m.?! Sounds perfect. I think I had two before noon. So, I am right there with you. Of course, then we took a sweaty awful hike to a waterfall and two drinks and a plate of fish did not seem like the best idea in the humid heat. But that short adventure is still to come. Let’s pretend that smiling lasts. ; )
Have a great weekend!
Jenni
i can’t believe i’ve been to maui twice and never ate here! it looks so amazing! i also loooove fish, but only really eat it when i’m near the ocean. although, i do make an exception for roy’s, which is where we’re going this weekend for a little treat, yay 🙂
xo jac
thesunshinedistrict.blogspot.com
You must eat there next time. I thought all of the hype was just hype but it was so memorable and wonderful. I made a reservation online forty five minutes before we got there. That definitely helped.
Have some yummy fish!
And a fun weekend!
Jenni
Great photos, Jenni!! You look so fab in your Songbird skirt. I kind of jumped out of my chair and yelled “Songbird Skirt” when I saw you in it. It’s okay. The neighbors already know I’m kind of crazy. Looking at these pics makes me want to go on vacation soooo badly. So happy that you had such a great time!!!
Thank you Cynthia! I have to write the trip report tomorrow and I do not want to, because I will have to recognize the trip is over. I want to go back. Right now. : )
“Songbird Skirt” sounds like a great cat name. Or a meal for a cat. Don’t give Marcy any ideas.
Have a gorgeous weekend!
Jenni
Oh how fun! You look amazing love the outfit!!!
Thank you Melodee! I appreciate that! : )
Have a fantastic Friday!
Jenni
I must tell you I really enjoy your blog. I read the posts about your daughter’s iPod to my husband and he was laughing out loud. Thank you for the joy and laughter!
Thank you so much. That means a lot to me. Writing the short stories is my favorite part of the blog so I really appreciate that you like them. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to let me know. You made my night.
Have a beautiful weekend!
Jenni
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