POIPU — Kristina Colburn, general manager of Merriman’s Fish House, was pleased beyond words Wednesday at the Kauai Culinary Market. Merriman’s Fish House earned the Gold Award for the Best Kauai Restaurant Sunday during the Honolulu Magazine Hale Aina Awards
POIPU — Kristina Colburn, general manager of Merriman’s Fish House, was pleased beyond words Wednesday at the Kauai Culinary Market.
Merriman’s Fish House earned the Gold Award for the Best Kauai Restaurant Sunday during the Honolulu Magazine Hale Aina Awards voted on by readers of Honolulu Magazine.
“This is something we’ve always worked for,” Colburn said. “We’ve been here at The Shops at Kukuiula for four years and we’ve always won the Silver Award. This is the first time we earned the Gold.”
The Hale Aina Awards was established in 1984 by the Honolulu Magazine as the state’s first local restaurant awards.
Other Kauai restaurants earning awards include The Beach House Restaurant earning the Silver Award, Roy’s in Poipu receiving the Bronze Award. Josselin’s Tapas Bar and Grill, also located in The Shops at Kukuiula, was a finalist along with Oasis. Bar Acuda received the Top Write-In Vote for Kauai.
Colburn said once a year, Merriman’s hosts a fundraiser benefiting local nonprofits. This year, diners can enjoy a special menu created by Merriman’s Executive Chef Mark Arriola and his culinary staff with proceeds benefiting both The Kauai United Way and Hale Opio during an event celebrating its fourth anniversary.
Reservations are being accepted for the event, which takes place Nov. 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Palm Court, an open area adjacent to the Merriman’s downstairs eatery.
“One hundred percent of the $65 price will go to serve vital social services on our island,” said Scott Giarman, director of The Kauai United Way. “In addition to the special fundraiser, Merriman’s has pledged to add to this event, 20 percent of proceeds from all dinners served inside the restaurant on Nov. 19.”
Chef Peter Merriman’s mission statement is “Do the Right Thing — for our Earth, and each other,” Giarman said.
“This fundraiser to benefit the entire Kauai community is another demonstrable example of this elegant sentiment,” he said.
“You can be sure the menu of heavy pupu will reflect Merriman’s commitment to using at least 90 percent locally-sourced ingredients from responsible growers who provide Merriman’s with the freshest, best-tasting foods which support our island’s economy and healthy agricultural practices.”
Call 742-8385 for reservations.
