a sybarite in paradise
reviewing the food & entertainment pleasures of Honolulu
Mermaid Bar, Neiman Marcus
When I’m at Ala Moana Shopping Center and want to treat myself just a little I go to Mermaid Bar at Neiman Marcus. It’s more casual than Mariposa, but I always still feel a little under dressed in my shorts and t-shirt. I soldier on as if nothing was amiss. I’m usually alone and sit at the counter that looks out at the parking lot, the beach park and beyond. When the winds are right I can watch airplanes go zipping by shortly after takeoff.
I’m ashamed to say that even though I’ve been here close to a dozen times, I’ve only ever had two things. My favorite is the Duke of 
Windsor Sandwich ($10). It’s smoked turkey, real off the bone turkey, mango chutney, cheddar cheese spread, and pineapple on grilled egg bread. It’s a great panini. The accompanying kettle style chips are wonderful too.
Then there’s that little ramekin of corn relish. It’s really the reason I go to Mermaid Bar. It’s delicious. The sandwich is very good too. 
The other sandwich I love here is the Panini Antipasti ($11): prosciutto, sopressata, ham, provolone, olive oil, balsamic, and ciabatta bread. It’s also grilled and salty wonderfulness. Along with the chips it’s probably a couple of day’s worth of sodium intake. I certainly drink a lot of water the afternoon I have this sandwich.
The service is generally attentive, but as a single diner I still run into those moments when I’m ready to move onto the next step before the server is. Usually, it’s settling the bill when this happens. Still, I recommend Mermaid Bar for when the food court in the basement won’t do. All in all, it’s not much more expensive. In fact I’ve spent more downstairs and been way more disappointed.
Mermaid Bar 951-3428
Neiman Marcus 2nd floor
Ala Moana Shopping Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
Hours:
M-Sat 10am-5pm
Sun 11am-5pm
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
