Fall in love with fabulous food

Photo courtesy Chef Chai

Love is in the air, and diners don’t need to be in despair about reserving that ideal Valentine’s Day dinner because Chef Chai at Pacifica Honolulu offers award-winning, upscale cuisine year-round.

To spark the romance and the taste buds, Chef Chai recommends two special prix fixe menus: the Early Bird Special Menu and the Monthly Wine Dinner.

“Our Early Bird Special Menu is the best deal in town,” says owner and executive chef Chai Chaowasaree. “For those who can’t take your loved ones out on Valentine’s Day, this is the perfect choice for you.”

The four-course Early Bird Special Menu ($55 per person in February) showcases the Bangkok native’s flair for fusing the flavors of Asia with fresh island ingredients and French cooking techniques.

Seatings for the Early Bird Special are available from 4 to 5 p.m., but diners can stay as long as they want, Chaowasaree says.

For guests with dietary restrictions, the Vegetable Terrine with Green Curry Sauce and Naan Bread entrée offers a meat-free, gluten-free, nut-free and dairy-free option.

“The colorful and tasty dish layers Okinawan potato, roasted red bell pepper, roasted carrot, grilled portobello mushroom, eggplant and kabocha pumpkins,” Chaowasaree says.

The Early Bird Special Menu changes every month, and in February, diners will be delighted with a Heart-shaped White Chocolate Amore Truffle with Fresh Raspberry Guava Puree for dessert — perfect for celebrating love.

Chef Chai’s popular Monthly Wine Dinner ($135-$195, depending on wine pairing) features four high-end wines paired with decadent dishes. So, toast to love all year long!