By Maui Now Staff

These folks seem to be digging it. Photo courtesy Maui Ocean Center.

Fish look on as you eat their brethren at a unique Valentine’s Day dining experience at the Maui Ocean Center.

Held on Fri, Feb. 14th, the Sea of Love Dinner features a decadent menu, semi-private seating and the beauty of Hawaii’s marine life both in the water and on your plate.

Upon entering the aquarium, guests will be greeted with a special Valentine’s lei for the ladies before being escorted to your reserved table in the Living Reef Exhibit or oceanview Seascape Ma’alaea Restaurant.

The meal starts with complimentary welcome glasses of sparkling wine and the dishes themselves are prepared by James Beard nominee Chef Henry Tariga and catered by the award-winning Seascape Ma’alaea Restaurant.

To begin the meal, the shared Lover’s Platter is a combination of premium grade seared ahi sashimi with wasabi oil, freshly shucked Pacific oysters with liliko’i mignonette sauce, and sushi roll with lobster, crab and avocado.

The Cupid’s Salad is a medley of baby spinach, fresh Kula strawberries, feta cheese, and candied walnuts with a white balsamic dressing.

Choose from four main course entrées;

• baked fresh island fish stuffed with crab with champagne cream sauce,
• broiled lobster tail and filet mignon with Big Island mushroom brandy,
• macadamia nut crusted breast of chicken with truffle cream sauce and paired with herb grilled shrimp,
• wild mushroom ravioli drizzled with truffle oil and balsamic reduction.

Entrées will be served with the chef’s choice of accompaniments.

Last but not least partake in the Dessert Trilogy of raspberry cheesecake, chocolate truffles and chocolate dipped strawberries with choice of coffee or tea.

The evening includes a complimentary welcome glass of sparkling wine beverage for each guest, with champagne upgrades and bar service available for an additional fee.

The Sea of Love Dinner is $119 per person plus gratuity and tax. Seating times are between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Reservations are required and seating is limited.

Maui Ocean Center members are invited to sign up now and reservations open to the general public beginning Thursday, Jan. 16.

To reserve, call 808-270-7088 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please note the aquarium will not be available for touring during this dinner.