thanks so much for the recs. merriman's is a good option.

i'm not a fan of hotel dining but seems like the hotels have a monopoly on ocean-side dining. thoughts on the following:
brown's beach house @ the fairmont
beach tree @ the four seasons
pahula @ the four seasons (is this still open? it is not listed on the website but it comes up in searches)
ULU @ the four seasons

thanks again.

I'm going to be on the BI for my 40th bday in January. Staying at the Mauna Lani and I'm looking for a rec for dinner on my bday.

Coming from SF so I get plenty of great restaurants. Price is not an issue but I don't just want the most expensive restaurant.

Any recs would be appreciated. Thanks.

Going to be in Mendocino in May for a Sat and Sun. Need recs dinner. Would like 1 nice dinner and 1 more casual dinner. Really dont like stuffy pretentious places. Would be open to restaurant alternatives too - cooking dinners, supper clubs, etc.

My first dinner at Le Bernardin and I am already planning. Prix fixe or tasting menu (but not chef's tasting menu) - what would you do??

Looking for suggestions for Friday night dinner for 4. Bringing friends visiting from FL so looking for:
trendy scene w/ decor
good bar that we could get a drink at before or after
plus but not necessary would be something w/ a decent club attached
nabe where w/ good bars so meatpacking, soho okay nothing uptown/gramercy/etc.
good food but would choose scene over food

was thinking of la esquina, buddakan, spice market, or morimoto-type places but wondering if i'm missing a good option. would prefer something that's been around and is reliable than something brand new.