Anna Miller's (AM) is a one-of-a-kind restaurant on Oahu, and the local eatery has been in existence for as long as I can remember. While my family didn't visit the restaurant too often, whenever someone had a pie craving ... that's where we would go.
AM is known for their variety of local cuisine served in a warm and welcoming environment. The eatery is located just upstairs from Bravo's and is a great choice to dine at especially if you're headed to Pearlridge Downtown to catch a movie later on.
I've been to AM for both lunch and dinner--more often for lunch than dinner--and I've always enjoyed what I've ordered. It's hard for me to deviate once I've established a favorite entrée, but there are still items on the menu I have yet to try!
Here's what I would recommend:
"Mahi Mahi": I'm always in the mood for a good mahi plate, which is probably why this has been my go-to from AM. This island favorite comes grilled in egg batter and is served with tartar sauce, though I often find the mahi flavorful sans the salt (I just add a small dose of salt). I like the light taste of the fish, which is coated in crispy batter. I like how there's sufficient batter on the outside of the fish but it's not overboard (overly crunchy). I usually get my mahi with fries or rice.
"Chicken Katsu": Chicken katsu has to be one of my favorite plate lunch dishes, so I would be down to order this version from AM. It features breaded chicken served with tonkatsu sauce, and you can get your choice of sides. I would probably go for the hot roll, rice (gotta have rice with katsu) and the mac salad, in true plate lunch fashion. I've never had the katsu at AM before, but I hope it's well-breaded and full of flavor. ; served with hot roll or cornbread, choose any two sides: fries, mashed potato, macaroni/potato salad, coleslaw, rice, vegetables
"Fish & Chips": I'm always on the lookout for a good fish & chips, so I'll have to try the AM version at some point. It features deep fried fish, cole slaw and fries. Since I enjoy the mahi plate at AM, I'm hoping the fish & chips dish would have some of the same qualities -- great flavor, sufficient breading and a delightfully savory taste.
"Chicken Pot Pie": The menu describes this comfort food dish as being "extra chunky" and loaded with chicken, so I hope to experience it at some point. It also includes vegetables in a cream sauce under that signature flaky crust and is served with a garden salad. Chicken pot pie is another one of my favorite comfort food meals, and for me, a good pot pie lies in the crust. It's so important for the crust to be buttery, thick and flaky, so I can't wait to try this AM classic one day.
"Brownie Fudge Sundae": I think I normally go for pie--the ONE occasion where I opt for pie--when getting dessert at AM, but if I ever choose to deviate, this item from the dessert menu is first up on my list. I do love a good moist, chewy, fudgy brownie, and when it's served a la mode, there's simply no concoction that's more heavenly.
"Fried Egg Melt": AM is known for serving breakfast all day, and though I love having breakfast for dinner, I have yet to try something from the available breakfast menu. I would probably go for this yummy sandwich, which consists of a fried egg, swiss cheese, tomato and your choice of ham, bacon or spam. I would get the sando sans tomato and would choose bacon for my meat, but this breakfast sandwich sounds especially good because it comes with a fried egg in the mix.
"Grilled Cheese": Grilled cheese sandos still reign as my favorite sandwich, and you can add bacon or tomato for an extra charge with this cheesy concoction. Usually sandwiches come standard with fries, but I like how this traditional sandwich comes with your choice of two sides. I would probably go with fries (you NEED fries with a good sandwich) and either mac or potato salad, depending on my mood.
"Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Pie": I have to admit that I'm not a pie girl ... I've never liked items with custardy textures (like mousse or pudding), and pie filling fits right in that category. But, since AM is known for their fresh, housemade pies, I always feel obligated to get one when it's time for dessert. I tried this "Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Pie" only once and was completely sold. Because I'm a diehard fan of anything with peanut butter and chocolate, the mousse-like texture of the filling didn't bother me so much. My favorite part of ANY pie is the crust ... and AM pies don't disappoint! The crust is warm, buttery and perfectly flaky, and I always get my pie without any whipped cream so I can enjoy the slight crunch without anything else making it mushy. While I still prefer brownies, cookies or ice cream when it comes to dessert, I have to say that I'm a fan of this peanut butter and chocolate cream pie. read more