The participating restaurants have created amazing three course, pre-fixe menus for just $29*/$39*/$49* per person (*depending on the restaurant – beverages, tax and gratuity not included). Some restaurants have enhanced this promotion, by creating specially priced wine pairings to enjoy with the meal.

“Restaurant Week Wailea continues to grow in popularity as well as in restaurant and menu variety”, said Bud Pikrone, General Manager, Wailea Community Association. “Once again each participating restaurant will make a contribution to the Maui Food Bank for every pre-fixe entrée sold during Restaurant Week Wailea, as part of the resort’s community programs. Last year over $8,200 was raised for the Maui Food Bank through this culinary event” said Pikrone.

This pre-fixe menu is not valid with any other discount, coupons or promotion being offered at participating restaurants. Diners may contact each restaurant direct for reservations, as advance reservations are strongly recommended, or visit www.opentable.com for select restaurants* which offer online dinner reservations.

No tickets, passes or coupons needed ~ simply make your reservations and enjoy!

Participating Restaurants:

Capische?* (Hotel Wailea) (808) 879-2224

DUO Steak and Seafood (Four Seasons) (808) 874-8000

Gannon’s (Wailea Gold & Emerald Course)(808) 875-8080

Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Grand Wailea)  (808) 875-1234

Joe’s in Wailea (Wailea Tennis Club) (808) 875-7767

KAI Wailea (808) 875-1955

Kō* (Fairmont Kea Lani)     (808) 875-4100

Longhi’s* (The Shops at Wailea) (808) 891-8883

Mala Wailea* (Wailea Marriott) (808) 875-9394

Matteo’s    (808) 874-1234

Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman (808) 891-2322

Mulligan’s on the Blue (Wailea Blue Course) (808) 874-1131

Nick’s Fishmarket Maui* (Fairmont Kea Lani) (808) 879-7224

Pita Paride Bistro Wailea (808) 879-7177

Ruth’s Chris Steak House* (The Shops at Wailea) (808) 874-8880

OR visit www.opentable.com to book reservations with participating restaurants*

Menus being offered during this special promotion:

It’s great to see a brand new restaurant rise to the top as quickly as Star Noodle did in 2010. Chef Sheldon Simeon and the staff at this unique and engaging establishment should feel justly proud of their accomplishments.

Pulehu, An Italian Grill, claimed the Best Kept Secret title in 2009 and as WCM predicted when they won, the days of keeping secrets was officially over! Indeed, this year Pulehu emerged as Silver Award winner in the Best Italian Category, right behind Ferraro’s, the Four Season’s star dining establishment.  Of all the award categories to watch, I’d keep an eye on the winners of this year’s Best Kept Secret category, Cuatro and Kahili. I predict you’ll see them turn up again next year in another “Best Of” berth.

The biggest news of 2011′s Aipono Award results was learning that Capische? wrestled the Restaurant of the Year Gold award from Pineapple Grill, which still holds the Silver claim after years as this category’s golden child.  (I personally enjoy  a little competition like this in the restaurant scene as it keeps things fresh and those talented chefs on their toes.) Congrats  to the staff of both restaurants for their consistency and excellence.

As to the winners of Best Service, Wine List, Waterfront, and Romantic Dining categories – no surprises there. All the winners offer terrific experiences; the very places I would send anyone looking for The Best of Maui. Wouldn’t you agree?

The winners of the 2011 Aipono Awards are:

Chef of the Year: Sheldon  Simeon of Star Noodle

Maui County Farm Bureau’s Friend of Agriculture: Justin Pardo

Excellence in Sustainability: Hyatt Regency Ka’anapali

Lifetime Achievement Award: Floyd Christenson, Mama’s Fish House

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Gold: Capische?
555 Kaukahi Rd., Wailea
(808) 879-2224
www.capische.com

Silver: Pineapple Grill
200 Kapalua Dr., Kapalua
(808) 669-9600
www.pineapplekapalua.com

BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Gold: Star Noodle
286 Kupuohi St., Lahaina
(808) 667-5400

Silver: Gannon’s
100 Wailea Golf Club Dr., Wailea
(808) 875-8080

BEST SERVICE
Gold: Lahaina Grill
127 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina
(808) 667-5117

Silver: Spago
Four Seasons Resort Maui
3900 Wailea Alanui, Wailea
(808) 874-8000

BEST WATERFRONT DINING
Gold: Mala Ocean Tavern
1307 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 667-9394

Silver: Merriman’s Kapalua
1 Bay Dr., Kapalua
(808) 669-6400

BEST WINE LIST
Gold: Pineapple Grill
200 Kapalua Dr., Kapalua
(808) 669-9600

Silver:Lahaina Grill
127 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina
(808) 667-5117

MOST ROMANTIC
Gold: Merriman’s Kapalua
1 Bay Dr., Kapalua
(808) 669-6400

Silver: Gerard’s
174 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina
(808) 661-8939

MOST INNOVATIVE
Gold: I’O Restaurant
505 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 661-8422

Silver—tie: 
David Paul’s Island Grill
900 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 662-3000

Banyan Tree
Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
1 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Kapalua
(808) 669-6200

MOST “MAUI-EST”
Gold: Mama’s Fish House
799 Poho Pl., K¯u‘au
(808) 579-8488

Silver: Aloha Mixed Plate
1285 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 661-3322

BEST HAWAI‘I REGIONAL
Gold: H¯ali‘imaile General Store
900 H¯ali‘imaile Rd., H¯ali‘imaile
(808) 572-2666

Silver: Pineapple Grill
200 Kapalua Dr., Kapalua
(808) 669-9600

BEST ASIAN
Gold: A Saigon Café
1792 Main St., Wailuku
(808) 243-9560

Silver: Sansei Seafood Restaurant& Sushi Bar
600 S. Office Rd., Kapalua
(808) 669-6286
1881 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei
(808) 879-0004

BEST DINNER VALUE
Gold: Aloha Mixed Plate
1285 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 661-3322

Silver: Cilantro Mexican Grill
170 Papalaua St., Lahaina
(808) 667-5444

BEST BUSINESS LUNCH
Gold: Bistro Casanova
33 Lono Ave., Kahului
(808) 873-3650

Silver: Café O’Lei
2439 S. Kihei Rd., #201A, Kihei
(808) 891-1368
62 N. Market St., Wailuku
(808) 986-0044
200 Halewalu Rd., Waiehu
(808) 242-2770
1333 Maui Lani Pkwy., Kahului
(808) 877-0073

BEST BAKERY
Gold: T. Komoda Store & Bakery
3674 Baldwin Ave., Makawao
(808) 572-7261

Silver: Stillwell’s Bakery & Café
1740 Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Wailuku
(808) 243-2243

BEST TAKEOUT
Gold: Honok¯owai Okazuya & Deli
3600-D Lower Honoapi‘ilani Rd., Honokowai
(808) 665-0512

Silver: Outback Steakhouse281 Pi‘ikea Ave., Kihei
(808) 879-8400
325 Keawe St., Lahaina
(808) 665-1822

BEST VEGETARIAN FARE
Gold: Mala Ocean Tavern / Mala Wailea
1307 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 667-9394
Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
3700 Wailea Alanui, Wailea
(808) 875-9394

Silver:Joy’s Place
1993 S. Kihei Rd.,Kihei
(808) 879-9258

BEST PLACE TO DINE WITH KIDS
Gold: Ruby’s Diner
Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center
275 Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Kahului
(808) 248-7829

Silver: Cool Cat Café
658 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 667-0908

BEST BREAKFAST
Gold: Sea House Restaurant
Napili Kai Beach Resort
5900 Lower Honoapi‘ilani Rd., Napili
(808) 669-1500

Silver: Plantation House Restaurant
2000 Plantation Club Dr., Kapalua
(808) 669-6299

BEST PLATE LUNCH
Gold: Aloha Mixed Plate
1285 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 661-3322

Silver: Da Kitchen
425 Koloa St., Kahului
(808) 871-7782
2439 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei
(808) 875-7782

BEST DESSERT
Gold: Roy’s Kahana Bar & Grill
4405 Honoapi‘ilani Hwy., Kahana
(808) 669-6999

Silver—Tie
Hula Grill
Whalers Village
2435 Ka‘anapali Pkwy., Ka‘anapali
(808) 667-6636

Kimo’s
845 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 661-4811

BEST SUSHI
Gold: Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
600 S. Office Rd., Kapalua
(808) 669-6286
1881 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei
(808) 879-0004

Silver: Kobe Japanese Steak House
136 Dickenson St., Lahaina
(808) 667-5555

BEST LOBBY LOUNGE
Gold: Alaloa Lounge
Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
1 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Kapalua
(808) 669-6200

Silver: Lobby Lounge, Four Seasons Resort
3900 Wailea Alanui, Wailea
(808) 874-8000

BEST LATE-NIGHT DINING
Gold: Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
600 S. Office Rd., Kapalua
(808) 669-6286
1881 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei
(808) 879-0004

Silver: Lahaina Coolers
180 Dickenson St., Lahaina
(808) 661-7082

BEST ITALIAN
Gold: Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante
Four Seasons Resort Maui
3900 Wailea Alanui, Wailea
(808) 874-8000

Silver: Pulehu, an Italian Grill
Westin Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas
6 Kai Ala Dr., Ka‘anapali
(808) 667-3200

BEST LU‘AU
Gold: Old Lahaina L¯u‘au
1251 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 667-1998

Silver: Feast at Lele
505 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 667-5353

BEST STEAK
Gold: Duo
Four Seasons Resort Maui
3900 Wailea Alanui, Wailea
(808) 874-8000

Silver: Ruth’s Chris Steak House
3750 Wailea Alanui, Wailea
(808) 874-8880
900 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 661-8815

BEST-KEPT SECRET
Gold: Cuatro
1881 S. Kihei Rd., Ste. 111, Kihei
(808) 879-1110

Silver: Kahili Restaurant
Kahili Golf Course
2500 Honoapi‘ilani Hwy., Waikapu
(808) 242-6000

BEST SEAFOOD
Gold: Mama’s Fish House
799 Poho Pl., Ku‘au
(808) 579-8488

Silver: The Waterfront Restaurant
50 Hauoli St., Ma‘alaea
(808) 244-9028

BEST PIZZA
Gold: Flatbread Company
89 Hana Hwy., Pa‘ia
(808) 579-8989

Silver: Lahaina Pizza Company
730 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 661-0700

BEST BAR
Gold—tie
Ohia Bar, Duke’s Beach House
Honua Kai Resort & Spa
130 Kai Malina Pkwy., Lahaina
(808) 662-2900

Timba
505 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 661-9873

Silver: South Shore Tiki Lounge
Kihei Kalama Village
1913 S. Kihei Rd.,Kihei
(808) 874-6444

BEST COCKTAILS
Gold: Mala Ocean Tavern / Mala Wailea
1307 Front St., Lahaina
(808) 667-9394

Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
3700 Wailea Alanui, Wailea
(808) 875-9394

Silver: ‘Umalu
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
200 Nohea Kai Dr., Ka‘anapali
(808) 667-4902

Choice Health Bar

GRAND OPENING, APRIL 9th, 2011.

Starting today, Choice Health Bar fulfills the demand for fresh, organic, whole prepared foods in Lahaina.  The Grand Opening will feature music by Mapenzi, an eight piece marimba band, along with DJ Sweet Bears. The music promises to be so vibrant it could spark flash mob dancing.

With daily delivery to Lahainatown locations, lack of time is no longer an excuse for visiting a fast food window for lunch. More than a carry-out, different than a health food store, Choice Health Bar is a wellness lounge. Meaning you can  practically wallow in wellness while hanging out there.

Find the uber-cool healthy lounge next to West Side Vibes right behind Pizza Hut. Choice Health Bar uses local organic, fresh produce to make wraps, smoothies, juice drinks and Superfood Salads. You’re Super, so why not eat that way? The reward is feeling and looking your best — at the beach, on the job, in the mirror.

Check out the Choice Health Bar listing in our directory and print the coupon for a

Free Small Acai Bowl! Offer good thru May 15, 2011.

The Diva Club already attracts the nice-scented set in droves by offering inexpensive drink and pupu deals, which in turn attracts men who love watching the ladies strut their stiletto-clad selves on the dance floor. Surely many of these same lovelies will grace the sofas and chairs of the Sky Lounge, sipping martinis and being fabulous on Friday nights in one of the few stylish hang-outs in West Maui where dressing like you live in LA is encouraged.

The Sky Lounge will offer a late-night Tapas menu, something currently lacking in Lahaina’s dining/bar scene. We wish the venture much success! Having an appealing place to gather can actually change the tone of a town by adding romance and camaraderie , a welcome addition to anyone’s life.

Raku Sushi Bar at the Makena Beach Resort

At the new Raku Japanese Restaurant, enjoy Sushi Chef Ivan’s delicious rolls at 50% off the special Happy Hour Sushi Menu four days a week. Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Pau Hana Sushi Menu.pd

Raku (formerly known as Hakone) reinvents the Japanese dining experience by highlighting authentic Japanese food combined with Makena flair. The freshest ingredients from our island farms and from the waters off Maui’s coast are expertly prepared to showcase the familiar flavor profiles of Japanese cuisine and artfully presented in a way that is uniquely Japanese. Raku is more than a culinary delight but a sensory dining experience blending the best of the past with the thrill of what’s to come. Enjoy numerous dishes of raw, cooked, hot, cold, sweet and savory items, not to mention impeccably fresh sushi! The ambience has a blend of modern and traditional that takes you into the heart of Tokyo with its shoji screens and austere look.  In Japanese, Raku means to enjoy. You’ll definitely “Raku” when you dine here.

This Just In –  Raku’s All-you-can-eat Japanese Buffet Is Back!

Starting Saturday, February 19, 2011 Raku Japanese Restaurant recently announced the return of the long loved Japanese Buffet.  Once again, indulge in items like seaweed salads, kabocha pumpkin and cranberries, miso butterfish, shrimp tempura, kalbi beef and more. Hours:  Saturday   5:30 pm - 9:00 pm Raku Saturday Buffet Menu .pdf

AND – An Endless Catch at Duo, Four Seasons Wailea

Four Seasons Resort

Word on the street: for $60 you can snag an endless selection of Sushi at DUO. Let’s face it, that’s far more valuable than $60 worth of breakfast buffet foods. Choose from a variety of your favorites including oysters on the shell, topped with mignonette sauces, aioli, and other spice doused concoctions created to set off a flavor explosion custom made for the bi-valves. Pokes, ceviche, shellfish, sushi and other ocean favorites contribute to the growing popularity of the Endless Catch.

… while in West Maui

Ritz Carlton, Kapalua Offers Stellar Dining Deals

On the other end of the island, the Terrace Restaurant at the Ritz offers two for one entrées for Kama`aina Sunday thru Wednesdays.

Unless you are staying at the Ritz Carlton, Kapalua,  it’s easy to overlook this restaurant since it’s located in the lower level below the reception and retail area.  We tried it on Valentine’s Day and were blown away by how wonderful the food tasted. The deliciously delicate Thai Coconut soup was unexpected and amazing, the tender grilled filet was out of the world, and the fresh island fish escabeche bordered on sublime.

The first we knew of the special was after we overheard the manager revealing the news to a nearby table of kama`aina from Wailea. Our meal was so impeccable we would have willingly paid full price, but  this news was the icing on the cake, the sweet spot of our dining experience, the piece de… I’m getting carried away.  The point is, it’s a fantastic deal and we were eager to share the news!

Ritz Lobby

And don’t forget, The Banyan Tree restaurant, Ritz Carlton, Kapalua’s,  elegant poolside specialty restaurant, offers Wine Wednesday whereby all wines on their extensive list are 50% off. Kai Sushi, located directly left of the Ritz Lobby bar, offers 50% off their luscious sushi from 5:30-6:30 pm Thursday –Sundays.

Village Cafe

Village Cafe and Sweet Shoppe

New on the scene restaurant in beautiful Kapalua, VCSS bakes delicious muffins, cinnamon rolls, biscotti, red velvet cupcakes, pumpkin scones, cookies, pastries and croissants in-house.  Take in the gorgeous scenery or hike the Village Trail nearby whilst enjoying a morning coffee or cappuccino, a certain way to set your day on the right path.

Maui Bake Shop

This Wailuku mainstay was absent from the scene just long enough that I’d nearly given up the idea of ever finding another such flaky, rockin’ croissant or true to its roots Florentine. Thankfully, owners Jose and Claire Krall are back en force delivering pastries and bread the good old fashioned way the French intended – baked in a vintage brick oven. They also serve great lunches – such as salads, sandwiches and quiche.

Banyan Tree Deli

Right there at 626 Front Street in Lahaina, this relatively new deli makes super sandwiches but we are here to talk about the bakery. Banyan Tree Deli produces the usual highly desired suspects, scones, muffins, cookies, which share the spotlight with handmade chocolates.

Pita Paradise Baklava Pie

Pita Paradise

My favorite go-to spot when in south Maui, Pita Paradise opened a new outlet in the Wailea Gateway recently (besides their first venue in the Kihei Triangle) and I can’t decide which I like better – the familiar homey version of the Mediterranean super star or the beautiful and elegant new made-over version. Each has its charms but more importantly, each produces what I consider the most decadent dessert on Maui – the one worth packing a specially prepared cooler for the drive home so you can also treat your family or guests to the sinfully delicious Baklava Ice Cream cake. I mean, since you’re in love, why not introduce it to the family?

Kai Ala Store at Westin Kaanapali Ocean Villas Resort North Tower

Unless you are staying at the gorgeous timeshares of Westin’s KOR you’d likely not think to stop in for gourmet supplies or baked goods, but I’d highly recommend it if you’re in the area, for the Westin bakers produce one of the best Croissants and Apple Streudels  in West Maui. If there are any left over after 2 pm all baked goods are two for one.

Patisserie at Paina Food Court – Maui Culinary Academy, UH Maui

Aspiring bakers and pastry chefs turn out superior patisserie in the form of cakes, tortes, pies, and other scrumptious goodies densely packed with calories. Since that’s the whole idea behind pastries, it’s a wonderful thing. Dining here or taking home a few treats for your co-workers or family members brings happiness while helping to promote our future chefs, which transforms dessert into a noble service.

The Bakery – Lahaina

In the obscure location tucked into the industrial section of Lahaina (near the pawn shop across from Lahaina Carpet) you’ll find treats like those from a bygone era when every neighborhood had a bakery and each was better than the next. Although known primarily for their delicious breads, over the holidays I ordered a MacNut Pie which will grace every holiday table at our house from now on. Great muffins and macaroons, too.

The more well-known bakeries, Stillwell’s, Home Maid, Komodo and Moana carry wonderful super products for the lucky people who live in Wailuku and Makawao.

Japengo Dining Room

The Hyatt Maui’s highly anticipated sushi restaurant, Japengo, was officially blessed and given a huge “E Komo Mai” by the community on January 21, 2011. It’s difficult to say which was most beautiful; the décor, the food, or the guests who gleefully took it all in, but one thing is certain – it was probably the best grand opening party I’ve ever attended on Maui.

The evening began as Maui’s movers and shakers gathered at the resort’s Terrace overlook bar while the sun was yet to tuck behind Lanai in the distance. Luscious libations and tropical cocktails went down easy during the frolicking meet and greet, and tasty morsels passed thru the smiling crowd on silver trays served merely to whet the appetite for the main event.

Before I’d even had time to say Aloha to all the familiar faces in attendance, entertainment kicked off on the adjacent lawn. Hula dancers swayed to the rhythm of the breeze through the palms and as soon as the last note played on this portion of the evening’s program, the conch shell blew to beckon us to the star of the show – Japengo.

Fire Dancer Warms the Crowd

Painted faced geisha girls, feigning haughtiness, greeted guests at the entrance to the newly refurbished resto as smoke from strategically positioned dry ice whirled about their colorful kimono’s, adding significantly to the to the evening’s mystique. We were told to gather at the back of the open air-dining room where stunning decor gives way to views of the ocean. Two costumed samarai sat at the ready for their upcoming encounter while drums drove home the significance of the big moment. Over the loudspeaker, the mythological tale of the birth of Japengo was retold to the crowd’s amusement as the sun set just in time for the fire dancers to light the torches that dramatically blazed the name Japengo in a showy fire long to be remembered.

Then there was food!

Various hot and cold serving stations were positioned throughout the restaurant but the highlight was the sushi bar where attentive chefs took special orders as guests filed through cafeteria style. Sashimi, sushi, roles such as tekka, kappa, mahmay and tootsie, quickly overtook my plate before I’d even asked what was on the menu.

At the hot station we tried China Town Chow Funn and miso glazed fish – both delicious. I couldn’t find the Japengo Fried Rice and Singaporean Chili Crab that night, but having tried them on an earlier visit, deemed them worthy of a repeat sampling.

Japengo has an extensive menu of sushi, rolles and sides, along with exotic starters that include Kobe Carpaccio, thai quail satay, and steamed manila clams. For meat lovers there’s Kalbi Beef short rib, Kurobuta pork cooked Vietnamese style, and surf and turf consisting of Angus filet and New Caledonia prawns.

Dining at Japengo is pricey, with entrees ranging from $36 – $46, although sushi rolls are $5 – $20, about what you’d expect for top grade raw fish. Try the lobster Dyno-mite if you’re in a celebratory mood, for at $32 it’s not an everyday side dish but it is decadent. Toro Tartare is another standout though at $28 for what is truly a single serving side, don’t offer to share with anyone who doesn’t fully appreciate the Toro’s buttery succulence. Poached young abalone, a rare find these days, is a better value at $12, if you just want to try something different.

On our holiday visit we also sampled desserts, and left that evening loving the mocha ice cream and green tea panna cotta the most. All in all, Japengo is a welcome addition to the dining scene in West Maui with a menu offering the familiar sushi fare along with a superior selection of creative and exotic dishes.

1) Merriman’s Kapalua Special Three-Course Pairing and Sommelier Challenge, Dec. 21^st.

Why? Great food, wine and watching Jason “Cass” Castle and Charles Fredy throw down while you sit back and enjoy the views. Sounds like the perfect break from all the work that’s required to make way for Santa Claus.

2) Maui Prime’s New Wine Club!

Maui Prime Wine Picks

Why? I don’t seem to have the time to browse Robert Parker’s reviews of every new vintage and appellations that comes on the scene these days so it’s nice to rely on someone who does. Karin and Cary Button’s keep current since that’s their business to do so and makes monthly suggestions for interesting and relatively inexpensive reds and whites. This month’s offering  is an Edge 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) and Methven Family Vineyards 2008 Pinot Gris. $35 for both. Call Ruthie Belden @ rbelden@mauijim.com by DECEMBER 13, 2010 and you’ll be quaffing like the well-coiffed before New Year’s Eve. (PS: Additionally, Maui Prime has Fresh Day Boat Diver Scallops at $19.95 per pound and an 8 oz Kobe Beef for $14.95 each. Should you have any questions please feel free to call Ruthie at 283-1169.)

3) A Special Spa Indulgence (Since I’ve Been Such a Good Gurl)

Why? Because Spa Helani at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort has won my favor many times over along with recently winning accolades as one of the best darned spas in the whole wide whirled world. The Heavenly Spa by Westin™ at The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas was recently presented the coveted Spa Finder’s 2010 Readers Choice Award in the “Top Ten Favorite New Getaway Spas” category. With something so wonderful located in my backyard it would be akin to a sin to avoid it’s lure.

4) Gifts with a Gifts Promotions

Why? One for you, one for me! When greed and selfishness benefits someone else it’s a good thing. Buy a $100 gift card from the luscious Pita Paradise and get a little something for yourself later ($20 gift card for you.) Buy a Whole Foods Gift Basket and keep a $25 card for yourself.  Net a $5 gift card from Serendipity when you donate a canned good item for the Maui Food Bank.

5)      Glorious Gifts of Good Stewardship

Sudya Soups

Why? For all its beaches, great restaurants, and water sports, to me Maui’s most essential advantage is that you can grow things year ‘round here. This is remarkable to me because I grew up in Illinois across the street from a sea of corn, where the growing season was three months long and potentially devastating if the summer was too dry or rainy. To be so blessed as you are in Maui and not take advantage would be a cryin’ shame. So this Christmas, express gratitude, present a great gift, and eat better, too, by ordering from any or all of our local live food options. Try Kula Fields Gift Boxes, or Your Gardening Angel Living Centerpiece, a living salad in a container that continually renews itself, or Sudya’s Soups, handcrafted and amazingly soul-satisfying potages.

6) Annual Outing with Andy of Mayberry: aka Warren Gibson’s Show

Why? I just love it when Warren calls someone “Goober” or  manifests stuff out of thin air, or makes my noggin’ ache trying to figure out how he did that without my otherwise attentive eyes  even noticing. Warren and Annabelle’s is a fantastic venue for family celebrating because it’s fun for everyone over the age of 21, involves superior drinks in an out of this world setting (nod to the Ghost), and no matter how many times you see Warren flash his mock look of surprise, it always makes you laugh.

7) Performance a Plenty!! Holbrook, Willie K, Rita Rudner, Bruno Mars, Cheech Marin, Barry Flannagan, Na Leo, Mick Fleetwood, Amy Gilliom, Eric Gilliom…Wowee

Maui Celebrity Series

Why? Oh if there were but more time! Willie K celebrates his new Christmas CD release by performing non-stop at Mulligans on the Blue making him one of the hardest working musicians on the island this yea. The Maui Celebrity Series promises to knock your Christmas socks off with an amazing show Dec. 30^th. The MACC has decked their concert halls with holiday favorites sure to make you laugh, cry, cheer, and jubilate; which means you’ll have experienced all levels of the holiday spirit by the time Christmas morning dawns.

Do Good and Feel Good at Charlie Lustman’s Musical Hope Campaign Concert for PCF December 19

Charlie Lustman for PCF

Why? The ultimate way to get in the Holiday Spirit is to give from the heart; and as I mentioned earlier, giving whilst benefiting your own self is a fantastic and painless way to nab two birds with one wee stone.  Call 808-242-6969, make reservations for you and a slew at the VIP pre-show dinner followed by musical entertainment to beat the band for $75. If you haven’t got a hay-penny, try the $20 admission to concert only option.  100% of proceeds go to Pacific Cancer Foundation, a cause very near and dear to all our hearts but especially to Charlie Lustman’s.

9) Christmas Dinner at a Favorite Venue

Why? Come Christmas morning, when everything is over and done– the shopping, the wrapping, the readying of the guest rooms, the surprise-keeping, and whispering – one could feel let down without something more to look forward to.  On Christmas Day I want to stay buoyant but relaxed, sitting at a table with an ocean view and a comfy chair. We are blessed on Maui to have such a huge selection of wonderful places to bask in the beauty of a family meal prepared by a trained chef.  Among my favorites on the West Side: Merriman’s Kapalua, Pineapple Grill, Lahaina Grill, Tropica, Umalu, Japengo, Pulehu, which shouldn’t surprise since we at What’s Cooking Maui talk about them all year long!

Consider the special Christmas Eve prix fixe at Pulehu, an inviting menu that includes seared diver scallops, Kona lobster, pan-seared beef tenderloin and more! Dinner will be served from 5:30pm—9:30pm. For reservations call, 808.667.3254. Or take Merriman’s Kapalua up on their offer to pitch a special oceanside tent for your dinner party.

10) Perpetuating Family Holiday Traditions

Why? No matter where we roam we can institute new traditions and incorporate old ones. All those who have come to the islands – and that makes all of us when you think about it – have brought with them something from their past. Traditions are powerful because memories attached from former experiences enhance them more each year. Last year, nestled into a condo on a cold snowy ski hill far from Maui’s warmth and sunshine, the family started the rather unconventional Christmas Eve tradition of playing party poker. The winner of the hand could take a gift from the Christmas stocking (hanging over an actual roaring fireplace!) Merriment ensued.

We’ll do the same this year in Maui, even though the stocking this year is a fishing net strung across the lanai.

Happy Holidays! Dine well; be hearty in 2011!

Ingredients for a perfect Caipirinha

PS:  One more little treat – a new favorite drink, first tasted last month at Disney World during Epcot’s Wine and Food Festival. Caipirinha – awesome and festive! Try one!

Village Cafe and Sweet Shoppe

A new dining venture, Village Cafe and Sweet Shoppe, is opening in Kapalua in the former Kapalua Cafe space (the former Vino’s space) December 17, 2010. Owners Debbi and Stuart Katz hope to create a gathering place for the community by offering all day breakfasts, hearty or quick lunches and special dinner options daily from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. The exact details of the menu are still being developed but here is the description of what’s on tap, straight from the Village Cafe and Sweet Shoppe website:

We definitely plan to share with you our menu but it is continuing to evolve based on our early tastings.

A few hints on what to expect for the table service menu:

• Breakfast and lunch items will be available ALL day from 7am until 8pm.
• Breakfast items include eggs, omelets, pancakes, quiche, breakfast wrap and the typical sides.
• Lunch items start with a wide selection of appetizers along with burgers, sandwiches and wraps and an assortment of sides.
• Entrees such as meatloaf, brisket, lasagna, pasta and daily specials begin serving at 11am
• A special Keiki menu will also be available.

Last, but not least, in the Sweet Shoppe…

• Find an assortment of fresh baked goods and a wide variety of flavors of Rosalani Ice Cream.
• Our coffee bar will serve 100% Maui Grown coffee as well as assorted blended beverages.
• Let’s not forget that we will take full advantage of our ice cream selection, coffee and fruit to make milkshakes, smoothies and other blended drinks.

Story Time with Santa

In its role as community gathering place, the Village Cafe is also planning a number of special events, starting off with Story Time with Santa, December 20 at 2 pm, and December 23 at 3 pm.  Santa will be there, telling cheery tales of Christmas to the good little boys and girls, along with milk, cookies, and keepsake photos of Santa.

On Christmas Day, if you’ve had your fill of cooking for holiday parties and Christmas Eve, make your way to Village Cafe and Sweet Shop for a very special Christmas Dinner featuring a full menu of all the holiday favorites for only $45/pp. It’s BYOB   since the liquor license is still pending.

We really look forward to stopping in often whether for breakfsast, lunch, dinner or a mid-day smoothie. Best of luck to the Katz’ and their team, Chef  Michelle Respicio  and Paul “Buff” Weaver Director, Restaurant Operations.

Chef Michelle

Paul Weaver