Take date-night to new heights with the Son`z and Stars promotion, the most romantic of Hyatt’s dinner/show packages.

Great White atop the Hyatt Resort Maui

Start the evening right, with a sunset stroll along the ocean; before winding through Hyatt’s lush gardens in the direction of the lagoon (follow the swans!). Here you’ll find the award winning Son`z Restaurant, which has garnered accolades for their innovative menu delicious preparations.

The special stargazer dinner service starts with a choice of red or white wine and a salad of romaine with shaved parmesan and walnut crostini, followed by your choice of entrées, including; “Potato Scaled” Mahi-Mahi – with Cabernet-Balsamic Beure Rouge, and White Truffle Oil; Pappardelle Veneziana – Filet Mignon, Hamaka Mushrooms, Hand-cut Pasta and Red Wine-Tomato Demi Glaze; and Roasted Free Range Chicken – with Bel Paese and Proscuitto Stuffing, Mediterranean Salad, and Avolemono sauce. Dinner concludes with a  plentiful platter of mini-malasadas and a trio of dips.

For additional sparkle: enjoy an optional dessert addition, Champagne and Strawberries Panzini – Fresh Kula Strawberries Flambéed with Grand Marnier and Rum paired with Charles de Fere “Jean Lous Cuvee” Brut Sparkling Wine!

After dinner, it’s show time! Stargazers gather in the lobby before following resident astronomers to the hotel rooftop and the home of the Great White, a 16 inch reflector telescope. Guests gather on benches on the rooftop perimeter, readjusting their night vision to the total darkness by gazing into the distant heavens aided by the astronomer’s laser pointer which seems to reach its mark light years away. Here, the red planet really looks red! The constellation configurations spring suddenly to life as they surely did for our ancestors.

During the show, astronomers regale  guests with stories of the ancient Polynesians who journeyed across great expanses of ocean guided only by the stars, a remarkable feat even today. When the adventurers saw the star Hokule`a directly overhead, they knew the Hawaiian Islands were close at hand. It is known as the Star of Gladness for this reason. Look straight up – you will see it.

Once the imagination is piqued and the mood is right, guests are ready for a peak into Great White to view celestial bodies many light years away, some that may have burned out long ago but whose transient light still glows across time and space. Or perhaps they may witness the rings and moons of Saturn, and if lucky as we were, spot a brilliant, rare moonbow arched over the ocean under the light of the full moon. Spotting Alpha Centauri sets the mind to dreaming of its mythical moon, Pandora, represented in the movie, Avatar.

The Star Show is offered at 7, 8, and 9 p.m. most nights, weather permitting, with special “Couples Only” shows on Friday and Saturday nights at 11 pm. Guests at the adults only venue also enjoy a glass of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries to further enhance an enormously romantic evening.

Dinner/Star Show package: $134/couple; Add the Flambe Strawberries and Sparkling Wine for $79/couple, plus tax.

Star Show only: $25/pp or $30/pp for Couples Only Show including Champagne/Strawberries

Reservations: 808-667-4727

Yogurtland Interior

When a friend told me about their daily outings to Yogurtland I had to check it out immediately. Not because I’m such a big frozen yogurt fan but because this particular friend is in enviable shape so of course I started to rationalize that maybe her daily tasty treat has something to do with her stunning muscles and glowing skin.

Still not expecting to be impressed, I was taken by surprise when I entered Yogurtland. Upon witnessing the beautiful simplicity in this self-serve concept – something  I usually reject (salad bars and the like) – I was delighted as a child on his birthday.  The idea that I could take as little or as much as I wanted from the dozen or so dispensers from which various flavors of luscious frozen soft serve flowed was the height of having it my way. Not only that, once I selected a tasty pairing of root beer float flavored yogurt with good old vanilla, I had the options of piling on any of dozens of crunchy, sweet, tart, toppings such as candies, cereals, nuts and coconut or a choice of fresh fruits and syrups. I kept it simple the first time ’round, choosing to have an honest, clean taste of the frozen yogurt itself (sacrificing as usual for the benefit of my readers.)

Frozen Yogurt and Topping Varieties

It was good. And at only about 30 calories and $.39 per ounce, if you can keep it small in spite of the gigantic sized cups they tempt you with, you can likely afford a daily visit both in terms of your wallet and the space in your back pocket the wallet fits into.

Yogurtland

Whaler’s Village Lower Level near Sandal Tree

Also at Kaahumanu Center in Kahului

Think about it; if you are what you eat, there’s another strong argument for trying the local foods if you’d like to get slip more quickly into the rhythm of the islands. Before you can twirl fire like that guy you saw in the Luau you’re gonna have to eat some poi.

We took a poll recently and our panel of experts voted on the top six (or seven) food items to try while in Maui – the results were nearly unanimous. In no particular order, here are the things we encourage you to try, and why, while on island.

Spam Musubi

Spam Musubi – A prime example of “don’t knock it ‘til you try it,”  I’d have never believed it either until one fateful day when I was starving, having endured a pre-dawn tee time. I’d have eaten anything by the ninth hole and with little else available I picked up a saran wrapped slab of rice and fried meat wrapped in seaweed known as Spam Musibi, which is like Spam sushi, and contrary to what I expected, is quite delicious. You can find these little gems at mini markets, the Honolua Store, on golf course beverage carts and just about anywhere that local fast food is sold.

Poke – A distinctly Hawaii method of preparing and serving raw fish, poke has multiple variations but the most popular is spicy ahi poke with seaweed. The best of the best is sold by the pound at Foodland, according to popular polls. You can also find salmon and octopus poke but if you’re a poke (poe-kay) novice start with the basic ahi version. It’s everywhere including buffet tables, luau’s, restaurant menus (usually served as “poke tacos”) and at the grocery store deli and fish counter. DK Kodama has the best recipe in his cookbook, Sushi Chronicles.

Hali`imaile Sashimi Pizza

Sashimi – The best slices of the highest grade ahi and other fresh caught ocean fish make the best sashimi. Essentially, sashimi is sliced fish served raw so it has to be fresh, carefully handled and not destroyed by the introduction of other flavors except soy and wasabi if you must. Many top restaurants deck it out with sweet mirin, peanuts, cucumber and serve it as Carpaccio, which is awesome, too. Then there’s Sashimi pizza at Hali`imaile…ummm.

Malasadas Hot From Fryer

Malasada – These fried dough treats – think donuts without the holes – were brought to the islands by the Portuguese and are so delicious you must make the effort to find them while you are on Maui. The problem with malasadas is that they are only stupendous while piping hot from the fryer so they have a very short shelf life. You’ll have to trek to Homemade Bakery in Wailuku or Komodo’s in Makawao to net the real thing as they are meant to be served. In Oahu, Leonard’s is the king pin of Malasadas.

Manapua and Mochi – Two entirely different creatures but I’m lumping them together because they are both white on the outside and stuffed with goodies on the inside. One is flour dough, a sort of dim sum bun that can be filled with savory or sweet filling.

Mochi Cream

Mochi, on the other hand, is rice flour, painstakingly pounded into dough and at its best wrapped around ice cream or other creamy filling. The best dough is very soft and slightly gooey making a perfect foil for the ice cream inside. Find these at the grocers next to the Ben and Jerry’s, at convenience stores and various food stands. Top producers like Bubbies and Mochi Cream are in Oahu and ship to neighbor islands and the mainland. One word of caution; once you try these you will be hooked for life.

Shave Ice Variations

Shave Ice – It’s ironic that the icy treat known as Snow Cones on the mainland is more ground ice with syrup and here in Hawaii where it’s known as Shave Ice,  the treat more resembles finely fallen snow that’s been captured and doused with a variety of homemade syrups which is why it’s so much more popular here than on the mainland – because it really seems like a snow ice. Perhaps because Shave Ice is the closest Hawaiians typically get to snow they have infused it with a certain reverence and symbolism… or on the other hand, maybe it’s simply because it’s sweet and refreshing that Shave Ice is extremely popular.

Poi or Taro Chips – As different as potato chips and mashed potatoes, Poi is the pounded liquefied version of the taro root which was the main source of sustenance for ancient Hawaiians while  Taro Chips are tasty fun food. Packed with nutrition, vitamins, protein and carbohydrate, poi is worth trying if you see it on the luau buffet. Chances are, if you haven’t grown up with poi, you won’t take to it as well as you will to Taro Chips which are  delicate, paper thin, baked or fried slices of the root suited perfectly to pairing with ahi poke and tartare. You’ll find both in the grocery and specialty stores all over Maui and Taro Chips appear on the menu of many fine restaurants.

Try a few of these recommendations while on island and not only will you expand your mind, you just may come away with some interesting new food favorites.

As for me, I was off participating in a 12 day Wine and Food Cruise in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The food was fantastic (and plentiful!) and we quaffed and scoffed inordinate amounts of lavish goodies and libations.  Thank goodness the indulgences were tempered by at least 18 miles of walking and uphill climbing daily, endured at idyllic ports like Oporto, Libon, Nice, Monaco, Eze and Cap Ferrat. As wonderful as travel is, there is inherent stress involved such as glancing down from 38,000 feet to find ourselves face to face with the calamitous volcano erupting on Iceland. (Seeing the ominous plume, the cabin steward poured us another Brunello and drew the shades.)

We dodge the ash but saw the culprit up close

Intermixed with the joviality of our travels was plenty of chatter taking place at coffee shops and bus stops concerning such trivial matters as Greek’s financial meltdown; Britain’s new Prime Minister and will he get on with the old Parliament (and whether his wife will become a fashion plate like Ms. Obama); talk of Spain and Portugal going to hell in a leather handbag (you’d never know it while shopping in Barcelona- gals lined up in Zara and H&M as if they were giving things away, which they practically are these days…) and such newsworthy topics which could cause enough concern to promote weight loss in spite of dietary extravagance. Thankfully, regardless of ponderous headlines the chatter more frequently focused on the sheer wonderment of la belle vie always en force at European food markets, sidewalk cafes, pizzerias and Tapas bars. Oh, glory!

Market in Barcelona

Ah, yes, the heady experience of dining in Europe – pastries that make one swoon, cheeses that taste like nowhere else , peaches with juices so abundant they drip down off your elbows, veal as sweet as the milk on which its suckled, and cured aromatic meats pungent with the complex scent and flavors the result of  having been fed as luxuriously as their masters; all of which make the exhausting trek halfway around the world worth it.

Cooking Demo by Food Network Star

If port stop pleasures weren’t enough, we participated in a Wine and Food festival onboard whereby Nobu managed master sushi carvers at sea and world-class celebrity chefs presented demos and tastings to wile away time between ports. After being exposed to the international best of the best for three weeks, might a return to Maui’s food scene result in disappointment?

Ah, ha ha ha ha.

Proof of Maui’s rank as a premiere food destination is evident in the number of world-class food and art events scheduled this summer as we sweep off the welcome mat for visitors from the mainland, Europe, Australia, Asia and South America.

Sunset at Kapalua

From the esteemed Kapalua Wine and Food Festival to the Wailea Film Festival’s new Sensuous Celestial Cinema and Taste of  Wailea, stars and globetrotters will parade among us with as they did just weeks ago before my astonished eyes in Monte Carlo, where, whilst stuffing my face with the world’s best steak tartare at the posh Café de Paris adjacent the Grand Casino in Monaco, surreptitiously snapping photos of my food, Maseratis transporting glitterati raced past. “There goes Kate Moss!” someone whispered. “Yeah, yeah, but take a look at this Salad Nicoise!” I replied, proving my priorities always remain firmly in order.

Point is, even if you couldn’t make it to the Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival this spring, don’t fret! Ready yourself for some really big shows right here on Maui this summer where the literal and figurative stars will shine like nowhere else in the world and the dining scene is as fresh and vibrant as they come.

Dine well; be hearty!

Cameron Lewark, Spago at the Four Seasons Resort

Maui Restaurant of the Year

Gold: Pineapple Grill, Kapalua

Silver: Mama’s Fish House, Kuau

Maui County Farm Bureau’s Friend of Agriculture:

Flatbread Company, Pa’ia

Excellence in Sustainability:

Market Fresh Bistro

Lifetime Achievement Award:

Robert Santos, Maui Culinary Academy

Best New Restaurant

Gold: David Paul’s Island Grill
Silver—tie:
Cane & Taro, Ka’anapali
Bistro Casanova , Kahului

Best Service

Gold: Lahaina Grill, Lahaina
Silver: Banyan Tree, Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

Best Waterfront

Gold: Mala Ocean Tavern, Lahaina
Silver: Merriman’s Kapalua, Kapalua

Most Romantic

Gold: Capische, Wailea
Silver: Gerard’s Restaurant, Lahaina

Most Innovative

Gold: Banyan Tree, Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
Silver: I’O, Lahaina

Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine

Gold: Hali‘imaile General Store, Hali‘imaile
Silver: Roy’s Kahana Bar & Grill, Kahana

Best Dessert

Gold: Roy’s Kahana Bar & Grill, Kahana
Silver: Duo, Four Seasons Resort Maui, Wailea

Best Late Night

Gold: Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Multiple Locations
Silver: Lahaina Coolers, Lahaina

Best Dinner Value

Gold: Aloha Mixed Plate, Lahaina
Silver: Cafe o Lei, Multiple Locations

Best Business Lunch

Gold: Cafe o Lei, Multiple Locations
Silver: Pineapple Grill, Kapalua

Best Vegetarian Menu

Gold: Mala Ocean Tavern, Lahaina & Mala Wailea
Silver: Cilantro Mexican Grill, Lahaina

Best Asian

Gold: A Saigon Cafe, Wailuku
Silver: Thai Chef

Best Italian

Gold: Casanova’s, Makawao
Silver: Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante, Four Seasons Resort Maui, Wailea

Best Steak

Gold: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Multiple Locations

Silver: Duo, Four Seasons Resort Maui, Wailea

Best Seafood

Gold: Mama’s Fish House, Kuau
Silver—tie:
Pacific’o, Lahaina
Waterfront, Ma’alaea

Best Pizza

Gold: Flatbread Company, Pa‘ia
Silver: Lahaina Pizza Company (Formerly BJ’s Chicago Pizzeria), Lahaina

Best Sushi

Gold: Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Multiple Locations
Silver: Kai Sushi at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

Best Plate Lunch

Gold: Aloha Mixed Plate, Lahaina
Silver: Da Kitchen, Multiple Locations

Best Breakfast

Gold: Gazebo, Napili
Silver: The Plantation House, Kapalua

Most Keiki Friendly

Gold: Bubba Gump, Lahaina

Best Take Out

Gold: Honokowai Okazuya, Honokowai
Silver: Honolua Store, Kapalua

Best Luau

Gold: Old Lahaina Lu‘au, Lahaina
Silver: Feast at Lele, Lahaina

Most Mauiest

Gold: Mama’s Fish House, Kuau
Silver: Hula Grill, Ka’anapali

Best Bakery

Gold: Komoda Store & Bakery, Makawao
Silver: Stillwell’s Bakery, Wailuku

Best Lobby Lounge

Gold: Alaloa at Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
Silver: Lobby Lounge at Four Seasons Resort Maui, Wailea

Best Bar

Gold: Lulu’s Lahaina Surf Club & Grill, Lahaina
Silver: Leilani’s, Ka’anapali

Best Wine List

Gold: Pineapple Grill, Kapalua
Silver: Lahaina Grill, Lahaina

Best Cocktails

Gold: Mala Ocean Tavern, Lahaina, & Mala Wailea
Silver: Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe, Wailea

Best-kept Secret

Gold: Sea House Restaurant at Napili Kai Beach Resort, Napili
Silver: Pulehu Restaurant at the Westin Villas, Ka’anapali

Tia Juana's Mexican Fare

Announcing TJBC Upstairs Happy Hour!!

Every Day!

TJBC announces its new Happy Hour from 4-6PM upstairs everyday! Enjoy Chichuahua Wings, Jalapeno Poppers, 3 Paco’s Tacos, Grilled Chicken Quesadilla or 4 Taquitos for only $5.50!! Also, TJ’s Da Kine Margaritas $4.50 – Coors Light Drafts & Tecate Cans $3.00 – Dos Equis XX only $3.50!

FAMILY NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY…FEATURING THE MAGIC OF BRENTON KEITH!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DURING DINNER

Come experience the up-close and personal table-side magic of Maui’s own, Brenton Keith. He will amaze and delight both the young and the not-so-young! Brenton’s special brand of magic is performed right at your table as he strolls with his special Bag-O-Tricks at Tia Juana’s from 6p – 9p every Wednesday night. Oh, also, 20% of all food sales goes to local West Maui schools! How cool is that?! You can check out Brenton at www.magicbrent.com. Mahalo!

$1.50 Paco’s Taco Tuesday! (Margarita House)

TUESDAY!

Hey, taco fans! Come get your $1.50 Paco’s Tacos all day long in the DF Margarita House. That’s right…$1.50 Paco’s Tacos all day long every Tuesday. Don’t miss out!

Comedy Night! Every Wednesday Starting April 7th!

Wednesday Night 9:30-Midnight!

Get Up! Stand Up! Comedy Night every Wednesday night starting April 7th upstairs at Tia Juana’s Beach Cantina. It’s FREE (no cover) so come check it out and laugh your arse off with friends.

Kona Coffee – Domestic coffee from the only State in the US that produces coffee. Whether grown on Maui, Kauai or Kona, everyone seems to agree on Hawaii’s premium beans can’t be beat.

Enjoy - Li Hing Mango

Li Hing Mui Mango – Dried mango slices are great on their own but with the addition of Li Hing Mui powder they turn into a taste-bud stimulating, head-turning treat. Sweet and sour, pungent, salty, sweet and tangy,  one mouthful excites all five taste buds.

Mango Pancakes with Coconut Syrup

Mac Nut Pancake Mix – If you can’t be on Maui for Easter Brunch at Gazebo, you can make some humdinger pancakes at home with this simple mix.

Coconut Syrup – To set off the pancake feast you need authentic coconut syrup.

Honey Roasted Mac Nut – What more can we say? Delicious and good for you.

Chocolate Covered Mac Nuts – Try ‘em this way – one dry roasted, one chocolate, dry roasted/chocolate. Repeat until you achieve satisfaction (or the bag’s empty).

Manju – Not many places in upper New England sell Manju, my oldest son’s favorite treat from Maui. The flakey pastry, filled with cool things like bean curd or sweet potato, is seriously delicious.

Mochi Bean Paste

Mochi – Varieties of this treat abound in Hawaii, with the best being ice cream filled versions, which unfortunately are too difficult to ship far away. But try any type of the rice pastry filled snack and you’ll be hooked.

Wasabi Peas – Get ‘em in giant plastic tubs sold at Costco because these go down easy for parties, entertaining friends, watching games on TV… good for any or all the many things people enjoy more fully with snacks in hand.

Iso Peanuts – go great with Wasabi Peas. Crunch coated peanuts with a slight shoyu flavor.

Whole Foods Whole Deal

It seems that everyone has been talking about the opening of Whole Foods in Kahului, and none more excitedly than Maui Farms, with whom WF shared their profits today in keeping with the grocery chain’s dedication to community, fair trade and a host of other noble and admirable traits.

Not just another grocery store, Whole Foods is – to use their phrase – the Whole Deal. Through their programs and services Whole Foods seeks to change lives by offering guidance, information, education and community involvement to the consumer. They mean to help make people healthy and facilitate strengthening local economies in which their products are sourced. They boast a number of programs to accomplish the goals of their core values, which include:

• Selling the highest quality natural and organic products available

• Satisfying and delighting our customers

• Supporting team member happiness and excellence

• Creating wealth through profits & growth

• Caring about our communities & our environment

• Creating ongoing win-win partnerships with our suppliers

• Promoting the health of our stakeholders through healthy eating education

That’s a lot to commit to, and Whole Foods, having grown from seedling to great oak in one generation has the muscle and money to stick by their values.

Whole Foods Coffee Bar

That said, let’s get one question out of the way – is it expensive? In general, it costs more to do the right thing and since Whole Foods is committed to doing the the right things (Fair Trade and organic, and all) as a result consumers may find higher prices at Whole Foods than an ordinary grocery store. But in Maui we are used to paying higher grocery prices and besides, once you shop at Whole Foods, everything else will seem ordinary in comparison. The range of services, products and amenities is unequaled plus you won’t be temped to buy all kinds of things that are bad for you and a waste of money. Many of their “house brands” are wonderful values, including super wines at rock bottom prices.

So enough with the editorial and on to the facts.

There is much to be told about Whole Foods but by means of introducing novices to Whole Foods distinctive programs, let’s begin this weekend with the Health Starts consultations, whereby educated professionals help guide customers on a journey toward food health by pointing out what’s good and not so good in their diet and steering them toward healthier choices.

Extensive Gorgeous Produce Section

Then on Saturday at 11 a.m., Keiki Cooking kicks off, a fun class perfect for children 5 to 12 yrs old that includes demonstrations and hands-on easy meal preparations the entire family can enjoy. Afterward, experts give Value Tours of the store, pointing out those products considered to be of greatest value for the price.

The company’s website is amazing with categories including extensive healthy recipe listings, product information, health and nutrition and user forums for sharing advice and information, plus coupons and deals.

If you sign up for the newsletter you’ll stay in touch with all that’s happening in the Kahului store. Why not take advantage of all that Whole Foods offers now that they have made it to Maui including perusing the online cooking show entitled “The Secret Ingredient?” Whole Foods also has regular recipe invitationals and whether or not you enter, you can always find stupendous original recipes posted such as the Parmesan Crisps Dipped in Chocolate.

Brisk Business at Kahului's Newest

Rest assured, What’s Cooking Maui will be following Whole Foods progress and programs along the way and sharing with our readers. For now, suffice to say E Komo Maui – we are glad they are here.

First Whole Foods - Homey and Retro

The retail chain, founded in Austin, TX in 1980, was built on the notion that the US consumer was ready for authentic, wholesome, natural foods presented in a supermarket format. Oh, yeah – consumers certainly were ready. Soon enough the unassuming team behind the way cool approach to food retailing, who in their earliest years were so poor they lived at the store and bathed in the commercial dishwasher, expanded their biz over the years turning it into a multi-mega business which has become a household name. Now, it’s even on Maui (which, by the way, does not even remotely satisfy the criteria required for opening a new store so I’m glad they gave us a chance.)

And soon enough, Wall Street!!

On Wednesday, February 24^th the store’s first 200 customers that spend over $50 dollars will receive a FREE reusable bag representing the history of local agriculture and the new Maui store. Each bag will be filled with a beautiful Maui Gold pineapple. Customers can collect their free gift from the Healthy Eating booth (in the Produce Department) while supplies last.

Schedule for Maui Whole Foods Store Grand Opening Events

• Gift Card Giveaway on Thursday. The first 50 customers to sign up for WFs e-newsletter will receive a $10 dollar Whole Foods Market gift card. To sign up please visit the Healthy Eating booth in the Produce Department.
• Coffee Day on Friday. The first 200 customers who enter the store will receive a free Whole Foods Market coffee tumbler and a free cup of local Maui coffee.
• Opening Day Redux on Saturday. For the customers who missed opening day, this is a chance to go back in time. The store’s first 200 customers that spend over $50 dollars will receive a FREE reusable bag representing the history of local agriculture and the new Maui store. Customers can collect their free gift from a Healthy Eating booth (in the Produce Department) while supplies last.
• Sandwich Days at Whole Foods Market on Sunday. Shoppers who purchase a custom-made sandwich from the store’s prepared foods department can choose between a container of free potato salad or macaroni salad (4 ounces) while supplies last.
• Value Tours on Sunday. At 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., customers can join the Whole Foods Market Value Tour – a custom-guided walk through the store. Contact the store at 872-3310 to reserve a spot – RSVPs are required.
• Community Support Day on March 3^rd. Five percent of net sales for the day will be donated to The Maui Farm, a nonprofit organization providing farm-based, family style residential programs for individuals and families in transition to self-sufficiency.

Whole Foods has certainly grown since their humble beginnings but even though they are big, they are still gentle.  I’m very happy to see them here on island. The store’s regular hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

See you in the deli section!!

Maui County Steps Up

It’s one thing to tell people they should buy local — we all know it’s better for the carbon footprint and helps to stimulate our local economy. It’s tough to do, however, if bigger corporate outlets offer better pricing. During tough economic times we all have to make wise choices.

That’s why it’s so very cool that the Maui County Economic Opportunity bureau is sponsoring a program to encourage local trade, asking retailers to pitch in by offering special discounts to consumers. Here are the deals currently being offered by local restaurants.

Dine well; be hearty! Enjoy even more knowing you are making your local economy heartier, too.

P.S. What’s Cooking Maui will be loading up our new calendar again soon to bring you those days of the week special deals you’ve come to know and count upon, in addition to the offers mentioned below.

Aloha Mixed Plate
1287 Front Street; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 661-3322; www.alohamixedplate.com
Offer:  Receive a free Furikake Garlic Fries pupu with any plate order.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Bistro Casanova
33 Lono Avenue; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 873-3650; www.bistrocasanova.com
Offer:  Buy two dinner entrees and receive a complimentary dessert.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010 (not valid on Feb 14)

Cary & Eddie’s Hideaway Restaurant
500 N. Puunene Avenue; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 873-6555; www.hideawaymaui.com
Offer:  “Early Bird Buffet All Day at The Hideaway” 10% discount on all food items at The Hideaway to support this promotion.  Not valid Holiday’s or with other promotions and discounts.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Casanova
1188 Makawao Avenue; Makawao HI 96768; (808) 572-0220; www.casanovamaui.com
Offer:  Buy a dinner entrée and receive 30% off a second dinner entrée of equal or lesser value.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010 (not valid on Feb 14)

Dairy Queen/Orange Julius
Lahaina Cannery Mall, 1221 Honoapiilani Hwy. #E3; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 662-0645
Offer:  FREE 12 oz. Blizzard flavored treat with the purchase of any Blizzard flavored treat.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Denny’s – Kahului
430 Kele Street; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 873-5550; www.Dennys.com
Offer:  Buy one entree and two beverages, get the second entree one of equal value or less for free.  Up to $9 valued.  Not valid with any other offer.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Denny’s – Kihei
2463 South Kihei Road; Kihei HI 96753; (808) 879-8600; www.Dennys.com
Offer:  $3.99 Aloha Breakfast – two eggs scrambled, three scoop rice with 2 slices spam or 4 portuguese sausage.  To go, only between 5 am – 8 am on weekdays. Not valid with any other offer.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Duke’s Beach House Maui
130 Kai Malina Parkway; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 662-2900; www.hulapie.com
Offer:  Complimentary Crab and Macnut Wontons pupu or Hula Pie dessert with the purchase of two entrees.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010, not valid on Feb. 14.

Duo at Four Seasons Resort Maui
3900 Wailea Alanui; Wailea HI 96753; (808) 874-8000; www.fourseasons.com/maui
Offer:  Three course dinner for $49; includes choice of appetizer or salad, choice of entree, and choice of dessert.  Complimentary valet parking.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Fernandos Mexican Grill and Cantina
Queen Kaahumanu Center, 275 Kaahumanu Avenue, Suite 1001; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 871-5999
Offer:  20% off food purchases.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Ferraro’s at Four Seasons Resort Maui
3900 Wailea Alanui; Wailea HI 96753; (808) 874-8000; www.fourseasons.com/maui
Offer:  Three course dinner for $49; includes choice of appetizer or salad, choice of entree, and choice of dessert.  Complimentary valet parking.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Genki Sushi
Maui Mall, 70 East Kaahumanu Ave Space C7; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 873-7776
Offer:  10% discount to every paying customer all day Mondays.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Hula Grill Kaanapali
2435 Kaanapali Parkway; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 667-6636; www.hulapie.com
Offer:  Complimentary Kalua Pork Pot Sticker appetizer or Homemade Ice Cream Sandwich with the purchase of two entrees in the dining room.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010, not valid on Feb. 14.

Kimo’s
845 Front Street, Suite A; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 661-4811; www.hulapie.com
Offer:  Complimentary Hula Pie dessert with the purchase of two entrees.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010, not valid on Feb. 14.

Lahaina Grill
127 Lahainaluna Road; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 667-5117; www.lahainagrill.com
Offer:  Complimentary Triple Berry Pie – a luscious combination of raspberries, blueberries, black currants nestled in a light flaky crust set on whipped cream -  with your purchase of two entrees.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Leilani’s at the Beach
2435 Kaanapali Parkway; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 611-4495; www.hulapie.com
Offer:  Complimentary Zucchini Sticks pupu or Hula Pie dessert with the purchase of two entrees in the upstairs dining room.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010, not valid on Feb. 14.

Lulu’s Kihei
Kalama Village Center, 1945 South Kihei Road; Kihei HI 96753; (808) 879-9944; www.lulusmaui.com
Offer:  Buy 2 entrees and get an appetizer free.  Not valid with any other offer or with special menu. One coupon per visit.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Lulu’s Surf Club and Grill Lahaina
1221 Honoapiilani Hwy., Unit A-1; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 661-0808
Offer:  25% off of entire food menu from 5 pm to 6 pm daily.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Manae Goods and Grindz
8615 Kamehameha Avenue Hwy., Pukoo, Molokai; Kaunakakai HI 96748; (808) 558-8186
Offer:  Lunch counter: Receive one free coffee with purchase of any Manae Breakfast plate also receive a free small soft drink with purchase of any regular lunch plate. Store: Free- 1 DVD 1 day rental with purchase of $25 or more.
Valid dates:  Feb 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 2010

Maui Brewing Co.
4405 Honoapiilani Highway #217; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 669-3474; www.mauibrewingco.com
Offer:  Free dessert with purchase of entree. Limit one per party. Available only at Brew Pub.
Valid dates:  Feb. 2-28, 2010

Maui Cheesecake Co.
529 Honoapiilani Hwy.; Wailuku HI 96793; (808) 214-5737
Offer:  Buy one of our delicious 9″ handmade cheesecakes at 30% off its regular price.
Valid dates:  Feb 1-28, 2010

Maui Culinary Academy
Maui Community College, Pa’ina Building, 3100 W. Kaahumanu Ave; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 984-3684; www.mauiculinary.com
Offer:  Quarter Pound Hamburger for only $1.99.  Flame broiled Maui Cattle Company beef served in a fresh Home Maid Bakery bun topped with Maui grown lettuce, tomatoes and onions.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-26, 2010; open Mon-Thurs 11 am – 7 pm, Fridays 11 am – 2 pm, closed Monday, Feb. 18.

Maui Swiss Café
640 Front Street; Lahaina HI 96768; (808) 661-6776; www.maui-swisscafe.com
Offer:  Sweet crepe with Roselani Ice Cream, powdered sugar and whipped cream with a topping special price of $4.99.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Panda Express
1279 S. Kihei Road; Kihei HI 96753; (808) 879-0883
Offer:  Free entree with a purchase of a two-entree plate. Offer valid only in Kihei.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Pizza in Paradise
60 E. Wakea, Suite 101; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 871-8188; www.pizzamaui.com
Offer:  One large Heart shaped pizza (or round) with one regular topping for only $11.99.  Award-winning homemade NY style Pizza, Pastas, Subs and Salads for over 10 years.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Pulehu, An Italian Grill
6 Kai Ala Drive; Kaanapali HI 96761; (808) 662-2655; www.pulehurestaurant.com
Offer:  20% Ka’amaina Discount on food and beverages. Not applicable on alcoholic beverages.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Ramen-ya
Queen Kaahumanu Center, 275 W. Kaahumanu Ave Suite 1043; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 561-9688
Offer:  Redeem for one order of gyoza with regular meal purchase. Limit one coupon per customer.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Royal Lahaina Resort
2780 Kekaa Drive; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 270-9780; www.royallahaina.com
Offer:  Enjoy oceanfront dining, sunsets and whale watching at Royal Lahaina Resort. Show Maui County “Got Choice…Think Local” coupon and receive 20% off your meal at Royal Ocean Terrace.  May not be combined with other offers.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Roy’s Kahana Bar and Grill
4405 Honoapiilani Highway; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 669-6999; www.roysrestaurant.com
Offer:  20% off Food (one store only).
Valid dates:  Feb 1-28, 2010

Rumbold Sausage King
111 Hana Highway; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 264-7330; www.rumboldsausageking.com
Offer:  $1 off on sausages and hot dogs. Offer redeemable at Kula Hardware (9 am – 2 pm) and at our 111 Hana Highway location (located close to Bounty Music, open Mon. – Fri. 9 am – 3 pm).
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar – Kapalua
600 Office Road; Kapalua HI 96761; (808) 669-6286; www.dkrestaurants.com
Offer:  Tuesday thru Saturday, 25% Kama’aina discount on most food items ordered by 6 pm. Hawaii ID required. Some restrictions apply, call for details.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar – Kihei
1881 S. Kihei Road, Suite KT 116; Kihei HI 96732; (808) 879-0004; www.dkrestaurants.com
Offer:  Sunday and Monday, 50% Kama’aina discount on most food items ordered by 6 pm. Some restrictions apply, call for details.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Seascape Ma’alaea Restaurant
192 Ma’alaea Road; Wailuku HI 96793; (808) 270-7068; www.mauioceancenter.com
Offer:  15% discount on regular menu items, excluding children’s menu.  Not combinable with other offers. Admission to restaurant only at no charge; aquarium admission additional. Open daily at 11 am.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
2605 Kaanapali Parkway; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 661-0031; www.sheraton-maui.com
Offer:  25% off the food portion of your meal at either Black Rock Steak & Seafood or Teppan-yaki Dan, located at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa.  Must present a Hawaii ID to receive discount.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

South Shore Tiki Lounge
1913-J S. Kihei Road (inside Kihei Kalama Village); Kihei HI 96753; (808) 874-6444; www.southshoretikilounge.com
Offer:  Kama’aina discount of 25% off both food and beverages. 7 days per week from 11 am to 4 pm.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Stella Blues Cafe
1279 S. Kihei Road #B201; Kihei HI 96753; (808) 874-3779; www.stellablues.com
Offer:  10% off food purchase.  Coupon offer not in conjunction with other promotions or on holidays.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Taco Del Mar
Maui Mall, 70 Kaahumanu Ave. C-2; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 877-2009
Offer:  $6 platter anytime. Two Enchiladas or Taco & Enchilada or Meat Quesadilla with rice & beans, guacamole & sour cream.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28,2010

The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
4100 Wailea Alanui; Wailea HI 96753; (808) 875-2236; www.fairmont/com/kealani/
Offer:  Kama‘aina discount – 25% off at Ko Restaurant. Hawaii ID required.
Valid dates:  Feb. 2-28, 2010

Vietnamese Cuisine
1280 S. Kihei Road #107; Kihei HI 96753; (808) 875-2088; www.mauivietnameserestaurant.com
Offer:  10% off purchase of food items.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010

Wolfgang Puck’s Spago – Four Seasons
3900 Wailea Alanui Drive; Wailea HI 96753; (808) 879-2999; www.wolfgangpuck.com
Offer:  $49 Three Course Meal Special:  Every day from 5:30-6 pm and 8:45-9:30 pm.  This special menu gives you a choice of 3 appetizers, 2 entrees and a decadent dessert.
Kama‘aina Discount:  With two valid Hawaii state IDs, purchase one entrée and receive a second entrée (of equal or lesser value) free.
Valid dates:  Feb. 1-28, 2010