Monday
Worked over the weekend? Not ready for the the fun to end? It’s not over yet! Mondays are great for dining out on Maui. Take for example Lahaina Grill Bistro’s stupendous Kama`aina Special. Every Monday this month you’ll find the joint jumping during Jurg Munch’s “mahalo” to loyal patrons. He’s offering 50% off entrees to anyone toting a valid Hawaii I.D. Just another reason you’re lucky you live Hawaii!
Not a Kama`aina? Head to Lulu’s at the Cannery Mall where half price food will banish those “I wish I lived here” blues. Actually, you can snag this deal any day of the week between 5-6 p.m. Recently a friend and I enjoyed the skewered chicken appetizer, chop salad and Fingah Licken’ good ribs with a couple drinks all for $30! (Just a reminder: while it’s okay to tighten your belt, don’t be a total cheapskate. Tip the waitress on the full price of the food before discount.)
Tuesday
Castaways offers a welcome alternative to the ubiquitous Taco Tuesday with their Two for One Pasta Night by the shore. The discounted dinner comes replete with relaxed ambiance, gentle breezes and numerous whale sightings. Arrive during happy hour to enjoy the views and a sideshow of humpback antics prior to dinner. Sipping one of their tropical elixirs is the perfect way to wash down the sunset.
Wednesday
Since you’ve made it through half the work week without living beyond your means, it’s time for a little nutritious splurge without rupturing your savings plan. If you’re a kama`aina, cash in at Cascade’s sushi bar and order all the sushi you want from the ½ price “locals” menu.
If you don’t qualify, drown your sorrows by watching the sun sink into the ocean from the oh-so-laidback Sands of Kahana. All this glorious visual pleasure and half price entrees, too! (See this edition’s full review.)
Thursday
I’m still lovin’ Umalu’s Hot Maui Nights at the Hyatt. The food and drinks are discounted, which makes it a great deal, but it’s the band that keeps me coming back. “Off Tomorrow” plays the perfect set of energetic but easy to dine to music.
Another great alternative any night of the week is the Ohana Taco in Honokawai. Follow the crowds to the chuckwagon parked near the Okazuya Deli and load up on burritos, tacos, fajita wraps and more. Prices start at $3 for tacos: and nothing over $10. Carry out only. (Review follows.)
Friday
Seems you’ve been out every night this week and now want to kick back at home. Opt for a pizza and a movie! Round Table Pizza’s Kihei and Kaanapali locations offer “buy 1, get the second ½ off” every night.
Gotta grill? Your honey has haute cuisine tastes? Discerning homebodies might prefer taking advantage of Maui Prime’s classic surf and turf special. Net a 6 oz. prime filet and 4 oz. lobster tail for $20.95!! Also check out their killer wine selection; many are value priced!
Saturday
You stuck to your budget all week. It’s time to celebrate Saturday Night in Maui! Indulge yourself generously while maintaining your grip on fiscal fitness at the Banyan Tree in Kapalua. For $55/pp (if seated before 6:30) enjoy a three course dinner with choices including fresh fish or succulent beef tenderloin with truffle sauce; desserts guaranteed to dash your resolve include Pineapple Caramel Cake. Bask in the warm glow of the most romantic and sophisticated room in the business. It’s so worth it!
Sunday
Stop by the bar at I’O’s at 505 Front Street and treat yourself and your pocketbook to unbelievable ½ price pupus and salads. Order as many as you like from the outstanding choices including the succulent falling off the bone Cowboy Ribs; stupendous Shrimp Salad – presented with enough shrimp to pass as an entrée; the chef’s famous Crabcakes; Calamari with curry tabbouleh; the Mad Hatter (seared scallops en croute with curry); or Thai Curry asparagus soup with lobster.
Check out the full price menu, subtract half and let out a cheer. Regardless of how indulgent you’ve been, this proves there is no shortage of good things, even in hard times… at least not at the I`O bar.
CULINARY CRITIQUE
Sands of Kahana
The open-air, seaside establishment at the Sands of Kahana resort attracts locals and visitors alike with a multitude of specials, relaxed atmosphere and affable servers.
Start with the early bird special. Watch the sun sink into the ocean just a kukui nut’s throw from your table. From 5-6 p.m. buy one entrée and receive a second for 50% off. For those who refuse to dine before dark, a two-entrée order earns you a free dessert between 6-9pm!
From 3-5 p.m. daily, attend Happy Hour and fill up on $2.50 carnitas tacos and $5 nachos. $3 mai tais, pina coladas and lava flows are sweet for wahines, but they also have $2 drafts for da boys. If you can’t get in for happy hour, $5 drink specials served all day long quench your thirst whenever you’re ready to belly up. Check out the dining menu.
Highlight of the Week
OHANA TACOS
You might expect a cone of cotton candy along with the carnival of sensory delights that appears when Ohana Taco pulls into the parking spaces in front of AAAAA Rent-a-Space. Amidst twinking lights, lively music, inviting aromas, and cheerful patrons, Oscar Gonzalez and his bevy of beauties go to work from 6-10 p.m. every night (except Sunday) sending savory scents through the salt-tinged air.
Within moments of the chuck wagon’s arrival, crowds begin to gather in eager anticipation of Ohana Taco’s soon-to-be-famous fajita wraps, burritos and quesadillas. The family in front of me ordered sacks and sacks of assorted tacos (chicken, beef, pastor, pork). “We love you, Oscar!” they called as they ran toward the beach with their dinner just in time to catch the sunset.
Oscar takes great pride in his creations. He insisted I try his personal favorite, the chicken fajita wrap – a half pound of shredded chicken mixed with sweet peppers, onions and secret seasonings – wrapped in a spinach tortilla. Top yours off with a variety of fresh, homemade salsas and condiments.
Single tacos start at $3, while a burrito or fajita platter (complete with exceptionally tasty beans and rice) go for $9.95. Oscar tells me he’ll be moving to Lahaina in due time. With any luck you’ll be seeing Oscar’s Ohana Taco trucks all around the island soon. Visit the Honokawai location soon to learn what the buzz is all about.
