Winsome, talented, gorgeous Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom

Fabulous food, out of this world entertainment, superior service, a worthy cause; it was an overall fantastic evening of fun and aloha.

Let’s start with the cause. Imua Family Services is the only such agency on Maui to offer programs and outreach for families and children with special needs. It was very evident from the short documentary spotlighting their work that early intervention and therapies can improve the lives of those they serve exponentially. The proper programs administered early in a child’s development can make the difference between their facing a grim existence filled with overwhelming challenges or … a happy ending. Who wouldn’t toast to that effort?

We certainly did! And we also raised our paddles when presented with an irresistible Silent Auction item – dinner for eight prepared by Chef Ralph Giles of Soups to Nuts. When the bidding became vigorous, the Chef stepped up and offered not one, but two such prizes to two lucky bidders. Other items included stays at the Ritz Residences donated by Imua supporters Debbie and Mark Rolfing, a 50 inch HD TV donated by Doug and Donna Johnson, and a fishing excursion on Maui Jim’s yacht.

And so it was last night, the room overflowing with cups of kindness (or was that wine?)  all through the hall fueled by impeccable service from Roy’s stellar staff. Unlike many a charitable dinner, the event last night was immensely graceful, perfectly orchestrated, leaving guests feeling as if it was they who had received the donation.

The meal was over the top. Chef Joey Macadangdang pulled out all the stops and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention every single item on the menu.

Starters included Abalone Rockefeller, truly succulent morsels of the coveted shellfish drenched in cream, mushrooms that was (though I’m typically loathe to use the phrase) to die for. When the waiters whisked away the last remnants of that delicacy, we were treated to Warm Island Corn Pudding, light as a feather with a gorgeous mouth feel. Last on the appetizer menu was Rustic Grilled Vegetable Pizza with Surfing Goat Cheese and Preserved Lemon. All wow.

Next we had Warm Duck Confit and Spinach Salad with poached Quail Eggs – be still my heart. One of my favorites of the night (I helped myself to TWO!) were the Kauai Shrimp with Fennel, Feta and Maui Onions. My companion couldn’t stop with one Ulupalakua Lamb Ravioli with Chantarelle Foie Gras Sauce, and who could blame her? Platters were presented family style and if the waiter saw a high demand for a particular dish – no worries! They brought out another.

The main course was another double header with Roy’s famously mouthwatering Misoyaki Butterfish with Honey Butter Glazed Carrots and Wasabi Butter Sauce, so delicious it could make you cry. It nearly left the Whole Roasted Maui Cattle Beef Tenderloin with Hana Hearts of Palm in the dust – except that was also too exceptional to be ignored.

Wine flowed freely during the service;  white choices including Roy’s 20^th Anniversary Reisling, Ohana Chardonnay or Stella Pinot Grigio. Red wine lovers were served Roy’s Shiraz, Ash Hollow Merlot and Domaine Ligneres Red Wine. Fortunately for my beer loving table mates, they had a choice from every beer Roy’s offers to accompany their meal.

Dessert was hardly an afterthought. It was tough to choose between the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, the Dark Chocolate Decadence or the White Chocolate Pound Cake. I don’t consider myself a big dessert person but I admit to trying all three with nary regret.

Amy Hanaiali`i Gilliom

So how do you follow a meal like that? Ask Amy

Gilliom. She stepped up to the mike and didn’t let up for 90 minutes, crooning the crowd like the pro she is and garnering a standing ovation at the end of her set. Time stands still when Amy sings.

If you’ve always thought of the divine Miss Amy (who is even more beautiful in person than in print) as an Hawaiian ballad singer, time to change your tune! Last night Amy literally stopped the show (well, she WAS the show, along with her very accomplished  jazz trio) with her range, depth, aloha and extreme talent. We loved every sound that came from her mouth, whether she was talking story about her Tutu’s escapades in New York, her famous grandfather playing with the Dorsey’s, or her experience on the road, we listened rapt. But the songs and the singing – ah, the singing – ranked right up there as one of the best small venue concerts ever. All  that for the price of a fund-raising ticket for the Imua Family Services.

Indeed, the $125/pp all inclusive was absolutely one of the best entertainment/dining values I’ve ever experienced, never mind the great cause it supported. Kudos to all the organizers, to Imua Family Services for their good work, to Roy’s staff for their dazzling service, to the ancestors of Amy Hanalei Gilliom for helping to make her who she is, and to the woman herself for gracing us with her extraordinary vocals and charm. Wow, wow, wow.

PS: Dear Amy,

The crowd took a vote. We insist you MUST release a CD of your torch and jazz songs. Tutu would like that.

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