Vietnamese Burritos

Cane and Taro early bird/ happy hour special includes: half off all food if you are seated between 5-5:30  p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and order by 6 p.m. If you can keep that straight and follow the rules you will be handsomely rewarded. Take 25% off Thursday-Sunday before six. Discounts on Food Only.

Try the Frings, a giant sized share platter of fried onions, sweet potato, and french fried shoestring potatoes which are worth every calorie! Also highly recommended are the stir-fry chicken and wok fried sliced beef with vegetables which comes to the table still sizzling on a fajitas style pan.

Score an Upgrade Soon!

Everyone who lives on or visits Maui is interested in racking up Frequent Flyer awards so we figured What’s Cooking Maui readers would appreciate knowing which restaurants offer triple miles on the AA Advantage Dining program.

For every dollar you spend at the restaurant, you’ll receive three AA points, which if you dine out as often as we do, could add up to a round trip ticket every year. Then you can fly to the mainland and dine out there! For instance, there are 293 restaurants in the program near where we often stay in LA so check the website for participants when you travel as well.
Here are the Maui restaurants currently participating in this promotion:

Tia Juana’s Beach Cantina
2291 Ka`anapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 808-667-4080

Son’z Maui at Swan Court, Hyatt Regency Kaanapali
200 Nohea Kai Drive Lahaina, HI | P. (808) 667-4506

Pizza Paradiso
3350 Lower Honoapiilani Rd Lahaina, HI | P. (808) 667-2929

Lulu’s Lahaina Surf Club
1221 Honoapiilani Hwy Lahaina, HI | P. (808) 661-0808

Cilantro Mexican Grill
170 Papalua Avenue Lahaina, HI | P. (808) 667-5444

Lahaina Coolers
180 Dickenson St Lahaina, HI | P. (808) 661-7082

Mulligan’s At The Wharf
658 Front Street Suite #145C Lahaina, HI | P. (808) 661-8881

Denny’s Restaurant -…New!
430 Kele St Kahului, HI | P. (808) 873-5550

United Plus members have access to similar program in addition to the option of using FF miles for Restaurant.com dining certificates. As promoted on United’s website,

• Now our Mileage Plus® members have a delectable way to redeem miles when dining out. You can redeem miles for restaurant dining certificates through Restaurant.com. Redeem as few as 1,000 miles for one $25 certificate, or 2,000 miles for four $25 certificates (total of $100). Each certificate is valid for discounts at over 13,000 restaurants nationwide.

You will have to decide for yourself if the miles used are worth it, since it costs about 2.5 cents each to purchase a mile with airline program and you only get cents on the dollar back with the restaurant certs, but if you have miles about to expire it may be worth it.

In general, the program is a good one for boosting your mileage if you are going to dine out anyway. The program is managed through Rewards Network and works very simply: you register just about any Frequent Flier credit card with the service, then points are awarded to your account automatically when you dine at the participating restaurants.

Bon appetite and happy travels!

Chef Rich Hinijosa of Tropica at Westin Kaanapali

Since your wish is Westin’s command, diners with good taste can revel at the exclusive Chef’s Dinner, served every second Thursday of the month to twelve lucky guests by Chef Rich Hinojosa and his staff at Tropica, Westin, Kaanapali.

Guests gather at two separate round tables adjacent to the main restaurant with views of the exhibition kitchen back near the expansive bar where they participate in a night of fun, inventive food, and new-found camaraderie. (Arrive early and try bartender Fred’s award-winning Dragonberry Bomb with elderflower liqueur and fresh blackberries.)

What’s Cooking Maui staff and friends have participated twice now in the monthly affair and each time come away jubilant, a result of Chef Rich’s obvious passion for hospitality and culinary skill. Although the price tag is only $59/pp including four course dinner and wine pairings, guests are treated like royalty with the Chef coming to each table with each course explaining his choices and preparations. It’s a personal touch that makes you feel as if he’s cooking only for you in your private domain.

January’s dinner featured a stellar line-up of courses including New Caledonia Prawns served over Belgian Endive highlighted with luscious Kapalua Pink Lemon essence, maytag blue cheese and opal basil. Served with a Spanish Brut, Cava (NV Castellar) we already knew we were in for a special evening. Then the staff presented an outstanding dish of Braised Veal Cheek, super tender, served over amazing polenta with radicchio, tomato and surprising addition of local green beans. The flavors resembled foie gras (to me) and when I bit into one of the tomato slices I could have sworn it was rhubarb as it had taken on the slow-cooked sweet pungency of the veal cheek. We savored the dish alongside a Pinot Noir from Oregon, 2007, A to Z Vineyard which was superb.

Next up guests still managed to put away a hearty serving of Beef Tenderloin with risotto, kula onion, fennel and sea beans – amazing little veggies that resemble pohole ferns in texture and flavor.  The medley worked great with a 2006 Cliff Lede Cabernet from Stag’s Leap.

Sea Beans - Delicious!

Chef Rich claimed the dessert was intended to be “not so heavy” but for me the Brioche Pudding with vanilla, caramel and braised apple took a backseat to the Graham’s 10 Year Tawny Port that accompanied it. All in all, it was a fantastic meal which drew applause from the guests.

Every month the menu changes as Chef Rich has fun teasing the palate with “a winning combination of Maui’s famed local ingredients and Westin’s branded cuisine that promotes a complete sense of renewal.” I couldn’t have said it better myself as it explains why I heartily recommend this special monthly event to anyone who appreciates good food and wine.

To make a reservation phone 808-667-2525.

Ulalena - Maui Myth and Magic

Watch the dazzling Ulalena, voted best show on Maui, then experience dinner at Pulehu, Kaanapali’s newest Italian restaurant featuring Italian cuisine with a modern flair, and net a complimentary $25 gift certificate per adult or $10 per child. Dine after 8 pm and receive $10 extra per adult!

Reservations are highly recommended. To reserve, phone 808-662-2655.  This special is available only through Westin’s concierge team.

Tropica Waterfall

Tropica Restaurant & Bar on Kaanapali Beachwalk is now offering a three-course meal deal at $33 per person and only $45/pp with wine pairings! Special includes choices of appetizers, entrees and desserts. Starting Nov. 11, Tropica will be open from Wednesdays to Sundays weekly. Located oceanfront at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Tropica’s bar opens at 4:30 p.m. for pau hana happy hour with discounted drink specials. 3 course tasting menu:

1st

Tropica’s famous lobster chowder, Tabasco butter, chives, smoked bacon
Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay, 2007, Russian River Ranches, Sonoma Coast, California

Or

Chilled cauliflower potage, Saffron poached prawns, parsley, white peppercorn
Charles Smith, “Eve” Chardonnay, 2007, Columbia Valley, Washington

Or

Haiku baby green salad, Hamakua grape tomato, shaved fennel, jicama, carrot, strawberry, ali’i kula lavender vinaigrette
Mac Murray Ranch Pinot Gris, 2007, Sonoma Coast, California

Or

Pohaku seared beef, Prime flatiron steak served on a hot cooking stone, ponzu, kula onion confit
Charles Smith, “The Velvet Devil” merlot, 2007, Columbia Valley, Washington

2nd

Ahi, charbroiled to medium rare, Roasted tomato cous cous, sea beans, mizuna, ali’i mushrooms, opal basil reduction
Willamette Valley Vineyards, “Whole Cluster” Pinot Noir, 2007, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Or

Herb roasted Australian lamb loin, polenta, radicchio, green beans, roasted tomato, zinfandel reduction
Chappellet mountain cuvee, 2006, napa valley, California

Or

Oriental mushroom linguini, Grilled tiger shrimp, hamakua hon shimeji mushrooms, anuhea farms asparagus, mushroom sake broth
chardonnay, 2007, Sonoma Coast, California

3rd

Green tea crème brulee, Grilled pineapple, berries, vanilla anglaise

Or

Pineapple fritters, Fresh pineapple-apple banana donuts, raspberry, coconut

Or

Ice cream, Gelato and Sorbet, Macadamia nut, vanilla, chocolate, coffee, coconut, mango or raspberry

Not available in conjunction with any other dining programs or discounts; available between 5:00-6:00 pm and 8:30-9:30pm ONLY.

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Four Seasons Wailea – Great new promotion in Lobby Lounge – 50% off all bottles of wine past 8 PM – check it out here. Team the vino with a few terrific appetizers and you’ll have a magical night of it.

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Tia Juana’s presents Donavon Frankenreiter, appearing live, Dec. 8, 9 & 10th! Donavon will perform with fellow band member/guitarist Matt Grundy, at Tia Juana’s Beach Cantina. Two acoustical dinner shows from 6-8 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. each night Dec. 8, 9, and 10.

Dinner reservations required for each show in the Main Dining Room. To reserve a table call 808/667-4080. (Lanai seating is on a first-come, first-served basis).

NO COVER CHARGE! Just buy dinner and you’ll be all set. Should be a great evening. Tia Juana’s Beach Cantina located at 2291 Ka’anapali Parkway, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761 808/697-4080 (in the old Giovanni’s at the entrance of the Ka’anapali Resorts).

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Banyan Tree
Deal of the week is decidedly upscale but worth it. Banyan Tree, at the Ritz Carlton, Kapalua is offering two great specials. On Wine Wednesdays, order one entrée; get a second 50% off plus everything on the wine menu is 50% off.
The second deal, called 50/50, includes a three-course menu for $50 and a bottle of wine from the select wine list for another $50, exclusive of tax and gratuity. The Banyan Tree is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Kai Sushi
If you want to start with a light pupu dinner at the Banyan Tree, stop by Kai, off the lobby at the Ritz. The sushi restaurant is fast developing a reputation for serving the best sushi on Maui and rightfully so. Join the crowds there for pau hana and net half-price sushi from 5:30-6:30 p.m. daily.

Lahaina Grill
Extending their kama`aina appreciation program, Lahaina Grill offers 50% off entrees at the bar Sunday – Thursday to kama`aina who order by 6 p.m.

I`o
In similar fashion, I`o shows their local spirit by granting kama`aina 50% off entrees every day, all night. One entrée per person!

Buzz’s Wharf
The venerable harborside stalwart dives into the discount dining scene offering 40% discounts on select menu items for kama`aina from 8-10 p.m. daily.

Everyday Lunch Specials
Pineapple Grill, Kapalua 15% kama`aina lunch discounts

Every Day Early Bird Specials
5-6:30 p.m. (exact times vary by establishment)
Lahaina Grill, Lahaina – 50% entrees at the bar for Kama`aina
Lulu’s, Lahaina -50% off all food
Sands of Kahana – second entrée 50% off
Round Table Pizza, Kihei, Kaanapali – buy 1 get 1 ½ off
Ruth’s Chris Sizzling Prime Time Special, Lahaina, Wailea – $40
Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour – ½ off appetizers
Sansei, Kihei, Kapalua – 25% off entire menu
Joe’s Bar and Grill, Wailea – BOGO on entrees
Stella Blues, Kihei – 20%
Jacques, Paia – 50% sushi rolls
Tropica, Kaanapali – 20% kama`aina food

Everyday Multi-Course Dinner Specials
Canoes, Lahaina – $24.95 three course
Black Angus, Kahana – $22.95 three course specials
Roy’s, Kahana – $40 prix fixe menu (kama`aina only)
Banyan Tree, Kapalua – 50/50 – 50% off dinner and $50 for a bottle of wine (T-Sun)
Mala, Wailea – $38 for a 3-course dinner

Day of the Week Specials
Mondays
Service Industry Nights at Lulu’s, Lahaina – 50% off all food and drink

Tuesdays
Castaways, Kaanapali- 2 for 1 pasta nights
Taco Tuesdays:
Santa Fe Cantina, Lahaina
Los Pelones, Lahaina
Moose McGillicuddy, Lahaina

Wednesdays
Mala, Lahaina – 8:30-10, 50% off food
Pineapple Grill, Kapalua, Wine Wednesdays – 50% select wine
Banyan Tree, Kapalua – 2nd entrée ½ off ; all wine 50% off
Cascades, Kaanapali- 50% sushi for locals

Thursdays
Umalu, Kaanapali -Hot Thursday night drink and food specials, live music
Sansei, Kihei, Kapalua – late night sushi 50% off

Service Industry Specials:
Longboard’s, Kaanapli
Pineapple Grill, Kapalua

Friday
Sansei, Kihei, Kapalua – Late night sushi 50% off

First Fridays, Wailuku – Food and drink specials throughout town. We like Café Marc Aurel’s.

Saturdays
Chez Paul, Lahaina – Jazz Night and enjoy a special pupu and dessert menu or 50% entrees served after 9 p.m.

To find deals and further details quickly for any given day of the week, check out the What’s Cooking Maui calendar feature!