Portabella Mushroom and Quinoa Salad

Bistro Casanova has exploded on the scene as the shining star in the central valley dining firmament. Although they opened softly for lunch just this past week, The Bistro was already packed and bustling last Thursday when I stopped in unannounced.

The former Manana Garage space is barely recognizable, having been transformed into a swank urban-style eatery replete with gorgeous paintings by Maui’s top Italian artists, Alessio and Marcello Bugagiar, Piero Resta (who also did the signature piece at the upcountry Casanova), and Dario Campanile. The sensuous colors of Tuscany, blown glass pendant lights, street vendor fresh flowers, and cool granite bar set the stage for loving this place, which is what I predict Maui will do.

The newest addition to the well-established dining kingdom headed by Giovanni Cappelli will not be a carbon copy of the successful Makawao Casanova, Italian eatery supreme by day and headquarters for Maui’s dating scene by night. First of all, the food is Mediterranean, encompassing anything delicious you might find along that renown stretch of coast from Spain to Greece, which of course includes Italy.

The lunch menu currently features salads, pasta, sandwiches, Panini and crepes. Dinner, which will be offered in a few weeks, will focus on tapas, pastas, steaks and seafood. So picture sitting in a sidewalk café in France; seaside in Spain eating mussels tapas; on the beach of St. Tropez picking at a luscious nicoise salad; or mange bene Pizza in Napoli. There’s no limit to the fantasies that can be conjured while dining here.

Iced Teas So Satisfying You'll Never Miss the Booze

Because the liquor license won’t arrive until mid-October, Bistro Casanova’s head bartender, Brandi, has come up with a clever, wholesome antidote to keeping her bar in full-swing regardless. She single-handedly whips up fresh mint teas and lemonades concocted with fresh squeezed lemons and pureed fruit so good you’ll never miss the booze. I watched as she muddled non-stop through the lunch hour – never breaking her stride, never breaking her smile. Can’t imagine how happy she’ll make people once she can add a shot of hootch to those refreshing concoctions. Yes, I had one –and yes, it was fabulous.

I also tried the Paia Salad, a grilled Portobello mushroom set on salad with quinoa, cucumbers, fresh mint, tomatoes and an extremely light lemon dressing. After that washed down with the mint ice tea, I felt not only refreshed after lunch, I felt downright cleansed. Brandi tells me the intention is to grow a giant herb garden right alongside the restaurant to keep up with the demand for those minty drinks.

As to what you can expect late nights at Bistro Casanova, I’m told there won’t be a big dance floor, but will be small kine music acts like jazz and other mellow tunage to match the upscale fine dining vibe. The intention is to set the stage for passion (as they do in Makawao for the hipsters) aimed at a more professional, mature set that up until now have had to rely on their own imaginations or long drives to Kapalua and Wailea to experience such upscale ambiance. Maui diners will fall in love with Bistro Casanova’s prices, too. Crepes are $7-9; sandwiches $9-14; $7-16; pastas $12-15. Dinner menu promises to be of equal value.

I believe we have a winner here.

How to Nab Great Dining Deals in Maui

This all started about a year ago when, being a deal hunter by heart, I first noticed a number of restaurants responded to the economic bubble burst by offering discounts and specials, especially for kama`aiana. I started assembling a list of said specials and sharing it weekly via email. My friends liked it and shared it with their friends which only egged me on.

Soon the deals newsletter expanded into dining reviews, notices of upcoming events, photos of food, and screeching to a halt for garage sale signs – oh, sorry that had nothing to do with What’s Cooking Maui but everything to do with the start of all this – the downturn in the economy. I may be willing to wear recycled clothes but the last things I’ll scrimp on or compromise is the quality of the food I eat. To me, it’s easy to decide where you tighten and where you should spend –inside vs. outside – one matters, one doesn’t. Spend your money on food preferably shared somewhere. That way, you’ve got your health, you got your friends; you let the rest ride.

Since starting WCM we’ve expanded the staff by two ( sometimes four when they are up to it) but lately there are so many specials flooding the dining scene we can barely keep up! Fortunately, this week Maui Times helped us out by presenting their own Taste of Maui special food edition in which they list what they’ve deemed as the top 25 dining deals around Maui. They rightfully admit there’s is not a comprehensive list; in fact, they’ve only scratched the surface of what’s out there, deal-wise. I’m passing along their suggestions and adding WCM notes to further expand upon their recommendations. Hey, we’re just here to help one another!

For the original Maui Times article and comments look here.

I’o
505 Front St., Lahaina
The deal: Half off entrees for Kama’aina daily in September
WCM Says: We love I`o! We told you all about this one!

Gian Don’s Italian Bistro
1445 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 874-4041
The deal: Pay by the time of night, Thurs., 4:30-9:30pm
WCM Says: The earlier you arrive the cheaper it is. Clever approach to a money-saving special.

Pacific Whale Foundation
300 Maalaea Rd. #211, Maalaea, 249-8811
The deal: Half-price sunset dinner cruises every Sun. through Nov.
WCM Says: Great way to get out on the water for an inexpensive 3-course meal, even though the whales won’t surface for a few more months.

Lahaina Grill
127 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina, 667-5117
The deal: Half-price entrees every Mon. in Sept., 6pm-close
WCM Says: We love Jurg and the entire Lahaina Grill staff, menu, wine list and ambiance. Reviving the Kama`aina special is just what the Doctor ordered. See full feature on this and WCM’s exclusive interview with Mary Swiger!

Diamonds Ice Bar and Grill
1279 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 879-9299
The deal: Buy one, get one half off
WCM Says: Well advertised and on our list to review soon.

PS: Another ice bar, Maui Brewing Co, also offers some great menu deals, as does their friends at Maalaea Harbor, Beach Bums.

Matteos Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant
100 Ike Drive, Wailea, 874-1234
The deal: Half off pizza and wine by the glass
WCM Says: Happy to learn about this one! Matteo’s is awesome!

S&Q’s Coffee & Shave Ice Shack
Rainbow Mall, 2439 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 344-6598
The deal: Buy any drink over $4 and get a free breakfast sandwich, Mon. & Thurs., 7am-12pm
WCM Says: This is cool – usually you buy the food get the drink free but I guess when drinks are $4-5 smackeroos it’s okay to toss in a sandwich. Sounds like a great early morning deal.

PS: How about Los Pelones’ ½ off breakfast entrees?

Ruby’s
275 W. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului, 248-7829
The deal: Buy one entrée, get one free
WCM Says: Perfect for when you’re playing Auntie for the keiki, since kids love this 50’s style diner. They love the hotdogs and hamburgers, shakes and little put-together cardboard choo-choo trains. They love the giant gum balls hurtling down a loop-de-loop track before popping out of the machine directly onto the floor so you have to buy another one (whilst you secretly stuff the supposedly contaminated ball into your own pocket for later. Heheh…) In other words, great fun for kids and kids at heart.

Mulligan’s on the Blue
100 Kaukahi St., Wailea, 874-1131.
The deal: 2 for 1 pupus and half-off drinks, daily, 4-6pm
WCM Says: All early bird specials share a similar benefit – perfect for when you get off work early and want to be home for prime time. Cheap easy, sociable, forget your workaday cares — just don’t overdo it on the half-priced drinks.

PS: For many more super Happy Hour and Pupu Specials reported on WCM:

Check these out!

PSS: Loads of Early Bird Food Specials as reported on WCM (exact times vary by restaurant). They are on the WCM calendar, too, so check there.

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
Jacques, Paia – 50% sushi rolls
Tropica, Kaanapali – 20% kama`aina food
Kai Sushi, Ritz – ½ off before 6:30 p.m.
NEW!! Rusty Harpoon – Power Hour – Half off Entire menu 6-7 p.m.

Pho Saigon 808
Wharf Center, 658 Front St., Lahaina, 661-6628
The deal: Buy one special entree, get the second half off, Tues. & Sat.
WCM Says: I think Maui Times said this one best: You can never go wrong with pad Thai and curry.

Sansei
1881 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 879-0004
The deal: Half-price sushi, Sun.-Mon., 5-6pm for kama’aina; twenty-five percent off sushi, Tues.-Sat., 5:30-6pm
WCM Says: This deal’s been offered forever so it’s not really new or the result of economic downturn. It serves to pack ‘em into a place that would already be packed without the special. To note: last Sunday we arrived at 7:30 p.m. , and there was still an hour wait.

PS: Kai, next door at the Ritz, also offers Kama`aina ½ off superior sushi until 6:30 p.m.

Polli’s Mexican Restaurant
1202 Makawao Ave., Makawao, 572-7808
The deal: Buy one taco plate or burrito supreme, get one half-off
WCM Says: That’s almost as good as Taco Tuesdays! Okay, even better!

PS:  Los Pelones at the Cannery Mall does a dynamite Taco Tuesday with loads of topping and choices of fillings plus half off second breakfast entree daily, so does Fred’s in Kihei.

Dog and Duck
1913 S Kihei Rd, Kihei 875-9669
The deal: Buy one entrée, get one half off; buy three appetizers, get one free
WCM Says: We’re really digging the buy two get one free appetizer specials being offered at various places. If you have two people and three appetizers, you’re generally set for dinner.

PS: There are similar specials available at Maalaea Grill and Pioneer Inn!

RB Steakhouse
4465 Honoapiilani Highway, Lahaina, 669-8889
The deal: Half price pupus, $2 drafts, $3 cocktails, 3-6pm daily
How to work it: Start with a $2 draft of Widmere Heffewizen and pair it with the escargot—expertly prepared in garlic butter and bearnaise—for $4.50. Please, don’t be one of those food sissies who say they don’t eat snails; the French really know what’s up. After that you can easily cruise through the $3 cocktails or a glass of wine with the lobster artichoke fritters, a shrimp cocktail or the half-pound clams—or simply more beer.

PS: They might not have snails on the menu, but Rusty Harpoon, Dollies Pub, Sands of Kahana,  Canoes, all have half price pupus, $2 Drafts and $3 cocktails during happy hour. In fact, so do many others on this list of Happy Hour and Pupu Specials

Big Wave Café
1215 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 891-8688
The deal: Buy one, get one free daily, 5-6:30pm
WCM Says: Nice place to stop in for early bird specials.

PS: Also try Five Palms down the street. Drink specials and half priced sushi and pupus from 3-7 p.m. Enjoy their sunset 3 course dinner special for only $29.95.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
The Shops at Wailea, 874-8880; 900 Front St., Lahaina, 661-8815
The deal: Twenty-five percent off ala carte menu Sun.-Mon.
WCM Says: Think that’s good! There’s even more! They also offer ½ price appetizers at the bar and kama`aina specials.

Stopwatch Sports Bar & Grill
1127 Makawao Ave., Makawao, 572-1380
The deal: Buy one entrée, get one half-off, Wed.-Thurs., 5-8:45pm
WCM Says: Great deal on already well priced menu and wonderfully eclectic décor.

Mala Ocean Tavern
1307 Front Street, Lahaina, 667-9394
The deal: Half off food nightly, 8-10pm for Kama’aina
WCM Says: This place is really perfect for foodies on a budget because the menu is excellent, the location stellar and it exudes just a hint of class so you never feel like you’re hunting for a deal, though you are.

PS: Another classy joint where you can save face and cash, Merriman’s offers 25% off kama`aina food at the bar every night. Tuesdays you can sit with the gentry in the dining room and no one will be the wiser.

PSS: Buzz’s Wharf, the venerable harbor side stalwart in Maalaea, also dove into the discount dining scene recently. 40% discounts on select menu items for kama`aina from 8-10 p.m. daily.

Stella Blues Cafe
1279 S. Kihei Rd. #201, Kihei, 874-3779
The deal: Twenty percent off daily, 7:30-8:30am, 5-6pm
WCM Says: Classic early and earlier bird specials at reliable favorite.

Kau Kau Tin
2102 W. Vineyard St., Wailuku, HI 96793.
The deal: Call for daily deals
WCM Says: Before we can agree this is a top deal we have to see the actual deal and eat the food. You’re on your own to trust Maui Times on this one.

Kahului Ale House
355 E. Kamehameha Ave., Kahului, 877-9001
The deal: Half price beer-battered fish and chips all day Fri.
WCM Says: We like what MT said about this one:
How to work it: This one’s pretty foolproof: check the calendar to make sure it’s Friday, walk in, order the beer-battered fish and chips and eat them. (A side dish of beer is recommended.)

Maui Coffee Roasters
444 Hana Hwy, Kahului, 877-2877
The deal: $1 cappucinos after 2pm
WCM Says: Zzzzzz….zzz… huh? Oh, yeah, give me one of those.

Santa Fe Cantina
900 Front St., Lahaina, 667-7805
The deal: Half-price entrees every Sun. in Sept.
WCM Says: We’ve mentioned SFC’s specials many times. Specials also include a great happy hour and Taco Tuesdays.

Roy’s
4405 Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, 669-6999
The deal: Buy one, get one free
WCM Says: Half off entrees from the king of Pacific Fusion cuisine? Sweet! But there’s more. Also take 25% off Classic Fusion dishes served at the bar and early birds in the dining room get a four-course prix fixe from 5:30-6:30 -  great value at $39. Wine is half off on Wednesdays, including cheapies like Esser Chard for $15 and monster’s like Shafer Hillside, normally priced at $450 for a mere $219, proving even big spenders like a deal now and then.

The Melting Pot
Lahaina Gateway Center, Keawe St., Lahaina, 661-6181
The deal: Four-course menu for $35 per person (minimum 2 people)
WCM Says: Nice change of pace and monthly ladies’ night out events keep the girls’ going wild.

Restaurant owners, please let WCM know if you have anything to add or change in the information included here.

I`o's Lahaina

Here’s a dining deal that’s so first-rate it deserves a separate announcement. Through the month of September, I`o Restaurant in Lahaina treats Kama`aina to half-priced entrees all night, every night. That’s any entrée on the menu, folks, including the swoon-worthy Crabby Catch; crab salad atop oven-roasted fresh fish over wilted arugula dished with corn/coconut sauce. Makes my mouth water just talking about it!

Or perhaps you prefer I`o’s luscious Lamb `Pa,` chops grilled with curry and porcini mushroom spice, those awesome beets nurtured at O`o Farms and lavender yogurt sauce. Heavenly — and half price! Another specialty you shouldn’t miss (oh, go on – stop in every night if you have to!) are the Diver Scallops in sage and jalapeno bacon with roasted Japanese eggplant served with rice and ginger ponzu sauce. Have you called to make a reservation yet? (808-661-8422)

Since you’re getting such a great deal on the entrée, WCM suggests starting off with the Totally Buff Salad, a twist on the traditional Caprese salad made from buffalo mozzarella, arugula, Olowalu tomato, balsamic basil foam and black Hawaiian sea salt. Have you ever tried black sea salt? It really does make a difference which is why Chef James has won so many awards and accolades. Now his September Kama`aina Special wins our vote as the best deal on the island.

I`o Restaurant
505 Front Street
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
808-661-8422

Flatbread Paia

If you’ve heard about Flatbread Pizza - the wonderful wood-fired pies made with locally grown ingredients dished up with much heralded community spirit, you might think it’s too good to be true. Rest assured, it’s the real deal.

Flatbread Pizza in Pa`ai is actually part of a chain but if you’ve turned up your nose reading that, hold on a minute. Founded in Vermont over ten years ago, it’s a chain is based on principles that defy what most chains represent. They use natural and locally grown ingredients like organic flour, kosher salt, real cake yeast for the dough, and organic tomato sauce, nitrate free meats, free-range chicken and organically grown vegetables for toppings.

Nitrate free meats, organic veggies, wholesome ingredients

Some Flatbread’s devotees believe the best part about the restaurant is the wood fired cauldron where the pizza develops a perfect crust and earthy, smoky flavor that’s irresistible. For other Flatbread fans, knowing that the pizzeria uses such mindfulness in food preparation is enough to feel great about eating there. But Flatbread goes it one better by also donating a portion of their profits to the local community every Tuesday night.

More evidence of the value placed on community roots and ties (which I can imagine is as pervasive in Vermont as it is on Maui) is the chalkboard which lists the source of ingredients used in the pizza – Surfing Goat Dairy, Hale Akua, Kupa`a Farms, Maui Sprout Farms among them. You feel all warm inside before you even taste the delicious food.

Making Pizza in the Wood-fired Oven

The same consciousness and appreciation is extended to every patron who walks through the doors, which is likely why Flatbread was voted Most Family Friendly Restaurant by Maui No Ka Oi readers and Best Pizza on Maui by Maui Weekly.  Flatbread deserves the acclaim because they really seem to care – about you, the growers, the community and the food they serve. It’s a wonderful thing.

Community Spirit at Flatbread's Bar

Flatbread Pizza
89 Hana HighwayPaia
(808) 579-8989

7 Years in Maui and So Much Has Happened

This week marks the 7^th anniversary of my move to Maui. What a seven years it has been! Looking back I am astounded at all the progress we’re seen in the Maui Nui food world. I’m not only speaking of the restaurant openings and closings, celebrity chef shifting, new culinary talent appearing, old stalwarts retiring, new favorites emerging, or old favorites coming back to claim their turf. Those items are newsy, but inevitable pretty much anywhere. What I’m talking about are all the things that currently exist on Maui that didn’t a mere seven years ago; those things that arrived to make my life here more enjoyable.

For the first few years after arrival on island it seemed every social gathering was marked with at least one discussion of the “things we wish we had here.” The conversation always started, “Maui is wonderful, but I miss…” and the commenter would mention a few things integral to total happiness presently absent from the Maui food scene. Things most often noted (besides a great haircut, Bed Bath and Beyond, and hospital on the West Side) were good pizza, Chicago style hotdogs, real Italian beef, a true gourmet pantry store, a Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, a place to get imported cheese that wasn’t shrink wrapped, authentic Mexican and Indian restaurants, Italian style gelato, to name but a few items on the wish lists.

Reminiscing on these chats, it occurs to me there may actually be something to the notion of putting your desires out there for the universe to  manifest. After all, just a few years of dreaming and all these things seem to show up! Or, maybe in our free-enterprise society someone was bound to notice a niche in the market and when those particular stars cross, the right person, the right opportunity – voila! You got gelato on every corner and Whole Foods in Kahului. You’ve got Chicago-style hotdogs in Maalaea at Aloha Deli! It’s mind-boggling.

We now have Penguini’s in Pa`ia and `Aina Gourmet dishing up home-made versions of the frozen Italian confection in Honua Kai.  We have Maui Prime in Lahaina, Wine Stops in both Kihei and Lahaina, and Gourmet food shops in Wailea, Kaanapali, and even the Kaanapali Ocean Resort North Tower catering to home chefs with gourmet ingredients from around the globe! We can now obtain Mozzarella Fresca and Burrata cheeses  (at times) at Lahaina Farms or Who Cut the Cheese in Kihei.

Maui now has many wonderful pizza choices, from Flatbread in Pa`ia to Pizza Madness in Kihei. Even the Ritz Carlton serves a delicious thin-crust version from their room service menu (available at the bar – but don’t tell them where you heard it.)

And Mexican food?! When I moved here from Austin, Texas the lack of great Mexican and Barbeque was almost painful. Now it seems a great new Mexican place pops up regularly, including one soon-to-be unveiled in the old Giovanni’s space at the entrance to Kaanapali. As for Barbeque, I’ve been won over by Kalbi Ribs to the point I barely miss Brisket and when I do now there’s Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse in Kihei.

A few things we didn’t even think to ask for have appeared. There’s French creperies, including the forthcoming Paradise Found in the old Quizno space at the Lahaina Center.  For a short while the dearth of Naan and Indian curries was resolved by the opening of Shangri-La in Kihei.  Sadly, it was shuttered recently, but we hope someone steps up to the Tandori and tries again.

Overall, in seven short years Maui has edged closer to truly having it all. Let’s do our part to ensure the courageous entrepreneurs who cater to our hearts’ (and stomachs) delight will continue to prosper and thrive long into the future.  And by all means, continue dreaming!

- Marti

Lunch Lahaina

Lunch is one of the best things to do in Maui. Restaurant tabs can get out of control at dinner, so enjoying the best restaurants Maui has to offer during lunch can be a way to stretch your dollar without scrimping on experiences.

Here are our suggestions for lunch in Lahaina. We’ve noted the most outstanding aspect of the recommendation whether prices($$$), views, food quality, selection.

Lahaina Coolers $-$$                 PRICE/FOOD
Location: 180 Dickenson Street, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
Cuisine: Island style American with Ethnic Nods
Hours: 8 am – 2 am (they almost never close!)
Celebrating 20 years on the scene in Lahaina, this local favorite has endured for good reason. A  casual, island-style place (you know what that means – no dress code) with indoor and outdoor seating, Coolers serves everyone’s favorites such as fish tacos, sandwiches, salads and burgers, and unique house specials that will quickly become favorites. We recommend the Evil Jungle Pasta and Truffle Chicken, Tofu stir-fry, Whaler’s Stew (with all kine fish and veggies), and Brown Goat Pasta (fresh local veggies in a brown butter and goat cheese sauce with pine nuts and dried currents- yum!). The diverse menu gives us something to look forward to when running errands in Lahaina town or after a late-night run to the airport.

Moose McGillicuddy’s $-$$
Location: 844 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Cuisine: Fun American Stuff
Telephone: 808-667-7758
With a name like Moose’s, it’s not surprising to find a menu filled with what we at WCM like to call “kid’s food” – very tasty goodies your health-conscious mom would only allow once in a while but which makes a great hang-over cure. In other words, people love it! Burgers, fries, sandwiches, pulled pork, fries, fried calamari, fried onions, fried fish, fried shrimp, breaded meat, chili, nachos, cheesy fries, sliders wings… If it’s your kind of thing, indulge! The whole vibe reeks of fun and nightly dinner and drink specials are popular for the under-30 set. Breakfast is the best bet with affordable, hearty, delicious egg creations and such. Go for it! Mama’s not lookin’.  You can surf it off later…

Penne Pasta $-$$     PRICE/FOOD
Location: 180 Dickenson Street, Lahaina, HI
Cuisine: Italian
Hours: Lunch and Dinner
Telephone:  661-4811
A wonderful family style place where you can either dine in or carry-out an assortment of well-priced, scrumptious Italian style favorites such as Chicken Piccata and the tremendously popular Baked Penne. Nothing on the menu is over $16.95 but I’m crazy about the Butternut Squash (emphasis on BUTTER) and Roasted Beet side dishes for $5.95 each. Daily specials expand the menu considerably with favorites like Lasagna, Osso Bucco, Fresh Fish with Pasta and Roasted Chicken. Don’t overlook the tasty flatbreads or open faced oven roasted eggplant sandwich! This place is so laid-back and welcoming you’ll feel as if you in your home watching the Food Channel while you dine .

Kimo’s $-$$$
Location: 844 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
Cuisine: Island Style American
Telephone: 808-661-4811
Smack dab in the middle of Front Street, Kimo’s commands the premiere oceanfront location for lunching Lahaina Town style. This place is everything you picture when you think of lunch in Maui. You gotch’yer artichoke and smoked marlin appetizers, ahi sashimi, Hot Wing Salad (with prawns, wontons, veggies), plate lunch, fish tacos, coconut shrimp, burgers and fresh island fish roasted in sweet basil, lemon and garlic and extraordinary burgers and pork ribs for the less adventurous or uber-hungry diners. Kiddie menu, great ambiance, tropical drinks and energetic servers add further to the winning formula that has made this restaurant such an enduring success.
Mai Tai Lounge $-$$$   VIEWS/FOOD/VALUE
Location: 839 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone: (808) 661-5288
Cuisine: Island Style American
With it’s lovely oceanfront, rooftop setting right next door to Kimo’s, Mai Tai Lounge promises to deliver (not surprisingly) the Best Mai Tai on Maui. Maui Times readers agree, having voted it such two years in a row along with runner-up for best new restaurant in 2008. Some surprisingly delicious menu items including lobster quesadilla, lobster and shrimp enchilada, seared ahi salad, and heavenly mahimahi BLT wrap, help elevate lunch into a truly memorable meal. With killer views, good service and a novel menu, you can’t ask for more from a Front Street eatery.

Lulu’s $-$$     PRICE/FUN AMBIANCE
Location: Lahaina Cannery Mall, 1221 Honoapi’ilani Highway, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone: 808-661-0808
Cuisine: American/Island Favorites
Gotta love Lulu’s for the high energy they bring to everything from the eclectic, fun menu to the special events like Sizzling Samba and HHH Saturdays.  What would you expect from a place that lists Sake Ponzu Oyster Shooters, Big Sweaty’s Slippin’ Dippin’ barbeque meats, Chicken Jamaican Me Crazy, Caesar and Please Her Salad, and the Dick Butkus Burger (complete with peanut butter) on the menu? We think this sort of literary fun clearly sets the tone for a laid-back, two drink lunch experience. Like one reviewer said, in spite of the Oxtail Soup, a nod to old-fashioned plantation days food, it’s not exactly a place you take your elderly relatives or young children, but it’s perfect for the young and young at heart when you want to let loose a little.

Genki Sushi $-$$     PRICE
Location: Cannery Center next to Lahaina Farms
Telephone: (808) 873-7776
Cuisine: Sushi
Genki Sushi is popular because it’s fast, fun, easy and inexpensive. The sushi may not be as interesting or inspired as it is elsewhere but it holds great appeal nonetheless. The hook at Genki is the conveyer belt laden with mini platters of sushi that rolls continuously around the dining counter begging you to help yourself to the next tasty offering. Ingenious, really, because who can resist eating more sushi when so cleverly presented?

Food Court at Cannery Mall $          SELECTION/PRICE
Location: Cannery Mall
When atmosphere is less important than convenience and price, this is a great option. Japanese Edo, Vietnamese/French Bale, Athens Greek, L&L Drive-in, and Chopsticks Express compete for your on-the-go dining pleasure. Los Pelones also has a kiosk open to the food court side for take-out or dining at the collection of tables in the mall. We especially like the surprisingly good Greek Salad, Shish-ka-Bob and superb grilled pita at Athens, and the Pho soup and croissants (not together) done up with considerable pride at Bale. Additionally, the Orange Chicken at Chopsticks, the Yakisoba at Edo are always a treat. Top it off with an Orange Julius or Smoothie from Dairy Queen across the hall and sip while watching the free keiki hula shows.
Aloha Mixed Plate $-$$     VIEW/PRICE/FOOD
Location: 1285 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Cuisine: Hawaiian Plate Lunch
Telephone: 808-661-3322
In Maui, Aloha Mixed Plate is consistently voted the best location for the cultural icon – the plate lunch.  Due to its revered location just across from the Cannery Mall, right next door to the Old Lahaina Luau and directly on the ocean under the shade of ancient trees, visitors and locals alike flock here for oceanfront dining at its relaxed best. Besides the calorie rich (plate lunch) menu, Aloha also serves a tasty Asian chicken salad for carb counters in the crowd. For health nuts and vegetarians, Aloha offers a Taro burger, their version of meatless hamburger made from the ubiquitous Hawaiian root. For those who want to try the mixed plate for the purposes of cultural immersion and curiosity, Aloha has a “mini” plate option served a single scoop of rice.

The restaurant also offers a Keiki (children’s) menu but before the kids order the same old grilled cheese and hotdog, suggest they try the favorite of local kids instead – chow funn. This is the island version of mac ‘n cheese, without the cheese. Egg noodles cooked in broth, mixed with meat (beef, pork or even spam) and a few vegetables (anything from onions to bean sprouts) combine with a satisfying, mildly flavored sauce that island kids and adults adore.

Sunrise Café $-$$     PRICE
Location: 693A Front Street, Maui, Hawaii, 96761
Cuisine: Breakfast/Brunch American style
Telephone: 808-661-8558
Eating here is a little like stealing onto a neighbor’s back porch then being invited to stay for breakfast. Sunrise Café is cool, casual, inexpensive, and relaxing. The food is satisfying and tasty and the best place to be when you’re in Lahaina early in the morning or for early lunch.

Cool Cat’s Café $-$$     PRICE/FOOD
Location: The Wharf Cinema Center, 658 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Cuisine: Burgers/American
Telephone: 808-661-4900
The 50’s style diner overlooks Front Street and the majestic Banyan Tree and serves what the Maui public has repeatedly declared (5 years running) the Best Burger in Maui. We at WCM concur wholeheartedly! Cool Cat’s offers indoor dining near the juke box and soda fountain but most everyone takes a seat on the picnic tables out on the Lanai to watch the world walk by while indulging in big, juicy, hand thrown burgers (fresh Angus beef – never frozen) and fries. It’s a diner, so of course they also craft shakes, floats, and banana splits. Cool Cat’s caters to everyone so there are salads, fish, and ribs on the menu, too, if for some odd reason burgers aren’t your thing.

Da Kitchen $-$$
Location: The Wharf Cinema Center, 658 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone: 808-661-4900
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Da Kitchen food is so ono and the portions so plentiful that their other locations in Kahului and Kihei snare all the awards for best local food.  We expect no less from the new Wharf location. It’s definitely kaukau time when you walk in here. Expect heaping platters of kalbi ribs, lau lua pork, hulihuli and chicken katsu, loco moco, noodles, tempura – overall, an outstanding collection of the most wonderful culinary amalgamations to have ever joined forces to the delight of Hawaii’s hungry.

Aloha Thai $-$$     PRICE
Location: The Wharf Cinema Center, 658 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone:808-661-1971
Cuisine: Thai
Another dining option close to the Wharf Movie Theaters, Aloha Thai is an unassuming, family style place serving authentic Thai dishes such as Pad Thai and Chicken Curry. Don’t expect a lot of atmosphere but do expect some satisfying flavors, friendly service and great prices.

Bubba Gump’s $-$$$   VIEWS/FUN ATMOSPHERE
Location: 899 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone: 808-661-3111
Cuisine: Shrimp, Shrimp, and American
Tourists and kids love this place with its nod to the winsome Forest Gump and his mythical Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Company. Dining here is a show in itself with perspicacious servers, bell ringing, balloon blowing and other dining circus’ (including a gift shop) that mixes chowing down with clowning around. The food’s not bad, either, with good ole Shrimp Po`Boys, Boat Trash (mixed seafood platter), Bourbon Mahimahi and Dixie Style Ribs. Then there’s beer steamed shrimp, Cajun shrimp, shrimp gumbo, shrimp New Orleans… you get the idea. Some nice salads and desserts round out the menu.

BJs Pizzeria $-$$                 PRICE/LOCATION
Location: 730 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Cuisine: American/Pizza
Telephone: 808-661-0700
BJs is actually a chain of restaurants serving Chicago-style pizza, ribs, stuffed potatoes, knife and fork sized sandwiches and popular salad medleys. Lunch specials include unlimited soup and salad, pizza and salad combos, fish tacos, sliders and fries, and even a blackened Atlantic salmon. There’s nothing really new or unique here, but the menu manages to cover the gamut of what most Americans have already tried and know they like– consistent, hearty, and good value.

Cilantro $-$$     FOOD/PRICES
Location: 170 Papalaua Avenue, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone: 808-667-5444
Cuisine: Mexican
Most ethnic restaurants in Maui can’t help but eventually give nod to local flavors and styles and begin incorporating locally grown ingredients into their recipes. As it should be! Cilantro’s is no exception; an example of this might be the grilled pineapple salsa served on the taco al pastor, or the scallop and prawn chili relleno. Delicious adobe pork and rotisserie chicken are flavored with organic herbs which is evident in the resulting taste. Overall, the interior Mexican recipes elevate the menu to an entirely new level beyond typical South of the Border lunch and dinner.

Longhi’s $-$$                 LOCATION/FOOD
Location: 888 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone: 808-667-2288
Cuisine: Seafood/Italian Overtures
Noted favorite for breakfast and brunch, Longhi’s also serves a nice lunch with the ocean across the street in view through the open-air dining facility. Been there forever, a local and tourist favorite.
Mala Ocean Tavern $-$$                 VIEWS/FOOD/SELECTION
Location: 1307 Front Street, Lahaina, HI
Telephone: 808-667-9394
Cuisine: Eclectic Island Mediterranean
Mala’s is the go-to place for no-fuss lunch meetings, with atmosphere aplenty and hearty but healthy choices abounding. Waves crash a few feet from lanai tables and the sea air brightens flavors on the mostly organic and trans fat-free menu. WCM loves the mock-guacamole (soybeans in the place of avocado), the Mezza Quartet of Feta, Olives, Hummus and Grilled Pita, the lamb kabobs and Kobe beef burgers with Maui onions. There’s no better place to score the dish of Royalty– wok fried crispy moi.

Thai Chef                    $-$$                 FOOD/PRICES
Location: In the back corner of Old Lahaina Center, 800 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone: 808-667-2814
Cuisine: Thai/Asian
No views, little space, great food, very inexpensive, locals love it! Dine on terrific Thai specialties like Pad Thai, curries, refreshing salads and Tom Yum soup. Hot, spicy, salty sweet, all sorts of savory thrills await  Thai Chef guests.

Maalaea Grill

In the days before automobiles every well-traveled road had an inn at the halfway point between settlements or cities. These days it only takes an hour to travel from West Maui to Kahului. Still, most of us are awash with a sense of relief after emerging from the wilderness as the last stretch of pali reveals civilization. (Is that because there’s no cell service during that hazardous, winding road?) In any case, if Maalaea Harbor is Maui’s version of the Half Day Rest Stop then Maalaea Grill is a traveler’s oasis.

Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night there’s a “5 Star Buffet with 5 Star Views” from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. The buffet encompasses three looooong tables of tempting selections including Island Ceviche, Maalaea Lettuce Cups, Kim Chee Poke, Sushi du Jour, Kula Greens, pasta salads, fish salads, taco salad and so much more.

Sweet table at the Maalaea Grill Buffet

The biggest attraction is the main course choices of Prime Rib, Crab Legs, Mahi-mahi and melt-in-your- mouth Mac Nut Chicken. There are desserts galore and a chocolate fountain so everyone in your party will find something to thrill their taste buds. The harbor view is nice, but after paying the bill you’ll love the look or your wallet even more. Cost is only $29.95/adults, $14.95/keiki 5-12 and under 5 is free. However, if you arrive between 5-6 p.m or 8-9 p.m. and pay only $24.95! (Be seated anytime between 6-8 you’ll also net Kaama`aina discounts.)

Grilled Veggie Salad with Mahimahi and Quinoa

If you’re not up for the buffet or it’s unavailable, find equally delicious and well-priced choices from the regular menu. The “3 for 2” (chose 3, pay for 2) appetizer deal might be all you need. My companion and I went that route on our last visit, choosing the Seafood Tower (shrimp scampi, mahimahi tempura, and crab stuffed mushroom caps) for $14.95, the Seafood Bisque (a giant bowl for $7.95). The piece de resistance on the appetizer menu could serve as a full course dinner — the Mahimahi and Roasted Vegetable Salad ($14.94) is a generous plate overflowing with Kula Greens, quinoa, roasted veggies, topped with two generous portions of slightly blackened mahimahi. It’s one of my favorite dishes on Maui! There are really great wines by the glass at super prices and top-notch tropical drinks at Happy Hour rates.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., Benoit Jazz Works serenades diners with fun, funky, smooth and sassy sounds. If you haven’t had the pleasure before you owe it to yourself to enjoy this essentially free concert by exceptional musicians. Angela’s voice is like a dish of crème brulee and hubby Phil provide the perfect accompaniment on jazz guitar.

Angela and Phil Benoit Perform Th/F/Sat at Maalaea Grill

The lovely harbor side views, terrific food and drink at great values, along with wonderful entertainment, add up to a four tiki rating for Maalaea Grill, tops on our list when traveling through Maalaea.

Maalaea Grill
300 Maalaea Road
#300
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
808-243-2206

Champagne Point at Merriman's

Many years ago I learned the secret to great cooking from a very famous chef during a cooking class in the south of France. He shared his trick after a fellow student bemoaned that they’d never master the art of precise dicing nor be able to reproduce complicated sauces at home. Hearing that, the Chef wiped his hands, leaned forward on the counter and assured us that 90% of great cooking is shopping. When it comes to cooking, he insisted, the ingredients used in food preparation matter more than anything else.

His revelation wouldn’t have come as big news to Peter Merriman, who in the early ‘80’s had already developed a farm to table approach to cooking in his Big Island dining establishments. His philosophy was simple but novel for the time in Hawaii– use the freshest ingredients available. To accomplish his goal of using 90% local and/or sustainable ingredients he developed partnerships with local farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and growers to ensure he had the best of the best for his customers. It was, needless to say, a hit.

Twenty-some years later it came as no surprise when Kapalua announced that Merriman would take the helm of the newly revitalized restaurant formerly located in the Bay Club adjacent Kapalua Bay. Long recognized as one of the most ideal dining locations on the island, residents and visitors to Maui waited with bated breath for last summer’s grand opening. One year later, the restaurant has developed a following that clearly reflects the value of the restaurateur’s focused appreciation and insistence on using local, prime ingredients.  

 Clearly, since they opened Merriman’s has garnered high ratings as one of the most romantic and elegant restaurants in Maui. After attending a party there last night I can assure you it also ranks as one of the best venues for a special event. 

Merriman's Sunset Reflection

 The party started with hors d’oevres on “Champagne Point,” which competes as the most idyllic setting for a cocktail on the planet. Guests were treated to gorgeously presented and sumptuously prepared appetizers.  Imagine a tray of crisp-fried mushrooms stuffed with scallop and cream sauce, each piece perched elegantly on a little cucumber pedestal, ahi bruchetta floating by on individual slices carrot and bite sized portions of Merriman’s famous duck egg rolls begging for dipping. Brilliant, iridescent rainbows showed up on cue, framing the views to the east as if encouraging the retiring sun to go it one better with painterly swathes of color across the ocean that lingered long after the sun had set.

The crowd moved into the restaurant for the main event, as gloriously orchestrated as the sunset. Seamless, unobtrusive and perfectly timed, Merriman’s created a memorable occasion as forty delighted guests gathered in the south counter of the restaurant. Unencumbered by the goings on in the main dining room and bar area (which were also abuzz with patrons!) guests raved about everything served – the salad, seared ahi appetizer, and one of the most succulent and tender filets this side of heaven.

The event ranked as one of the best private dinner parties I’ve experienced in Maui. What more can a host ask for than attentive service, terrific food, outrageous views, and overjoyed guests who today are thanking their lucky stars to have been counted among their friends?

Table with View

If you’re inclined to spoil your guests with equal aplomb, Merriman’s can accommodate parties up to 60 people in a private area but parties of 61 to 150 require buying out the restaurant. To book a private party or function call (808) 669-6400 or email Joanie Kirk, Event Coordinator at joanie@merrimanshawaii.com.

Rainbows over Lahaina

Not many restaurants can compete with I’o and its sister/neighbor, Pacific’O, when it comes to ambiance and setting. On an island brimming with dining spots touting picture postcard views this one on the Lahaina shores grabs all five tikis.

The dreamy vision of the sun setting beyond distant Lanai escorted by sailboats and canoe paddlers would be enough eye candy but I’o also serves up an award winning, dazzling interior. Etched glass aquariums, hip lighting, a bar just begging for an enchantress to take a seat and challenge its sensuous curves, and a “must peak” exhibition kitchen compete with the views. With so much to see, my preference is actually a window table rather than the more popular al fresco seats on the front lanai. That way, you don’t miss a thing including what’s going on at the bar and in the kitchen.

Wherever you settle in while awaiting the glorious sunset, you’ll notice Martinis rather than Mai Tais predominate the drink menu. Although I don’t drink the potent devils, the Dreamsicle and Lemon Drop versions sound mighty tasty served with ocean breezes wrapped around them.

Various wines offered by the glass are also enticing. The menu recommends vintages to specifically match various dishes; for instance, the fois gras topped ono served on “wilted Hana vegetable salad, tropical fruit coulis and balsamic reduction” served with a nice Vouvray. Yea! That I can handle.

I`o’s also prepares some of the best appetizers on the island; Cowboy Ribs, Smoked Sashimi, or Crab Cakes can all stand alone as dinner. But you won’t want to stop there. The Waipoli Road Salad is tossed with assorted organic O’o Farm greens, seasonal produce, herbs and heirloom tomatoes with Maui onions and feta cheese tossed in citrus mustard vinaigrette, everything grown or produced not more than 20 miles away at the O`O farms in Kula and Surfing Goat Dairy.  The Crispy Ahi, fresh sashimi tuna rolled in nori and panko crust and green papaya salad, ($27.00) purportedly has inspired a cult following but don’t feel you have to dress up in funky garb or join a chat room to admit you love it.

A table with a view is obviously a major asset for restaurants on Maui but I`o doesn’t take its location for granted or slip guests mediocre food hoping they won’t notice. (It happens!) On the contrary I`o goes the vistas one better by presenting outstanding sustainable, healthy, original dishes using local ingredients spiced with considerable originality.

Aloha! Lovely Ocean Views: Bargain Prices

First, The History!
No self-respecting lunch counter in Hawaii would fail to give a nod to the revered Mixed Plate. This particular meal evolved from the plantation era when workers toiled long and hard in the sugar and pineapple fields carrying their energizing, calorie-laden lunch in bento boxes, baskets and tins with them. Eventually, the various cultures from around the world that had converged in Hawaii to work side by side in those fields began sharing the flavors and preparations of one another’s homelands.

Then, The Evolution
In time the mixed up plates, as they could more aptly be called, became the Hawaiian diet mainstay. Char-sui chicken, chow mein, chow funn, (Chinese), shoyu and teriyaki (Japanese), lomi-lomi salmon, laulau, and kalua pig (Hawaiian), adobe stew and ribs (Filipino), all found a place on the menu along with the famous and required “two scoop rice” and macaroni salad, included with everything from chili to spaghetti dinners.

Place Your Order, Grab Your Grub

Now, The Truth!
Available all over Hawaii from deli counter at grocery markets to walk-up windows at fast food joints, the place voted unanimously as the best location to try the cultural dining icon is Aloha Mixed Plate. Due to its revered locations just across from the Lahaina Cannery Mall, right next door to the Old Lahaina Luau and directly on the ocean under the shade of ancient trees, visitors and locals alike flock here for ocean views and dining at its relaxed best.

The Real Truth!
One major appeal of the mixed plate is that it fills you up and costs just a little. It seems construction workers and surfers to crave the high calorie content of the mixed plate but unless you’ve been biking up Haleakala, snorkeling Molokini or swimming the Paniola Channel, you may opt for something a bit lighter if you want to fit into your bikini tomorrow. Besides the calorie rich menu items Aloha also serves a tasty Asian chicken salad to take a bit of the carb out of the mix. For health nuts and vegetarians try a taro burger, a version of the meatless hamburger made from the famous Hawaiian root. To simply sample the mixed plate from the cultural immersion perspective, order Aloha’s mini plate option served with single scoop rice (sic).

The Keiki
The restaurant also offers a Keiki menu but before the kids rush into the same old grilled cheese and hotdogs suggest they try the favorite of local kids instead – chow funn. This is the island version of mac ‘n cheese — without the cheese. Egg noodles cooked in broth, mixed with a few vegetables (anything from onions to bean sprouts) combine to make a satisfyingly mild, salty flavor that kids and adults adore.

The Wrap-up
It’s little wonder people return time and again to indulge in the hearty local comfort food where a few bucks buys views that rival upscale establishments. With a demeanor that’s decidedly barefoot in the sand and low prices, it’s everything “Maui as a local” is about.

Every Hour Happy Hour

Aloha Mixed Plate

1285 Front St
Maui, Hawaii 96761
(808) 661-3322