WCM: So, Richard, let us what you thought of Tiffany’s.

Steak Bites Pupu

Richard: Great place, full bar, great Korean style food with lunch about $8-15 – it’s a local hang-out. At lunch there were as many business people and construction guys there as there are regulars – all casually dressed, of course.

WCM: Makes sense. Many tourists?

Richard: Naw, I don’t think so. Like me they need to be reassured it’s okay to stop by if you’ve never been before.

WCM: Will you go back?

Richard: Are you kidding? I only had time to order one entree. There was a parade of great looking dishes coming from the kitchen and I’d like to try them all eventually. My server, Salina, suggested the Teishoku Plates which are small portions of several dishes; a great way to try the best of what they serve.

WCM: What did you try?

Richard: Spicy pork plate lunch with rice and mac salad. It was super good. They also brought me a sampler of the pickled condiments, kimchee style, daikon, cabbage, onions -  all of which were delicious. I’d go back just for those, especially the onions.

WCM: Ambiance?

Spicy Pork and Rice

Richard: Very friendly service, bending over backward to please the customer. No wonder they have such a devoted following.  I’m sure there’s a rousing good bar scene after the sun goes down. They have many TVs spread around the bar and dining room, so they probably get a sports crowd at nights and on weekends. There is easy parking at the side of the building and in the vacant lot adjacent which is key in a big city like Wailuku.

WCM: You’ve convinced me I have to check it out.

Richard: You won’t be disappointed. Oh, and they have Karaoke every night so anytime the Idol urge hits, head on down.
More on Tiffany’s

Pupu Platter at China Boat

4474 Lower Honoapiilani Road

Lunch 11:30-2 pm. M-Sat.

Dinner 5 – 10 p.m. Daily

(808)669-5089

Take Out, Dine In, Or Delivery

What is it with Americans and Chinese food? There are over 41,000 Chinese-American restaurants in the U.S., three times the number of McDonald’s, all “wok king” their way into our hearts and generating revenue even greater than the fast-food chain’s impressive tally. Americans may love hamburgers and fries but it’s obvious we love stir-fry even more.

Given these statistics, it’s not surprising China Boat in Kahana, Maui, is the single most frequented restaurant for our household, something I realized the other day sorting through dining receipts. Makes sense since it is fast, relatively healthy, offers something for everyone, and within fifteen minutes from realizing you are starved and have nothing in the house to eat you can be picking up the food to go. Small wonder I suffered withdrawal pangs last year when the neighborhood mainstay was closed temporarily for remodeling.

Since re-opening, the original owners have taken over the reins and daily operations, resulting in a fresher look — better art on the walls, expanded outdoor seating, larger portions, fresher ingredients and even more enthusiastic service. It’s a pleasant feeling to know a restaurant is out to win your business even though they had you all along.

Teriyaki Chicken China Boat

Every family has its personal favorites when it comes to Chinese food – ours leaning toward the spicy specialties, General Chicken, a version of Orange Chicken, Shrimp Szechwan, and Hot & Sour Soup typically topping our order. String Bean with Minced Pork is another fav as are the various Mu Shu preparations with thin pancakes. We only wish China Boat would include more pancakes with each order since they are so generous with the filling!

This past week we dined in for a change, so as to try a few items off the expanded menu which now includes Japanese specialties; teriyaki, tempura and Udon. Starting out with an appetizer/pupu platter made up of battered shrimp sticks, barbeque ribs, cheese wontons and egg roll, our appetites were definitely beyond whetted for the main event. The sauces served alongside the platter were oh-so tasty with the mustard sauce packing an adrenaline surging punch. Also on the plate were minced chicken lettuce wraps, consistently good, presented with a variety of sauces you can mix and match to your liking. The Udon soup is a great new addition to the menu and we noticed just about everyone in the restaurant had ordered a version of the satisfying noodle dish.

Fried calamari in salt & pepper is a stand-out at China Boat as are the Pineapple Coconut Shrimp, plump, crispy, tender and sweet.  Other recommendations are the Pan Fried Noodle with Seafood (or Pork, Beef and Chicken), House Fried Rice, Hot Bean Curd with Beef and Eggplant with Peking Sauce. If you like things really sugary try the Walnut Shrimp, which will satisfy your sweet tooth for sure.

Overall, China Boat consistently whips up Asian fare to satisfy any craving and service is enthusiastic and appreciative. We are happy they are in the neighborhood!

Lahaina, Hi 96761

808.661-5288

Open daily from 11am-10pm

www.maitailounge.com

- Review by Chuck Racine

Mai Tai at Mai Tai Lounge

Voted best new restaurant in Maui by Maui times, Mai Tai lounge is reminiscent of an old fashioned speakeasy. You could walk by it a hundred times and not know it was there,  making it a great place to meet friends and  enjoy ocean front dining on Front Street without the bombardment of tourists and Bubba Gump-style fanfare.

Located directly on the ocean next to Kimo’s in downtown Lahaina, you walk through a jewelry store to get to the entrance of the restaurant, which is advantageous for local residents looking to go slightly off the radar or slip in for a beverage without being spotted by paparazzi.

I wonder what drink Mai Tai Lounge might be famous for.

Roof Top Oceanfront Dining in Lahaina

Maui times awarded the Mai Tai Lounge purveyors of the Best Mai Tai two years running. That, coupled with the only rooftop dining in Maui, makes this restaurant a must see for visitors, and a “must frequent” for those who live here. Whether stopping by for a cocktail, dining on the first floor, or watching the sunset fall over Lanai while catching a breech or two from our annual visitors, Da Whales, make sure to stop in and say hi to Isabella the bartender. She makes a slamming margarita, and can mix a Mai Tai in her sleep. You’ll also be assured your experience is a memorable one by either Michel Roy, the managing partner, or Fernando Canitrot, dining manager.

On my latest visit, as we walked through the jewelry store and I made a mental note not to drink too much lest my dinner bill come with an added expense on the way out. From there we climbed the stairs to the dining room with the greatest view on Maui.

Pupu Options at Mai Tai

With a group of three or more I recommend starting out with the Flaming Hibachi Pupu Platter, which is a complete sampler of some of their other aps (yes, there’s an ap for that!)  Among the mixture, the Kealoha’s Baby Back Ribs, stood out above all. Slow cooked, tender pork ribs glazed with their secret island bbq sauce, it’s one of the most popular dishes on the entrée menu as well. The Chicken Satay is a nice staple accompanied with three dipping sauces which multi task when used on the Crab Rangoon style stuffed wontons and Shanghai Rolls.

We also dabbled in the lobster quesadilla. With my Latin background and extensive mamacita style cooking experience, although I’d never thought of stuffing lobster into a tortilla before, now that I’ve tried it I feel my youth was sorely lacking since it wasn’t spent eating things this deliscioso. And to think for awhile there I thought I’d had a fine childhood!

Ah, that Ahi!

Even if it’s for sheer presentation wow-value, order the Ahi Rainbow Tower. Fresh, glistening Ahi that’s been prepared poke style is layered with rice, mango, pineapple and avocado, topped with masago and served with wonton chips and a wasabi ginger drizzle. I know Snoop Dogg would try it, Fo shizzle. The beautiful Ahi tower quickly came crumbling down as our clean-up crew was fast at hand to clear the plate. Whomp.

For those wanting a quick bite while catching a few rays, sit upstairs and order the Riki Tiki Tacos, enough to abate your hunger without weighing you down. Your choice of fillings includes Kalua pork or  Sauteed Mahi Mahi. For those in no hurry, try the tropical grilled chicken salad construction of tender, sliced chicken breast with mangos, avocados and feta atop Napa cabbage and greens, with a creamy papaya seed dressing and peanut sauce drizzle; a good way to gear up for a day at the beach.

Flaming Hibachi Appetizer Boat

As for main courses you’ll have a lot to choose from Island favorites such as shrimp or lobster enchiladas, a large order of the baby back ribs mentioned earlier or a filet for those shady meat and potato characters.

Along with a late-night dining menu, music and dancing, Mai Tai Lounge is fast becoming one of Maui’s top hang outs, offering a little something for everyone. Just try it – have a drink with a significant other on the rooftop, as the sun goes down. Romance will ensue, I assure you. Or sit downstairs on the water and watch the tiki torches catch fish off their flickering flame. You’ll be saying to yourself, “We should do this more often!”

Zippy's Makes a Mark in Maui

You’ve seen the ads; you’ve heard the hype  — but have you tried it yet for yourself? I’m speaking of Zippy’s, the ubiquitous Hawaiian chain restaurant that opened its first Maui outlet in September, 2008, the same month the stock market crashed and the economy went to hell in a hand basket. This was perfect timing for Zippy’s to come to Kahului since the eatery is beloved for a number of reasons, the greatest of which is excellent dining value.

In Hawaii, there is practically a cult of Zippy’s so it is somewhat embarrassing to admit I was a Zippy’s Virgin until recently. Finding myself  famished after an all day shopping excursion in Kahalui, seemed there was no time like the present to change my shameful status finally sample Zippy’s world famous chili, chicken, and bakery items (which are shipped all over the world to homesick fans.

Zippy's Most Famous Dishes

Before I describe the food in detail, here are some important particulars you should know about Zippy’s: Diners can enjoy the ultimate comfort food in ultimate comfort, nestled into one of Zippy’s whopping 47 booths while enjoying attentive waitress service 24-hours a day, or order at the take-out counter and eat at an adjacent table without a waitress, or  take-out and eat in the car, I mean at home, the beach or wherever, or you can order ahead and use the drive-through window and never even leave your car.

It’s truly brilliant, the options Zippy offers diners, but the best thing is the truly fantastic food. Forget all you know about fast food chains and think more in terms of classic menu ideally suited to local palates, including mixed plates, saimin, bento boxes, and of course bakery items. That’s Zippy’s.

Zippy's Saimin Supreme

On my initial visit, instinct suggested I try the Portuguese Fried Chicken with was delicious. Delivered still sizzling fresh out of the fryer, the slightly sweet, faintly sticky but mostly crispy, moist and mouth-watering dish is a cult classic with good reason. The deboned chicken is chopped into bite-sized pieces that are chopstick ready and simply scrumptious. Small wonder that Zippy’s pupu platters are such BIG sellers (and you only need to call one hour in advance to get your game and party on via Zippy’s.) Next on the sample tray was a daily special – Beef Curry, served as most things at Zippy’s are, with two scoop rice and mac salad. Tasty and hearty, the dish won a new fan quickly.

Beef Curry

Every day Zippy’s offers two specials as well as mini-zip deals for $4.99. They regularly issue coupons and have a secret shopper program and special program that offers 10% discounts on everything to seniors.

It’s not as though Zippy’s is aching for business; with 25 outlets, Zippy’s sells 150,000 pounds of their famous chili every month,  made 8-12 times a day in giant 300 gallon kettles in Oahu. Discounts, deals, promos are Zippy’s was of responding to the community. They also sponsor events and are well-known for not-for-profit fund-raising opportunities.

Zippy's Scrumptious Fried Chicken

Who wouldn’t want a tub of Zippy’s chili? The thick multi-purpose concoction can be ladled over hot dogs, rice, potatoes, pasta or chips for nachos, or enjoyed its own in both bean and meat, bean only, or vegetarian varieties.

Zippy’s also offers an extensive all day breakfast menu, although their famous waffles and pancakes are served only until 11 a.m. Might be best to stop by as you begin your day in Kahului and again for dinner.

(808) 669-6299

www.theplantationhouse.com

by Charles Racine

Settled high on the Kapalua hillside at the Plantation Golf Course sits the aptly named Plantation House, one of my favorite restaurants for breakfast. Overlooking the famed 18^th hole you can practically feel the excitement of every pro who ever made this approach then putted out to win.

The beautiful setting, both inside and out, makes a trip to the Plantation House a great way to reward friends, family and yourself for traveling all this way to enjoy the glories of the tropical paradise we are fortunate to experience every day. Enjoy it all, the views, the grinds and price tag that won’t leave you eating coconuts the rest of the week.

As you drive up through the hills of Kapalua, toward the eatery and pro shop, you feel a world away from the sunny hustle and bustle of Lahaina and Kaanapali. Visiting last week with my mom, the morning sky above the hills had the hue of a Champagne Bellini as we rounded the corner into the entrance. Walking in, past the golf memorabilia, the pictures of past champions add a rich sense of history to the legendary golf course above which you will dine. One right turn down the hallway, you’ll be among golf fanatics looking through the pro shop, but make the left turn and you’ll be greeted kindly by the host or hostess eager to seat you for an amazing breakfast experience.

As you take in the views and feel the breezes of North Maui, I recommend ordering the:

Maui Gold Pineapple
Cinnamon sour cream sauce   5.50

Local Papaya Half
Lime wedge   4.50

Locally grown is a healthy way to start your day and the sweetness of the fruit will give you an insight on why some of us who came here once on vacation, never left. The Plantation House menu has something for everyone, even hard to please, finicky eaters (aka mom). I love their Eggs Benedict menu with options from the classic to the nouvelle:

Classic Eggs Benedict
With hollandaise sauce   10

Eggs Mediterranean Benedict
Roasted vegetables   10

Eggs Blackstone Benedict
Country sausage patty   10

Crab Cake Benedict
Roasted pepper hollandaise   12.50

Salmon Lox Benedict
Capers and hollandaise   12.50

Cajun Sashimi Ahi Benedict
Wasabi hollandaise   15

An Ahi Benedict with wasabi hollandaise is as close as you can get to sushi in the morning. My mom stuck with the safe option, as always, and ordered the spinach omelet prepared with three eggs, cheese, onions and spinach. I’ve never had it personally but I know it’s good, because my mom, who only eats one or two bites of any meal before pushing the plate away from her, was half way into that omelet before the waitress brought our second Bloody Mary – another plantation staple. Plantation House Bloody Mary’s are well-known as the perfect hair of the dog after a big night of dancing in Lahaina. In fact, Plantation House brunch is well-known as one of the best, acknowledged regularly by local press and readers’ polls.

Granted, breakfast isn’t the most challenging or exotic of meals, but if you’ve ever had dry eggs, soggy toast, sour pineapple, or blah bloodies, you know it’s harder than it looks to make simple ingredients taste excellent.

Besides doing a superb job in the kitchen, Plantation House has the added wow factor of beautiful views of Molokai off in the distance and the sight of an occasional whale breach. Then there is the unique spectacle of golfers hitting their second or third shot onto the eighteenth green, perhaps imagining what it would be like if the grandstands were filled with cheering crowds as they tip their cap, and walk in the footprints of the masters before them.

To recap, my favorite breakfast repertoire:

Sliced pineapple with cinnamon
Papaya with lime
Half order of Blackstone Benedict paired with the other half as the ahi Benedict with wasabi hollandaise

And also remember to eat your veggies by indulging in one of Plantation’s renowned Bloody Mary’s — or Fore!

Lahaina, HI 96761

808-667-5400

Website

Attire: Casual

Payment Options: Visa, Mastercard

Parking: Street, Parking Lot

Price Range:$ (0-10)

Services: Walk-Ins Welcome, Good For Groups, Take Out, Catering, Waiter Service

Specialties: Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

Vietnamese Crepe Wraps

From chicken soup to pho, every culture lays claim to a noodle based elixir infused with mythical healing properties, which helps to explain why Star has developed such a following after being open only a week. The luminary of this dining show is obvious, but noodles aren’t the only standout on the menu and the food is not the only attraction.

Star Noodle Cool Zone

The restaurant burst onto the Lahaina dining scene after having generated a conspicuous pre-opening buzz witnessed by fans posting notes of anticipation on Facebook while folks in the streets of West Maui ballyhooed Star’s coming.

And lo and behold, Star finally flung open its doors on February 5^th. The anticipation appears to have been with merit. The décor is hip and urbane, much more inviting than one would expect based on the location at the top of the Emerald Plaza business park in Lahaina. The menu features the best noodle dishes from around the world as interpreted by the Chefs Craig Masuda and Sheldon Simeon. By incorporating Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, and local Hawaiian influences the team has developed a unique if not rousing dining experience.

Star Saimin

Star serves two versions of both Ramen and Udon, the ubiquitous go-to dinner featuring meats and veggies swimming in rich, satisfying broth. Less expected are Lahaina Fried Soup, a version of Chow Funn with doubly fat noodles; Buckwheat Soba, with daikon and wasabi heat thrown in for dash; and Singapore Noodles, a classic mixture of chicken, shrimp and egg served on vermicelli served with citrus zest for authenticity. Pad Thai rounds out the choices, its translucent, slightly slithery rice noodles teamed perfectly with shrimp, chicken, peanuts, egg and garlic chives.

Star Noodle - Hana Fiddle Head Ferns

For me the “Star” in the name refers to the other side of the menu – the appetizers. Here one finds robust and haute offerings such as the addictive Pohole Fern Salad Appetizer (Hana Fiddle Head Ferns, Ebi, Kombu and Maui Onions) or Roasted Mushrooms, selected locally and sautéed for maximum flavor. Our party jumped on the Brussels Sprouts, the oft maligned vegetable transformed by Star’s chef into a garden delicacy with bacon, napa cabbage and kimchee puree. Table mates raved about the Ahi Avo, done up with olive oil, sambal, and usukuchi.

At Star you’ll find what is surely the island’s best Spicy Namasu, prepared with an exacting balance of sweetness, spice and tang but it was the Vietnamese mainstay, the Crepe Appetizer, that stole the show. A wickedly fresh assortment of herbs and beans sprouts shares the plate with a paper thin egg-based pancake. Diners roll their own, wrapping all the ingredients into a lettuce leaf. Think of lettuce wraps with the extra crepe layer inside.

Star Noodle Server

Satisfying, healthy and well-prepared, Star Noodle is certain to be a favorite of just about everyone — from the ladies who lunch, to nutrition minded hipsters, to those just searching for a little comfort in a bowl. The large relaxed bar will surely attract crowds of regulars appreciative of  the large selection of sakes, creative sake cocktails such as XRated Saketini, Asian beers, and even Oroyu Sushi White Wine blend, ideal for those times when you seek that other sort of comfort.

Thai Chef

Address: 880 Front St., Lahaina, HI 96761
Phone: 808-667-2814
Cuisine: Thai
Price: $-$$ BYOB
Dine-in or Take-out
Hours: M-F 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Nightly 5-9:00 p.m.

Kale’s Favorite: Beef Yum Salad $10.95
Editor’s Rave: Spicy Fried Fish $14.95
Work Out Twice Tomorrow: Pad Thai with Everything $12.95
Vegetarian Lover: Curry Peanut Tofu $10.95
Mama’s Gotta Have It: Green Papaya Salad $8.95

Significant events burn in the memory and are easily conjured by association, which is why Thai food thrills me so. It was in Bangkok after an errant bite of death defying hot chili brought me to my knees as steam billowed from my ears and tears covered my face, that I came to fully appreciate the gift of life. I had begun to fear mine was over during the eternal moment it took to catch my breath.

Fortunately, Thai food does not always produce such drama, but it is always exciting. Even if you can’t fly off to Bangkok after a bad day, ordering from Thai Chef can turn a hum-drum night of reality TV into a festival of exotic flavors. The adrenaline surge you’ll get from that elegant pairing of lemongrass, kafir, basil, and chilies may revive you enough to boo out loud at that crazy guy on American Idol who for some bewildering reason believes he can sing.

Enduring a challenging work day followed by amateurish TV performances is demanding enough, hence, you might be wise to order on the safe side as we did – a Green and Red Curry Chicken – one medium and one mild, just to cover the bases. (As former experience has taught us, when Thai Chef says Hot unless you are Thai you probably aren’t man enough to eat it.)

It may have been that baptism by fire long ago or perhaps we’ve accumulated significant taste bud muscle since them but it seems the chef has toned down the spice quotient at Thai Chef. Though tasty, the mild versions of both the Chicken Curry our single foray into the unknown, Red Pineapple Shrimp Curry, ached for an added chili kick. If you are accustomed to Thai food we suggest you try the Medium strength. Whichever you chose, the flavors are addictive.

The Yum Beef Salad is appropriately named – for yum it is. Rare sliced beef served on a bed of lettuce, cucumbers, tomato, carrots and onion with fresh mint, cilantro and a delicious lemongrass ginger dressing is both flavorful and refreshing. Since it’s not a complete Thai meal without a cup of Tom Yum, eradicate  recent VOG damage by sipping on Thai Chef’s classic vitamin packed broth.

Tom Yum Thai Soup

There is an extra page on Thai Chef’s menu devoted to choices for Vegetable Lovers which also explains why the restaurant is typically filled with glowing, fit people many of whom floated over  from the nearby Yoga studio and salon.

Voted Best Thai restaurant on Maui for many years running, this Lahaina mainstay offers both value and high quality. Dine in the small (and usually lively) knick-knack laden room just a few doors down from Kentucky Fried Chicken in Lahaina Center, or order ahead for speedy carry-out. Most dishes are prepared Mild, Medium or Hot. If you like it Hot, you’re in luck!