Latest Blog Posts on Maui Restaurants Blog: Reviews, Discounts, Special Deals, Kama'aina, Travel Tips

Maui Guide Book Review: Maui Trailblazer

March 2nd, 2010

This is a no-nonsense guidebook to Maui that REALLY reveals your best vacation choices.

If you’re choosing your Maui vacation guidebooks, I recommend this one:

Maui Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Snorkel, Paddle, Surf, Drive

This friendly guide, written by Jerry and Janine Sprout, is close to a bible in our house. We have never met the Sprouts (but we hope they read this and tell us the next time they island hop over to Maui, so we can meet for a meal), but their direct, friendly writing style mark them as kindred spirits.

Their accurate directions and tips will show you the entire island, from the top of Haleakala to the lava caves of Hana. Whether you’re a serious adventurer or just a daytripper, you’ll find plenty of useful information. There are several guidebooks to Maui, but if you’re looking for straight-up, honest, accurate information from friendly people with good judgment, this is it!

Check out their five star reviews on Amazon. If you already own Top Maui Restaurants, this is the perfect companion guide to make a great Maui vacation.

Hey, Sprouts – mahalo for your hard work. I know how hard it is to write a good guide!

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Tags: Accurate Directions, Adventurer, Amazon, Companion Guide, Daytripper, Five Star, Friendly Guide, Haleakala, Kindred Spirits, Lava Caves, Maui Guide, Maui Restaurants, maui trailblazer, maui trailblazer review, Maui Vacation, Perfect Companion, Sprouts, Star Reviews, Surf Drive, Trailblazer, Vacation Choices, Writing Style
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Best Mai Tai Party Ever … Caused a Tsunami the Next Day!

March 1st, 2010

This was late in the party after many guests had gone home. So why were we still all holding mai tais? Because after three years of R&D, these are the Best Mai Tais ever (if we do say so ourselves ... which we do). Big mahalos to Richard Marks of http://www.alohaia.com for this amazing photograph.

The smiles on all those faces say it all – our mai tai makes people happy. Very happy. Quickly.

James and I hosted another of our rather infamous mai tai parties on Friday, and it was very, very fun. Some of my favorite quotes:

“Your party was so great it caused a tsunami!” (My friend Rebecca wrote this the next day while we were all evacuating our homes to avoid the tsunami-that-wasn’t. Everyone at the party loved Rebecca, because she labored for hours to make the amazing Spicy Ahi Sashimi Cones featured on Spago’s menu. What a friend!)

“I was afraid the floor wouldn’t hold when I saw how many people were coming.” (It held just fine, thanks.)

“I don’t usually drink mai tais because they’re so sweet … but this one is great!” (That’s what I was going for with the recipe – so glad it works!)

“I have never had a better mai tai.” (Blush.)

“Why don’t you have your book for sale!?!?!” (Because we had to turn them all over to local retailers who can’t keep them in stock! Borders in Kahului, Barnes & Noble in Lahaina, Whole Foods in Kahului, and even Costco – check this page for all the island locations.)

“There are so many interesting people here!” (That’s true, we think so, too. That’s because we invite all of our personal friends, fun neighbors, business associates, and anyone on our email list who have purchased a copy of the book from us or registered their book. It’s a totally random assortment of cool people, all having a great mai tai. Makes for interesting conversation.)

The next Mai Tai party is scheduled for Friday, July 2. If you get a copy of the book between now and then, make sure you register it if you want an invitation!

If you like that photograph of us, you’ll LOVE Richard Marks. He’s not only the sweetest guy on Maui, he’s one of the most talented photographers working on the island. Some people are true artists, and Richard is one of them. If you’re having a wedding or just want someone to capture a special moment, there is no one I would recommend higher. Check out his websites – the best one to start with is http://www.alohaia.com

Thanks to everyone who attended!

PS: If you want the recipe, I share it here: http://MauiRestaurantsBlog.com/maitai

About the Author

Maui restaurant reviewer Molly Jacobson, author of Top Maui Restaurants

Molly Jacobson has been food obsessed since 1972 and is channeling it by writing about the Maui restaurant scene. Contribute to this blog by rating and reviewing Maui restaurants and signing up for the free newsletter Aloha Fridays, issued every week by email (sign up to the right).

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Tags: best mai tai recipe, mai tai party, Spago, spicy ahi cones, Tsunami
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Our Favorite Maui Restaurants Donate Gift Certificates for Our Maui Food Bank Food Drive at Whole Foods!

February 25th, 2010

logo_sansei Whew. What a week it’s been! On Monday, Whole Foods had their opening party in Kahului (the hottest invite in town, and we were in!). On Friday, we’re having our gigantic Mai Tai Party (if you’ve got a copy of our book and are “registered” you have already gotten your invitation).

And between scrubbing the floors in preparation for party-goers, we’re planning next Saturday’s big food drive for the Maui Food Bank at the new Whole Foods.

I’ve been on the phone, writing letters, cajoling, and pretty-pleasing, and the results are snowballing.

If you come down to Whole Foods next Saturday, March 6th, from 3-4:30pm, you can bid on gift certificates from some of our very favorite Maui restaurants, including Sansei, Roy’s, Mala, Pacific’o, I’o, Feast at Lele, Thailand Cuisine, Cuatro, and Bistro Casanova. That’s just the ones I have in my hands – more are coming in as I write this. More are coming!!

You can get all the details – and read about why I’m so passionate about helping Maui Food Bank – on our new website dedicated to Feeding Maui: http://FeedMaui.com

Bring your canned goods (or get them from Whole Foods – their store brand is awesome), and please, give from your heart. Demand is up 20% this year for Maui Food Bank’s services, and that’s just a travesty. No one should go hungry.

If you’re on island, I would love to meet you next Saturday at Whole Foods! And you can get a gift certificate for a GREAT cause to one of our favorite restaurants!

If you’re not on island, you can still help. You can bid on a gift certificate ahead of time. Just email us at cs@topmauirestaurants.com and let us know which gift certificate you would like to bid on. I’ll put you on the Silent Auction form to start the day off right next Saturday.

Details are on the website! http://FeedMaui.com

About the Author

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Tags: Bid, Canned Goods, Casanova, Cuisine, Email, Feast At Lele, Food Bank, Food Drive, Gift Certificate, Gift Certificates, Heart, Invitation, Mai Tai, Maui Restaurants, Party Goers, Sansei, Silent Auction, Thailand, Whole Foods, Writing Letters
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Pita Paradise opening new location in Wailea

February 19th, 2010

Pita Paradise in Wailea? Nice, fresh, affordable food? Sweet.

Pita Paradise is a go-to restaurant for us when we want a quick, yummy lunch or dinner. Our big beef is the location: Kalama Village in Kihei is filled with the kind of kitschy-cute stuff that usually spells T-O-U-R-I-S-T T-R-A-P. And at night? A little rowdy for a quiet dinner.

That’s why we were excited to see this sign in the new Wailea shopping center up near the highway. A call to the restaurant confirms that they’re opening up the new location “in a few months” – which on Maui can mean anything from three weeks to seven months (or longer) – and that it will be a second location.

Nice. Right now they don’t have walls – or anything other than the sign – but hey, we’ll take that as a good omen for Wailea visitors and residents who crave well-prepared Mediterranean food at relatively low prices. We’ll keep you posted…

In the meantime, write your own review of Pita Paradise on their page.

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Tags: Kihei, Lunch, Maui, Mediterranean Food, New Location, pita paradise, pita paradise kihei, pita paradise wailea, Quiet Dinner, Shopping Center
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Best Luau On Maui

February 18th, 2010

What do you want most in a luau on Maui: great food, great drinks, lots of hula? These two Maui luaus will satisfy all three criteria.

Not a day goes by without someone asking “which is the best lua’u on Maui?”

Food is always a deeply personal subject, and while it’s my job to give you advice about Maui restaurants, this is one of the areas where I feel most tentative in being categorical.

Depending upon your personality and several other factors, our answer changes. In fact we dedicate an entire section of the Top Maui Tips chapter in our book Top Maui Restaurants to whether or not you should attend a luau or perhaps one of the other excellent Maui entertainment options (Ulalena comes to mind).

So without copying and pasting an entire chapter into this post, I’ll cut to the chase: our two recommendations follow.

Each is a completely different experience, and I would say that if you loved one you might actually not love the other. So choose wisely:

Old Lahaina Luau

Feast at Lele

Should you go to a luau at your hotel? Maybe … if you just want to fall into bed afterward (or into the pool) and avoid driving or paying for cab fare.

Have you been to our two lua’us? Review them on their official pages on this website and let other readers know what you think:

Old Lahaina Luau

Feast at Lele

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Tags: Advice, best luau, best luau on Maui, best maui luau, Cab Fare, Caption, Chase, Drinks, Entertainment Options, Feast, Feast At Lele, Hula, Job, Lu'au, Lua, Luau Food, luaus, Maui Entertainment, Maui Luaus, Maui Restaurants, old lahaina luau, Personal Subject, Personality, Pool, Top Restaurants, Ulalena
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Breakfast at Gannon’s

February 17th, 2010

The eggs benedict at Gannon's in Wailea, Maui, is super-ono. And those breakfast potatoes? Tender inside, crispy outside, fragrant with rosemary.

It’s been two months since Gannon’s (formerly Seawatch Restaurant) finished their renovations (both to the menu and the restaurant) and re-opened under Beverly Gannon’s ownership, so we feel comfortable that they’ve had time to work the kinks out.

We checked them out for breakfast the other day, and OH, MAN…are we glad that we did!?!

James had the eggs benedict – which was good at the old Seawatch – and this one was a model version. The hollandaise was creamy and – as you can see from the picture – of a perfect consistency. The eggs were beautifully cooked: tender, with not a hint of rubber to the texture. The cayenne pepper on top kicked up the heat without breaking a sweat … while the potatoes were soft and melty inside a crispy shell, fragrant with rosemary and seasoned so well that we did not have to pick up a salt or pepper shaker.

Yay! Service was very good – although it took a while to get the hostess’ attention in the cavernous space. Is it our imagination, or did the elegant renovation make the restaurant seem twice as large as it did just a few months ago? The new Red Bar with its central bar and blood-red ceilings made us feel like having a martini … which means we’ll have to try dinner next. Have you been to the new Gannon’s? Share your comments on the restaurants official page: Gannon’s

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Tags: Bev Gannon, Bev Gannons new restaurant, Beverly Gannon, Breakfast Potatoes, Cavernous Space, Cayenne Pepper, Ceilings, Consistency, Crispy Shell, Eggs Benedict, Gannon, Hollandaise, Hostess, Kinks, Martini, Model Version, Ono, Pepper Shaker, Renovation, Renovations, Rosemary, seawatch restaurant, Wailea Maui, Yay
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February Deals at Maui Restaurants – Courtesy of MauiCountyThinkLocal.com

February 16th, 2010

You can download this coupon from the Maui County Think Local site to get discounts at hundreds of Maui businesses, including the restaurants listed here.

Want to support local businesses? The restaurants listed below are supporting you if you’re kama’aina this February with discounts and specials. You can get this coupon and see the hundreds of specials from non-restaurant businesses here: http://www.mauimagazine.net/Maui-Magazine/Think-Local/

Aloha Mixed Plate
1287 Front Street; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 661-3322; www.alohamixedplate.com
Offer: Receive a free Furikake Garlic Fries pupu with any plate order.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Bistro Casanova
33 Lono Avenue; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 873-3650; www.bistrocasanova.com
Offer: Buy two dinner entrees and receive a complimentary dessert.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010 (not valid on Feb 14)

Cary & Eddie’s Hideaway Restaurant
500 N. Puunene Avenue; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 873-6555; www.hideawaymaui.com
Offer: “Early Bird Buffet All Day at The Hideaway” 10% discount on all food items at The Hideaway to support this promotion. Not valid Holiday’s or with other promotions and discounts.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Casanova
1188 Makawao Avenue; Makawao HI 96768; (808) 572-0220; www.casanovamaui.com
Offer: Buy a dinner entrée and receive 30% off a second dinner entrée of equal or lesser value.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010 (not valid on Feb 14)

Dairy Queen/Orange Julius
Lahaina Cannery Mall, 1221 Honoapiilani Hwy. #E3; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 662-0645
Offer: FREE 12 oz. Blizzard flavored treat with the purchase of any Blizzard flavored treat.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Denny’s – Kahului
430 Kele Street; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 873-5550; www.Dennys.com
Offer: Buy one entree and two beverages, get the second entree one of equal value or less for free. Up to $9 valued. Not valid with any other offer.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Denny’s – Kihei
2463 South Kihei Road; Kihei HI 96753; (808) 879-8600; www.Dennys.com
Offer: $3.99 Aloha Breakfast – two eggs scrambled, three scoop rice with 2 slices spam or 4 portuguese sausage. To go, only between 5 am – 8 am on weekdays. Not valid with any other offer.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Duke’s Beach House Maui
130 Kai Malina Parkway; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 662-2900; www.hulapie.com
Offer: Complimentary Crab and Macnut Wontons pupu or Hula Pie dessert with the purchase of two entrees.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010, not valid on Feb. 14.

Duo at Four Seasons Resort Maui
3900 Wailea Alanui; Wailea HI 96753; (808) 874-8000; www.fourseasons.com/maui
Offer: Three course dinner for $49; includes choice of appetizer or salad, choice of entree, and choice of dessert. Complimentary valet parking.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Fernandos Mexican Grill and Cantina
Queen Kaahumanu Center, 275 Kaahumanu Avenue, Suite 1001; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 871-5999
Offer: 20% off food purchases.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Ferraro’s at Four Seasons Resort Maui
3900 Wailea Alanui; Wailea HI 96753; (808) 874-8000; www.fourseasons.com/maui
Offer: Three course dinner for $49; includes choice of appetizer or salad, choice of entree, and choice of dessert. Complimentary valet parking.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Genki Sushi
Maui Mall, 70 East Kaahumanu Ave Space C7; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 873-7776
Offer: 10% discount to every paying customer all day Mondays.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Hula Grill Kaanapali
2435 Kaanapali Parkway; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 667-6636; www.hulapie.com
Offer: Complimentary Kalua Pork Pot Sticker appetizer or Homemade Ice Cream Sandwich with the purchase of two entrees in the dining room.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010, not valid on Feb. 14.

Kimo’s
845 Front Street, Suite A; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 661-4811; www.hulapie.com
Offer: Complimentary Hula Pie dessert with the purchase of two entrees.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010, not valid on Feb. 14.

Lahaina Grill
127 Lahainaluna Road; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 667-5117; www.lahainagrill.com
Offer: Complimentary Triple Berry Pie – a luscious combination of raspberries, blueberries, black currants nestled in a light flaky crust set on whipped cream - with your purchase of two entrees.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Leilani’s at the Beach
2435 Kaanapali Parkway; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 611-4495; www.hulapie.com
Offer: Complimentary Zucchini Sticks pupu or Hula Pie dessert with the purchase of two entrees in the upstairs dining room.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010, not valid on Feb. 14.

Lulu’s Kihei
Kalama Village Center, 1945 South Kihei Road; Kihei HI 96753; (808) 879-9944; www.lulusmaui.com
Offer: Buy 2 entrees and get an appetizer free. Not valid with any other offer or with special menu. One coupon per visit.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Lulu’s Surf Club and Grill Lahaina
1221 Honoapiilani Hwy., Unit A-1; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 661-0808
Offer: 25% off of entire food menu from 5 pm to 6 pm daily.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Manae Goods and Grindz
8615 Kamehameha Avenue Hwy., Pukoo, Molokai; Kaunakakai HI 96748; (808) 558-8186
Offer: Lunch counter: Receive one free coffee with purchase of any Manae Breakfast plate also receive a free small soft drink with purchase of any regular lunch plate. Store: Free- 1 DVD 1 day rental with purchase of $25 or more.
Valid dates: Feb 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 2010

Maui Brewing Co.
4405 Honoapiilani Highway #217; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 669-3474; www.mauibrewingco.com
Offer: Free dessert with purchase of entree. Limit one per party. Available only at Brew Pub.
Valid dates: Feb. 2-28, 2010

Maui Cheesecake Co.
529 Honoapiilani Hwy.; Wailuku HI 96793; (808) 214-5737
Offer: Buy one of our delicious 9″ handmade cheesecakes at 30% off its regular price.
Valid dates: Feb 1-28, 2010

Maui Culinary Academy
Maui Community College, Pa’ina Building, 3100 W. Kaahumanu Ave; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 984-3684; www.mauiculinary.com
Offer: Quarter Pound Hamburger for only $1.99. Flame broiled Maui Cattle Company beef served in a fresh Home Maid Bakery bun topped with Maui grown lettuce, tomatoes and onions.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-26, 2010; open Mon-Thurs 11 am – 7 pm, Fridays 11 am – 2 pm, closed Monday, Feb. 18.

Maui Swiss Café
640 Front Street; Lahaina HI 96768; (808) 661-6776; www.maui-swisscafe.com
Offer: Sweet crepe with Roselani Ice Cream, powdered sugar and whipped cream with a topping special price of $4.99.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Panda Express
1279 S. Kihei Road; Kihei HI 96753; (808) 879-0883
Offer: Free entree with a purchase of a two-entree plate. Offer valid only in Kihei.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Pizza in Paradise
60 E. Wakea, Suite 101; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 871-8188; www.pizzamaui.com
Offer: One large Heart shaped pizza (or round) with one regular topping for only $11.99. Award-winning homemade NY style Pizza, Pastas, Subs and Salads for over 10 years.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Pulehu, An Italian Grill
6 Kai Ala Drive; Kaanapali HI 96761; (808) 662-2655; www.pulehurestaurant.com
Offer: 20% Ka’amaina Discount on food and beverages. Not applicable on alcoholic beverages.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Ramen-ya
Queen Kaahumanu Center, 275 W. Kaahumanu Ave Suite 1043; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 561-9688
Offer: Redeem for one order of gyoza with regular meal purchase. Limit one coupon per customer.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Royal Lahaina Resort
2780 Kekaa Drive; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 270-9780; www.royallahaina.com
Offer: Enjoy oceanfront dining, sunsets and whale watching at Royal Lahaina Resort. Show Maui County “Got Choice…Think Local” coupon and receive 20% off your meal at Royal Ocean Terrace. May not be combined with other offers.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Roy’s Kahana Bar and Grill
4405 Honoapiilani Highway; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 669-6999; www.roysrestaurant.com
Offer: 20% off Food (one store only).
Valid dates: Feb 1-28, 2010

Rumbold Sausage King
111 Hana Highway; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 264-7330; www.rumboldsausageking.com
Offer: $1 off on sausages and hot dogs. Offer redeemable at Kula Hardware (9 am – 2 pm) and at our 111 Hana Highway location (located close to Bounty Music, open Mon. – Fri. 9 am – 3 pm).
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar – Kapalua
600 Office Road; Kapalua HI 96761; (808) 669-6286; www.dkrestaurants.com
Offer: Tuesday thru Saturday, 25% Kama’aina discount on most food items ordered by 6 pm. Hawaii ID required. Some restrictions apply, call for details.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar – Kihei
1881 S. Kihei Road, Suite KT 116; Kihei HI 96732; (808) 879-0004; www.dkrestaurants.com
Offer: Sunday and Monday, 50% Kama’aina discount on most food items ordered by 6 pm. Some restrictions apply, call for details.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Seascape Ma’alaea Restaurant
192 Ma’alaea Road; Wailuku HI 96793; (808) 270-7068; www.mauioceancenter.com
Offer: 15% discount on regular menu items, excluding children’s menu. Not combinable with other offers. Admission to restaurant only at no charge; aquarium admission additional. Open daily at 11 am.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
2605 Kaanapali Parkway; Lahaina HI 96761; (808) 661-0031; www.sheraton-maui.com
Offer: 25% off the food portion of your meal at either Black Rock Steak & Seafood or Teppan-yaki Dan, located at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. Must present a Hawaii ID to receive discount.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

South Shore Tiki Lounge
1913-J S. Kihei Road (inside Kihei Kalama Village); Kihei HI 96753; (808) 874-6444; www.southshoretikilounge.com
Offer: Kama’aina discount of 25% off both food and beverages. 7 days per week from 11 am to 4 pm.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Stella Blues Cafe
1279 S. Kihei Road #B201; Kihei HI 96753; (808) 874-3779; www.stellablues.com
Offer: 10% off food purchase. Coupon offer not in conjunction with other promotions or on holidays.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Taco Del Mar
Maui Mall, 70 Kaahumanu Ave. C-2; Kahului HI 96732; (808) 877-2009
Offer: $6 platter anytime. Two Enchiladas or Taco & Enchilada or Meat Quesadilla with rice & beans, guacamole & sour cream.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28,2010

The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
4100 Wailea Alanui; Wailea HI 96753; (808) 875-2236; www.fairmont/com/kealani/
Offer: Kama‘aina discount – 25% off at Ko Restaurant. Hawaii ID required.
Valid dates: Feb. 2-28, 2010

Vietnamese Cuisine
1280 S. Kihei Road #107; Kihei HI 96753; (808) 875-2088; www.mauivietnameserestaurant.com
Offer: 10% off purchase of food items.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

Wolfgang Puck’s Spago – Four Seasons
3900 Wailea Alanui Drive; Wailea HI 96753; (808) 879-2999; www.wolfgangpuck.com
Offer: $49 Three Course Meal Special: Every day from 5:30-6 pm and 8:45-9:30 pm. This special menu gives you a choice of 3 appetizers, 2 entrees and a decadent dessert.
Kama‘aina Discount: With two valid Hawaii state IDs, purchase one entrée and receive a second entrée (of equal or lesser value) free.
Valid dates: Feb. 1-28, 2010

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Kindle Edition of Top Maui Restaurants Now Available

February 15th, 2010

That’s right … we caved to the pressure and made a Kindle edition of Top Maui Restaurants 2010. Coming Soon … digital reader editions for every possible outlet, including B&N’s Nook… no fear!

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Tags: Amazon Kindle, amazon.com, kindle, Maui Restaurants, nook, Reader Editions, top maui restaurants, Top Restaurants
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Not in the Mood for Valentine’s? How ’bout Chinese New Year?

February 14th, 2010

chinese-new-year-on-maui If Cupid just isn’t doing it for you today, no worries … we’ve got another suggestion for a big celebration that ANYONE is invited to.

Our favorite Chinese restaurant on Maui is hosting their annual Chinese New Year Buffet. In addition to the buffet ($19.95) you’ll be serenaded by fireworks and drummers right outside and the lions will come in and flirt with you until you give up the little red envelopes (provided) stuffed with cash (you bring it).

It’s good luck to feed the lion … and this year we probably all need some extra luck, right?

If you don’t want the buffet, order before you get there so they can have their kitchen up to speed – this affair is always jam-packed.

Call East Ocean in Kihei for reservations.

Chinese New Year Buffet
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Lion’s Dance at 6pm and 7:30pm
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Lion’s Dance at 6pm
$19.95 for buffet
808-879-1988

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Tags: 6pm, Celebration, Chinese New Year, chinese new year maui 2010, Chinese Restaurant, Cupid, Drummers, East Ocean, east ocean kihei, Envelopes, February 17, Fireworks, Good Luck, Hosting, Kihei, Lion Dance, Lions, Maui, New Year, No Worries, Suggestion, Valentine
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Sweating onions on a Saturday afternoon.

February 13th, 2010

“You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces – just good food from fresh ingredients.” Julia Child

It being the beginning of a brand new year full of “This is the year I will…!” aspirations, I grabbed the so-called bull by its horns and signed up for a cooking class. Lulu Agan was offering a class that promised to teach me how to make chutney, a soup, a pate, 2 salad dressings and 3 salads. In addition, I would learn some knife skills and would enjoy a sit down meal post-cooking. All this in three hours on a Saturday for $50. I signed on the dotted line.

In Lulu's class, stoves are the appliance of choice. Phew.

Last Saturday, I drove up to Lulu’s home in Kula. She had asked us to bring an apron (I was pleased to have a reason to don my New and Very Pretty one), our favorite knife (I chose one that seemed manageable and rushed over to a friend’s house to use her knife sharpener), and Tupperware for leftovers. The class was maxed out at 8 students. Lulu asked us about our cooking levels. Did we consider ourselves to be novices, competent or experts? I raised my hand at “novice”; to myrelief, two others did as well. Never mind that they were easily half my age. Lulu asked us to pair up and gave each pair two of the eight recipes on her menu. My partner, a “competent” cook, and I were in charge of making tomato chutney and a spicy black bean, corn and red pepper salad. Other menu items included raw carrot pate, carrot & coriander soup (a huge hit) and a yummy roasted veggie frittata.

About two hours later, we all sat down to a set table on Lulu’s deck and enjoyed a delicious meal al fresco. Overall, I was very pleased. I appreciated the hands-on experience and learned a lot, including how to “sweat” onions (there must be a more pleasant term). Best of all, there were enough leftovers for me to fill all my Tupperware containers.

The next class is March 6th with more classes to follow. All of our dishes were vegetarian, but the food themes will vary with each class. (I heard rumblings of “Mediterranean” – Si, si!) Lulu also offers private chef services and gourmet fridge stocking. Bon appetit!

For more information, contact Lulu at luluscuisine@yahoo.com

About the Author

Stephanie Nelson is a writer who spent decades stalking Manhattan's restaurants and keeping silent about her opinions. Now living full time on Maui, she finds it hard to keep quiet about food. Stephanie is always on the lookout for the next delectable treat.

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Tags: Agan, Al Fresco, Cooking Class, Coriander, Delicious Meal, Frittata, Good Food, Hands On Experience, Julia Child, Knife Sharpener, Kula, Last Saturday, Leftovers, Lulu, Pepper Salad, Raw Carrot, Red Pepper, Salad Dressings, Saturday Afternoon, Tomato Chutney, Tupperware, Tupperware Containers
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