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Side Orders • July 5, 2018

Mama’s Fish House Executive Chef Perry Bateman will appear with other guest chefs at ‘Aha ‘Aina Hana-to-table culinary experience on July 14 in East Maui. The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo

SUMMER HEATS UP . . . It’s good to see Seattle take the lead to ban ocean-clogging plastic straws and utensils at restaurants and bars. While Hawaii legislation is planets apart, many island hotels, restaurants and event planners are not, including the people behind such cultural food events as ‘Aha ‘Aina.

The so-called “Hana-to-table” culinary experience will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. July 14 at Ala Kukui nonprofit facility near the school in East Maui. ‘Aha ‘Aina will feature no plastic straws or utensils, explains Ala Kukui Program Coordinator Poha Kanaka’ole.

“All the food is gathered locally here. This year, we are recognizing the Park Ohana for gathering fish, deer, pork, beef, hee (octopus) and opihi (limpets).”

Then we invite guest chefs and they collaborate in the kitchen. The all-star lineup includes chefs Perry Bateman of Mama’s Fish House, Andrew Le of The Pig and the Lady, David Caldiero of Town, Isaac Bancaco of Andaz Maui’s Ka’ana Kitchen and Bella Toland of Travaasa Hana, which is offering special room rates. Youngs Market is a beverage sponsor. Tickets are $175 each. Visit www.eventbrite.com or www.alakukui.org.

Those who head to the Pineapple Festival at Dole Park on Lanai on Saturday and take the late ferry back from Manele Bay to Lahaina should check out what’s cooking at Nobu Lanai.

Situated lobby level of Four Seasons Resort Lanai, it’s got new Executive Chef Christopher “Tex” Texeira at the helm. An avid outdoorsman who loves to camp and hunt, “Tex” is eagerly incorporating prized Lanai venison into his signature dishes. He also oversees chefs who man the sushi bar and teppan table in the stunning open-air restaurant that overlooks Hulopoe Bay on Lanai.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Montage Kapalua Bay will present its first Sip & Shop event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sip refreshing Veuve Clicquot Champagne cocktails and shop at pop-ups such as Aloha Nectar, Jewels of Maui, artwork from Moana Glass and Nara & Kai Chow, apparel from Laluna and Elle Mer, shades from Maui Jim and beauty essentials from Zenziva. Walk-ins only. For more details, call 665-8282.

The Makawao Parade starts at 7:30 a.m. Saturday in the heart of paniolo country. Hungry spectators should note that Makawao History Museum and Habibi restaurant will team up to offer a pancake and Portuguese sausage breakfast for $5 that may be taken out and enjoyed along the parade route. All proceeds benefit the museum. Of course, beloved Komoda’s Store & Bakery will be open early. Doughnuts, butter rolls and other specialty items may be picked up and munched at whim.

Whether you are a member or not, you may attend the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce talk story and dinner Tuesday at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu. This time around, kumu hula and recording artist Keali’i Reichel will speak, according to chamber president Teri Gorman. No host cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m. and catered dinner by Aria’s Restaurant in Wailuku starts afterwards. Cost is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. To RSVP, call 757-3045.

* Got restaurant/dining-event scoop? Call Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342; or email carlatracy@mauinews.com.

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