AROUND THE TOWN . . . There's a new chef shaking things up at the Five Palms Beach Grill in Kihei. The menu items have been revamped with new presentations and a host of upgraded ingredients have been thrown in for fun.
"I recently moved here from Oahu," says new Corporate Chef Eric Omick. "I opened the new Roy's in Waikiki and before that I was executive chef aboard the Star of Honolulu dinner-cruise ship."
For lunch, you'll now find Reubens, French dips and even lobster BLTs. Omick says the dinner menu will also take on a whole new feel.
Article Photos
Alan Jahns of JMD Beverages celebrates 20 years of teaching wine appreciation classes. His next series starts Oct. 7 and will run weekly from 7 to 9 p.m. for five Tuesdays at MCC.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
From 3 to 6 p.m. Sundays at Canoes, its sister restaurant in Lahaina, you may listen to some cool jazz tunes and enjoy sushi and sake and other new items.
Casanova Italian Restaurant in Makawao is offering a four-course tasting menu. The price for dinner for two is $50 and it sounds yummy.
The idea is to move from the U.S. "supersize-me trend," to a more European style to have a taste of different courses in smaller portions, according to Casanova's Giovanni "Steven" Cappelli.
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FOR WINE LOVERS. . . "There's been a few of you asking about when my next wine class will be held at Maui Community College," says Alan Jahns of JMD Beverages, an expert in the field. "And I was reminded that we're approaching our 20th year of classes! I appreciate all of the support that you've given me and my classes over the years! Mahalo!"
Alan's next Wine Appreciation 101 Class starts Oct. 7 in the Laulima Building at MCC. "I know that everybody's tightening their budgets, but the Workforce Development office will reimburse 50 percent of tuition for employees, managers and owners of restaurants, hotels and retail wine stores. Call 984-2091."
You must be 21 and older to attend. Taste thousands of dollars of wines on five Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. The regular cost is $189. To register, call 984-3231.
We hear that a shipment of the 2005 vintage of world-class Napa wine, Opus One, will arrive soon at Mr. Wine in Lahaina, according to Matt Anderson.
Who Cut the Cheese store will uncork its monthly wine tasting Sunday with the theme Pretty Pinot Noirs. It will be held in the back room of neighboring Stella Blues, which is celebrating its 17th anniversary with some of its own brand of specials for customers. "As usual, we'll pair five wines with five cheeses for $28," says Ann Tuomela, owner of WCTC store.
"We'll also partner with Executive Chef Eric Faivre of Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa, September 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. for the Wine & Tasty Tidbits benefit. It's to raise funds for an advanced cancer care for Maui Police Department's senior criminalist Julie Wood and it's in Grand Wailea Ballroom with auctions, too."
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LISA & LU'S HOT PICKS . . . Saturday evening at the MACC in Kahului, the Lakota Sioux Dance Theater will bring its traditional powwow dance, sacred songs and narration to Castle Theater.
"Consuelo's Catering of Haiku will do the 'foods of the land' starting at 5:30 p.m. in Founders' Court," says Lisa Haole, food and beverage co-manager.
"Get in the mood by indulging in wild salmon with red cloud quinoa; prairie-grilled chicken; roast beef with squash; and rock veggie stew - each accompanied by wild mixed greens and polenta corn cakes. You may also enjoy Bonterra organic wine with your meal. And, CAKE Bakery will be here with Kona Brew coffee, rice krispy treats, triple-layer bars, ginger and triple-chocolate cookies, lilikoi cheesecake and more!" says Lisa.
* Carla Tracy is dining editor of Maui Scene. You may e-mail carlatracy@mauinews.com or call 242-6342.
