OFF THE ROAD AGAIN. . . We hear that American icon Willie Nelson is now between concert tours and is back on island to receive the Maverick Award June 19 at the Maui Film Festival at Wailea. His sons will also play Monday at the 40th anniversary celebration of Charley's Restaurant in Paia.
"After all these years, I can't believe we're still here," says Charley's owner Jim Fuller. "It all started as a juice stand in Lahaina in 1969 and then we moved here."
As for the anniversary party, Willie's sons Luke and Micah Nelson will get the dance crowd going. Cover charge is $15, starting at 8 p.m. Monday. There will be two dance floors set up with viewing screens in the front room.
Article Photos
photo courtesy CHARLEY’S RESTAURANT
Willie Nelson, left, with the late Great Dane, Woofer, and Charley’s owner Jim Fuller. Charley’s celebrate its 40th anniversary Monday.
"Of course, we are all hoping that you-know-who will drop by and play with them," says Fuller, who is Willie's longtime poker and golfing buddy.
As for the food, come early and dine on the smokehouse fare by Charley's evening chef, Debbie Beck, a former Texan who does barbecue right.
Hot entrees are all smoked with kiawe wood. They include Charley's famous baby back pork ribs, barbecue brisket stuffed potato with petit garden salad, and smoked prime rib with mashed potatoes and veggies. Pupu that evening will be ahi poke and blackened ahi sashimi. The whiskey river will surely be flowing at the bar.
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BITS AND PIECES. . . The landmark Buzz's Wharf in Maalaea is another Maui restaurant at least 40 years old. Oddly enough, I've been craving their coconut panko-fried oysters with lomilomi salsa and tobiko caviar.
Now I hear Buzz's is offering 40 percent off selected menu items nightly from 8 to 9 p.m., and the oysters made the list along with Buzz's famous steamers, wasabi-crusted ahi, rib eye steaks, and the combo plate of certified angus New York steak with signature prawns Tahitian. A few desserts are also thrown into the mix.
Only three restaurants were recognized in the nation by the Humane Farm Animal Care organization recently and two are on Maui. Both Ono Gelato of Paia and Mala Ocean Tavern in Lahaina were picked because they buy organic cheeses from Surfing Goat Dairy Upcountry.
Pineapple Grill in Kapalua still has a few seats left for its Top Chef Winemaker dinner this evening. The champagne greeting and chef's reception starts at 6 p.m. and the dinner will follow at 7.
"Experience Hawaii's top young chefs and enjoy a great wine dinner event to kick off Kapalua Wine & Food Festival," says Managing Partner Chris Kaiwi.
Maui's newest nightclub will host its launch party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday. Timba features ocean views, warm breezes and refreshing cocktails, inspired by mixologists from Cuba, Brazil and France as well as popular wines, spirits and champagnes. Located at 505 Front Street, it also features cool couches, dance floors and during the day it will be available for weddings receptions. Grey Goose is the launch party sponsor. Call 661-9873 to RSVP.
Oenophile Jim Powlan of Chambers & Chambers wine merchants is happy to report one of his new prints on kimono was chosen to be in Art Maui this year. There will be a walk- through with the juror from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the MACC?in Kahului.
Speaking of things art, Wow-Wee Maui's Kava Bar & Grill in Kahului will host its Art Night Party from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Featured artist is Ken Kennell, who also perform with his band, Mojo Gumbo. All Maui Rum drinks will be $3, there will be an organic wine tasting, and all sushi by Ren will be 15 percent off.
The Hard Rock Cafe Maui in Lahaina will celebrate its Founder's Day, starting at 11 a.m. Sunday. It's the company's 38th anniversary. All staffers will don '70s attire as a tribute to 1971 and all community service police and firefighters as well as emergency medical technicians may purchase Hard Rock's Legendary Burger for 71 cents.
The Four Seasons Resort Lanai's Lodge at Koele is getting in on the winemaker action happening now by hosting a five- course dinner Saturday, featuring guest Chester d'Arenberg Osborn of d'Arenburg wines. The hotel still has its kamaaina discount in place.
"This is part of our winemaker series that happens every few months," says Michelle Edwards, public relations manager. "Join Executive Chef Fabrice Huet and our special guest for an evening of exquisite food and wine."
Kimo's in Lahaina is jumping with happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. with discounted pupu, draft beers and cocktails. Live music runs Fridays through Wednesdays.
* You may reach Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
