WHOP BOP A LU WHOP. . . Little Richard rocketed "Tutti Frutti" to smash-hit acclaim back in 1956. Now, a frozen yogurt shop with the same name has opened in Kihei's Kukui Mall near the theater, and a new star has been born.
Tutti Frutti is a cool and convenient pit stop for self-serve yogurt of the nonfat dairy kind, and multigenerations of its fans can't get enough. Last week, Scene reported Tyra Banks visited there three times, now we hear actor Richard Chamberlain is hooked.
"It doesn't matter what size cup you choose," says owner Gordon "Skip" Wheeler. "It's your show. We simply charge 50 cents per ounce. We rotate through 28 flavors, from the original Tart to Death by Chocolate. You can top them with fresh fruits, gummy bears, ground almonds and brownie pieces."
Article Photos
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
Tutti Frutti owners Gordon “Skip” Wheeler and his wife, Gail Wheeler, charge just 50 cents an ounce for their self-serve frozen yogurt.
The Wailea Gateway Center is near completion, and it's targeted to open before the holidays. Pita Paradise as well as Subway have signed leases and a local steak concept may also moo-ve in.
o o o o
BITS AND PIECES. . . If you're looking for meal deals, then check out the happy hour at Longhi's Lahaina. Hours have been extended from 3 all the way until 8 p.m. daily. Pupu are only $6 per item. The upstairs room is now available for private affairs from birthdays to weddings. Call 667-2288.
Cafe Marc Aurel in historic Wailuku will host a South American wine tasting Wednesday, featuring sips of Chile and Argentina. Cost of $35 also includes cheeses, breads and opinions by expert Alan Jahns.
Alan, by the way, will bring in 20 top boutique wineries from around the world to present their goods Aug. 14 at Maui Calls, the signature fundraising event for Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
Maui Chef Mark Ellman is stretching his tentacles to Oahu, where he's collaborated on the menu for the brand new Tropics Bar & Grill at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort & Spa. "Yes, I was the consulting chef for Tropics' menu," says Ellman. "I went to the grand opening party on Friday, when C&K gave a great concert. The menu is part Mala meets Avalon."
In addition, Mala Wailea in the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is continuing with its $39 special three-course feast with entrees choices of fresh mahimahi, rib-eye steak and chicken teriyaki.
Chez Paul in Olowalu is running with a new concept. The menu features more French bistro fare and now you may BYOB for a $15 corkage fee - except Tuesdays , when there is no fee. Howard Ahia performs regularly and jazz nights continue to sizzle.
The new North Shore Cafe on Kokomo Road in Haiku is drawing in meat lovers with its 6-ounce steak and eggs for $5 and its 16-ounce version for $8.
We've all heard of "staycations," in which you holiday at home. But now Jamba Juice is promoting fake'ations. Just go online to www.summerblissisback.com, upload a photo of yourself to the site, and the tool generates silly pictures of you in exotic settings. You may e-mail them, save them or even upload them to Facebook.
"All fake'ationers have a chance to win awesome Jamba prizes such as a month of free smoothies, and more," says spokesperson Marci Coulson.
Sante Fe Cantina in Lahaina recently started kamaaina night from 5 to 10 p.m. Sundays, featuring half off the dinner menu for locals. It also recently raised $1,000 for charity at its first anniversary bash. . . Speaking of birthday parties for restaurants, the Hula Grill in Kaanapali celebrated its 15th anniversary last week. . .Sushi is on a roll at Roy's Kihei through Sunday as part of its regular theme weeks. Roy's Corporate Sushi Chef Mark Pomaski will wow diners with the Frying Dragon Roll, Ko'olina-style ahi poke with truffle oil and more. . . Now through July 10, you may listen to the sounds of the Citrus College's Night Shift and Blue Note Orchestra shows during dinner at Umalu, Cascades and Son'z at Swan Court - all at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali. Call the Hyatt for concert schedules and note that Son'z has an early-bird special for $19.95 that can't be beat. Of course, there are those who are partial to the fabulous sushi at Cascades. . . Celebrate July 4 Saturday at Ono Bar & Grill outdoors and poolside at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali with family fare and music by the Hot Club of Hulaville. Word has it 50,000 orchids will drop from the sky at 11 a.m. that day.
* You may reach dining editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
