MANAWALE'A . . . The word means "free" in Hawaiian, and these days, we all like free! We're talking about the new Saturday Backyard Jam outdoors at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali.
It kicks off before sunset with views of the legendary cliff- diving ceremony atop Black Rock from the Lagoon Bar and Keiki Lawn, then follows with hula entertainment, live jam music, more dancing and storytelling. Just wear your casual attire and enjoy the beach party. All you have to pay for are the drinks and the pupu.
"The Saturday Backyard Jam begins at 5 p.m. Relax and enjoy Hawaiian draft beers for $3 and tropical drinks for $5," says the Sheraton's Director of Public Relations Jocelyn Elfstrom. "The entertainment begins around sunset and we offer our beachside grill menu."
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The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa’s Executive Sous Chef Conrad Aquino will impress you with his beachside grill menu, which is served outdoors during the Saturday Backyard Jam.
Dig into Maui nachos with pulled pork, guava-glazed ribs, Madame Pele chicken wings, and grilled ono sandwiches with lychee tartar sauce. There's a keiki menu for the knee-high set and smoothies, too.
"The Bachelorette" TV show that filmed at the Sheraton, aired earlier this week. The same dessert that was served on the show is available for a limited time at the hotel's Black Rock Steak & Seafood Restaurant. It is three spoons of creme brulee with flavors of Kona coffee, lemongrass and Kula strawberry.
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FOR A GOOD CAUSE . . . For the past 10 months, Hula Grill in Kaanapali has run with a three-course Tasting Menu from 5 to 6 p.m. for $23.95 with a portion of proceeds benefitting Maui Food Bank. It recently donated $4,076 to the nonprofit.
Each quarter, Hula Grill chooses a new nonprofit as its beneficiary and now the Tasting Menu will honor Maui Boy Scouts of America.
"In tough economic times, it's even more important for us to support our community," says the Kaanapali restaurant's General Manager Orrin Cross.
There's a new drink on the market that supports Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation. Indulge Hawai'i Plantation Iced Tea has no added sugar. Instead, it's sweetened with healthful stevia. "I hope we're able to help a lot of people," says President Byron Goo.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Last Friday, Jimmy Kimmel from ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" show and his party dined at Pacific'O in Lahaina. They were taken on a VIP tour of the restaurant's cooler to see the fresh fish caught that day, including a glistening ono. "He took lots of photos," says Taj Morgan, marketing coordinator.
And we hear Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac joined the I'o Wine Club event Friday. The theme was "South of France," and the regional food was loaded with garlic. But the musician informed the chef that he didn't eat garlic. So he whipped up a special menu of lamb chops and filet mignon for Mick and his friend - sans the bulb.
Looking for a meal deal? Pile your plate from the hot bar at Kujo's Restaurant in Kahului for $3.95 per pound. Local kine grinds include pork and peas, pigs-feet adobo, pinakbet, beef tomato, spicy shrimp, fried noodles, Korean chicken and dinardaraan.
Casanova in Makawao is not French. And, Saturday is not Bastille Day. But it will host a French Bastille Day party that evening at 9. Come and mangiare Italian food beforehand and have a ball. Oh-la-la!
Enjoy Ladies Day Out Upcountry this Friday and Saturday at Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm with lavender tea, scones and a walking tour.
Or opt for the Born in the USA Beer Bash from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Maui Brewing Company in Kahana, featuring five beers and five cheeses . . . David Paul's Island Grill has a new Supper Club starting at 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays with live music and pupu.
* You may reach dining editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
