MUSICAL CHAIRS . . . There was a fun, but bittersweet beach party last week, held by the employees of SeaWatch Restaurant at Wailea. That's because some of the key players will be moving on to other ventures, when owner Roy Dunn ends his lease tonight and the restaurant closes its doors temporarily. So fans should come on down this evening and say "goodbye," to people such as Chef Todd Carlos, hostess Skipper Smith and General Manager Norm Schuhardt, among others.
"We will reopen Aug. 14, after we paint, clean, rearrange and train the staff," says new owner Beverly Gannon. "Of course, a lot of the people are staying. We're going to tweak the menu a little bit, too."
Gannon has appointed herself as the chef, for now, and will run with her new interim menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. "After Thanksgiving, we'll close the restaurant again to do a major renovation and debut a brand new menu in mid-December," she says.
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The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
SeaWatch Restaurant’s Chef Todd Carlos, hostess Skipper Smith and General Manager Norm Schuhardt will move on to other ventures after tonight.
Besides Gannon, other chefs who keep on expanding their business empire are Michael and Dana Pastula. The couple just got back from a trip to Europe and in August they'll open another of their hugely popular Cafe O'Lei eateries at Waiehu Golf Course. "We cleaned it up and we'll serve very local food at great prices. Mike and I understand the local market," says Dana. ?
Fran's Island Grill on Lower Main Street is closed and the building is undergoing a major renovation. Rising from the dust will be Cafe Hale Lawa that used to occupy that site. The owner hopes to open in August.
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TEST YOUR SWISS IQ . . . Did you know Albert Einstein held dual citizenships in the U.S. and Switzerland, although he was born in Germany? Test your skills at this and other Swiss trivia from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Brigit & Bernard's Garden Cafe in Kahului.
Yes, it's time once again for the Swiss Independence Day festivities at the indoor and outdoor cafe and you don't even have to pay euro prices.
"We'll feature an all-you-can-eat buffet for $35, or you may order raclette only for $17.50," says Swiss-born owner and chef, Bernard Weber. "Raclette is traditional cheese, served with boiled potatoes, whole wheat bread, mustard, pickled onions and cornichons. It's not what you know as Swiss cheese."
As for the buffet, dig into Zueri gchnetzlets and roeschti, which is sliced chicken breast in creamy-mushroom sauce; Swiss bratwurst and sauerkraut; buendner platte of air-cured meats and cheese; risotto Ticinese from the Italian-speaking part of the alpine country; Gapuns, or Swiss chard dumplings; Aargauer Ruebli suppe, a creamy carrot soup; and a full Schwiizer salad buffet.
"We'll also have aelpler chnoepfli, Swiss lasagne created and loved by alpine cowboys," says Bernard. Top it all off with desserts and Kafi Schneehas, at $4 each. The latter is Nescafe with pear and cointreau, topped with fresh whipped cream. Call 877-6000.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Like free events for the whole family? Come to Bistro Molokini's Concert Under the Stars series from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 6, 13, 21 and 27 at the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa. Relax on pool or lawn seating to see local groups such as Kawika Regidor Trio and Off Tomorrow as well as hula dancers.
"Available for purchase will be drink specials, popcorn, shave ice and cotton candy," says Christina Yumul, public relations director of the hotel. "Or join us for a pre-show dinner at Bistro Molokini or Humuhumunukunukuapua'a restaurants."
Willie K will rock the house down at Rusty Harpoon in Kaanapali Tuesday as well as Aug. 18 and 25. It's a dinner show and the buffet starts at 6 p.m. while the show kicks off at 7 p.m. The menu includes pulehu steak, pork luau, ahi poke, kalua pork, shoyu chicken and much more.
Chef Ryan Luckey of Pineapple Grill in Kapalua is the proud papa of the first girl born into his family since 1890. Wow laulau. He and his wife, Jennifer, announce the birth of daughter Lola Jean Luckey.
"I'm learning so much," says the chef. "I'm in awe of how much joy Lola has brought into our lives. She smiles all of the time."
* You may reach Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
