BACK IN TOWN . . . Just returned from the land where pizza is considered just a snack, gelato may be eaten at any time of the day or the night (especially the white truffle flavor) and - thankfully - walking is a national pastime. It felt good to indulge in all in copious amounts.
Speaking of things Italian, or should I say "Mediterranean," the new Bistro Casanova in Kahului will commence dinner service this Saturday. So hours will be from 11 a.m. to close, the latter not defined in ink. It will depend on what's happening at the MACC - or what's not.
Dinner entrees will include bouillabaisse, paella, Osso Buco with fettuccini, and steaks and chops done with seven preparations such as with butter and parsley, green peppercorn and brandy, and Marsala wine with wild mushrooms. It's a dinner menu sure to rock Central Maui.
Article Photos
Photo courtesy Maui Ocean Center
Chef Henry Tariga will present a cultural food demonstration Friday at the Maui Ocean Center.
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MEAL DEALS . . . Diners may now get a taste of Maine right on Maui at Hula Grill in Kaanapali. The new special is a whole Maine lobster cooked to order from 5 to 6 p.m. for $23.95. It includes one-pound of lobster, "hapa" rice (brown-and-white blend) and pineapple coleslaw.
Celebrated Chef Wolfgang Puck is now offering a 25 percent discount for those who book their holiday parties at Spago, located lobby level of the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea. But it's for a limited time only, so hurry and call.
In appreciation of kamaaina customers, the new Wine Corner West in Lahaina is offering 10 percent off of cash purchases and 8 percent off credit card charges for wine only through Nov. 20 of this year.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . The Makena Beach & Golf Resort (formerly Maui Prince Hotel), will relaunch the award-winning Sunday champagne brunch, beginning this weekend in the oceanfront Molokini Bar & Grille. Seatings run intermittently from 9:30 a.m. until noon.
Highlights include dungeness crab legs, Muscovy duck with mango-lychee salsa, eggs Benedict, sashimi, buttermilk pancakes and free-flowing bubbly.
World Food Day is Friday, and Seascape Ma'alaea Restaurant at the Maui Ocean Center will get in the planetary groove by showcasing the talents of its James Beard nominee, Chef Henry Tariga, who will do a cultural food demo at the aquarium's Living Reef entrance at 10 a.m. Tariga will prepare banana lumpia, a popular Filipino dessert that is deep-fried and topped with mac-nut ice cream.
You may purchase it as well as a Japanese sushi duo and a Chinese-style steamed fresh fish in Seascape.
Stella Blues Cafe in Kihei is venturing into the supper-club business with two top Hawaii recording artists, Barry Flanagan of Hapa and Eric Gilliom of Island Rumours Band. The first show kicks off this Sunday with dinner seating at 6 p.m. and live music at 7:30 p.m.
You get four courses, including fresh opah lettuce cups, Kula green salad and mac-nut fudge brownie a la mode. Entree choices are grilled New York steak, sesame-encrusted fresh fish or pasta primavera served with or without chicken.
"We will also be catering backstage at the Aerosmith concert," says an excited partner Cindy Eiting.
French Chef-owner Gerard Reversade of the award-winning Gerard's in Lahaina went to Hana recently to get inspired by the farm-fresh produce and country air. "I really enjoyed the food and the song and the dance of the luau at the Hotel Hana-Maui every Friday," he says.
Gerard continues that he will host a wine dinner Nov. 14 in his restaurant, featuring selections from JMD Beverages, to be paired with his tempting, island-inspired French cuisine. Oh-la-la!
The next Girls Night Out is Tuesday at The Melting Pot in Lahaina and it's a Breast Cancer Research Fundraiser. You get a four-course fondue menu for the reduced price of $30 and Melting Pot will donate $10.
"Estee Lauder will be handing out gift bags to every single attendee," says General Manager Cindy DelleFave. "We'll have pink martini specials and $2 of those will be donated. And, we'll host a silent auction, where all bids will be donated to the cause of breast cancer research."
Armchair quarterbacks will want to check out the football breakfasts served from 7 to 11 a.m. every weekend at Lulu's Lahaina Surf Club & Grill. With 11 flat screens, a Bloody Mary bar and draft and pitcher beer specials, it's the place to grind and watch the gridiron action.
Congrats to Mauian Kristine Snyder, who took home the title of "America's Top Amateur Chef" from Bon Appetit Supper Club in New York City. Snyder won a new kitchen and the chance to represent the U.S. in a global contest in Thailand Nov. 10.
* Contact Dining Editor Carla Tracy at carlatracy@mauinews.com.
