SWEET AND SAVORY . . . If you love crepes, cooked by classically trained chefs who also work at the Ritz, then look no further than the new Paradise Found Creperie in Lahaina.
Owning a cafe is the dream of husband-and-wife team Pat and Bob Loar. Their love of artisanal gelato was added to the mix as well as the expertise of Pat's son, Chef Ryan Urig of the Ritz's Banyan Tree, and his predecessor there, Chef Jojo Vasquez.
Located in the old Quizno's off of Papalaua Avenue, the little cafe is colorful and casual and features crepes from savory to sweet as well as breakfast items. Gelato flavors range from guava to chocolate lavender.
Article Photos
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
Aaron Palone of the new Paradise Found Creperie in Lahaina will fill this paper-thin pancake with apple bananas, sugar, butter and orange gastrique and top it with a dollop of vanilla whipped cream.
The grand opening is from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday and the public is invited to come to Paradise Found Creperie for food, beverages and entertainment.
In addition, a second location is targeted to open next door to the popular Nachos Grande in Honokowai sometime early next year.
The latest installment will be a "step up from the first with a wine bar, tapas and crepes," says Pat. "It will feature a cozy lounge atmosphere with signature pupu, paired with a host of carefully selected wines."
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IN PANIOLO COUNTRY . . . Makawao will once again be "party central" this Saturday for the holidays with dining and shopping specials.
"We'll celebrate the holidays again this year in Makawao with live bands, local school groups, hula, activities for the children and more - plus wonderful restaurant specials all day," says Shay Chan Hodges of Maui Child Toys and Books in Makawao.
"There will be food booths on the street so guests can sit on hay bales, enjoy the sunshine, and snack on the special offerings from Makawao Steak House, Rodeo General Store, Stopwatch Bar and Grill and Polli's Mexican Restaurant," she continues. "Other restaurants will serve lunch all afternoon, and all establishments have dinners planned for their guests that evening. Since we expect a big hungry crowd that day, visitors are encouraged to make reservations for dinner."
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Readers keep asking about what restaurants will go into the Wailea Gateway Center that is finishing construction at the end of Piilani Highway at the entrance to Wailea.
Well, acclaimed chef and restaurateur Peter Merriman will stretch his tentacles all the way from the Big Island to Kauai to Kapalua and now to Wailea - as he's secured the biggest spot in the center at 6,000 square feet. But it won't open until later next year.
"The name will be Pete's Island Pub and it will be much more casual than Merriman's Kapalua," says the chef. "But it will be true to locally sourced food and the farm-to-table practices. It will be a 'gastro pub' that's all the rage on the Mainland. These pubs have excellent quality, local foods and hand-crafted local beers."
Wailuku's First Friday will kick off tomorrow evening and Cafe Marc Aurel, Main Street Bistro and Cafe O'Lei restaurants will be jumping as will the rest of the capital of Maui. In addition, Cafe Marc Aurel will also flow with a sparkling wine tasting Wednesday for $45 per person and you can "toast to the good times."
Bruddah Willy's Sticky Ribs in Waikapu has expanded its days of operation from just Friday and Saturday to now include Thursday. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dig into corn off the cob, beans with Portuguese sausage, pulled pork, and specials of grilled Maui Cattle Co. steaks and chicken with sweet barbecue sauce. You may get delivery with at least five advance orders during a limited time frame for lunch. Call 243-RIBS.
* You may reach Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
