According to Wikipedia on the Internet, "Jimmy Buffett is a famous archetypal 'beach bum.' "
"The members of this subculture are typically ocean- and beach-going people who enjoy spending spare time sitting or relaxing on a beach. As such, the life of a beach bum is usually one of leisure."
Beach Bums Bar & Grill in Maalaea certainly exemplifies this lifestyle. Located in the former Blue Marlin near Maui Ocean Center in the mall, it's open air, facing the boats in the harbor with surfboard-shaped tables and funky and fun beach memorabilia.
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The Maui News / CARLA TRACY
Server Abby Hatfield brings cosmo martinis and hefty plates of ribs to the open-air lanai with harbor and ocean views.
"We started our rib fest in the slow month of September and it's gone over so well, we're going to continue it through the high season," says partner Dave Mecklenburg, a former longtime bartender at Moose's.
For $19.95, you get a heck of a deal, like 18 ribs, smoked in house and served with cornbread and two choices of sides such as fries and pineapple cole slaw.
While you can't see it from the restaurant or bar, Beach Bums has a monster smoker that can do up to 1,200 pounds of meat at once. It was custom built in Mesquite, Texas, to do everything from ribs to drunken chicken to pulled pork sandwiches - even prime rib.
"Prime rib has been our staple since we've opened. It's just slightly smoked. It's not overbearing. We also do all of our sauces and sides from scratch."
Beach Bums gives you plenty of options at reasonable prices. It's open daily for breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. with prime rib loco moco, eggs Benedict, OMG "Oh My, God!" omelettes and eye-opening Bloody Marys. Both lunch and dinner are the same menu from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. with discounts on beers, such as the $2 Pabst and Bud Lights.
While the smoked meats are the biggest draw, Beach Bums is right near the fishing boats and Dave and his partner Skip Hildreth (also a longtime bartender) have developed good relationships with the captains.
"Winner winner, fish dinner!" the servers will shout about fresh catch such as the fisherman's bake of opakapaka with herb aioli topped with roasted and chopped macadamia nuts; and the blackened opakapaka with pineapple-tamarind beurre blanc.
For more details, call Beach Bums at 243-2286.
Black Tie & Slippers to benefit Imua Family Services
Imua Family Services' signature annual event, the Black Tie & Slippers Gala, is set for Saturday, Feb. 6 at Roy's Kahana Bar and Grill.
Running from 5:30 to 9 p.m., the event will honor Michael Moynahan, a retired Navy Officer and chair of the Roy's Restaurants Golf Classic. Mike is a strong supporter of Imua Family Services through Roy's annual golf tournament, raising over $400,000 in the tournament's 12-year history - all on behalf of children with disabilities.
"We acknowledge Mike not only as one of our long-standing supporters, but as an advocate for Imua Family Services programs," said Executive Director Karen Jayne.
"We are grateful for his selfless work, which has so enriched Imua, and are excited to honor him at this year's Black Tie and Slippers Gala."
The evening will feature a gourmet dinner by Chef Joey Macadangdang of Roy's Restaurants along with a live auction and an intimate show with the incredible music of 2010 and four-time Grammy nominee Amy Hanaiali'i.
All the menu items will be presented family style, including the first courses of fresh Big Island abalone Rockefeller with warm island corn pudding with spiced chutney, and rustic grilled local vegetable pizza with preserved lemon.
The second courses are warm duck leg confit and spinach salad with quail eggs, grilled Kauai shrimp, and lamb ravioli.
Entrees are misoyaki butterfish with wasabi butter sauce and honey-glazed carrots, and whole roasted Maui Cattle Co. beef tenderloin with Hana Farms hearts of palm.
Dessert is to be announced, but it doesn't get any better than Roy's famous molten chocolate souffle with creme Anglaise.
Sponsorships are available for patron tables of eight starting at $1,000. Individual tickets are available for $125 per person. Special room rates are being offered at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali.
Seating is limited; guests are asked to call Priscilla Veilleux at 244-7467, ext. 222 to purchase tickets or for more information.
