'GOOD VIBRATIONS' . . . Just back from the 'city by the bay,' San Francisco, where we savored dim sum for breakfast in Chinatown, oysters for $1 apiece at Water Bar, late-night world cuisine at The Globe, and the best crab Benedict ever at Vintner's Grill in the Hilton at Fisherman's Wharf.
Now, seated at the computer, I'm reading Mike Love will play at the MACC with the Beach Boys Friday. I last saw him 25 years ago, when we dined on a Chinese feast with an auspicious group of eight people at the former Ming Court in Kaanapali. Mike was guest of honor and was asked to eat the fish eyeball - for good luck.
I must say, all eyes were watching him, yet he performed his task with grace and confidence. Mike didn't even need Rhonda's help. (Bad joke. But hey, if I can't tell a joke after a vacation, then when?!)
Article Photos
ALMA TASSI photo
South Shore Tiki Lounge’s Chef Danny Paquette shows off some of his new menu creations on the shady lanai of the Kihei restaurant.
Anyway, Alexander's Famous Fish will cater to fans of the Beach Boys with seafood won tons, teriyaki chicken, garlic shrimp and grilled mahimahi (the latter sans you know what) all served with hapa rice, salad and sweet potato. The other food booths will include Green Banana Cafe, with hot pretzels and Nathan's Famous hot dogs; Cake Bakery with cookies, lilikoi cheesecake, lava-pecan brownies and whoopee pies; and Maui Kazowie Kettlecorn with bags full of their mix.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . A host of new menu items are tempting diners at South Shore Tiki Lounge in Kihei. The popular eatery is saying goodbye to pizza slices and is debuting six-inch "menehune" personal pies. "Choose any of our specialty toppings or you may build your own," says owner Alma Tassi.
"We've also added two new specialty pizzas that are low in price, but high in taste in 16-inch size or menehune. The new menu has some lighter fare such as our baked stuffed mushrooms and shrimp lettuce wraps, as well as classics like the turkey club and our own version of a chicken-fried steak (with chicken) sandwich. Kudos to Chef Danny Paquette for the new creations!"
Market Fresh Bistro in Makawao is celebrating its first anniversary with the philosophy- "global influence, local ingredients." The owners were sipping some champagne with friends, when someone asked how many pounds of locally-grown food had they used in a year? The answer? 21,579 pounds - and they claim 80 percent of it was from Maui.
Enjoy four courses of pupu with four Mollydooker wines at 6 p.m. Friday at Roy's Kahana. Cost is $25 per person, plus tax and tip . . . Or take the ferry to Lanai and enjoy the Cakebread Cellars winemaker dinner Feb. 25 at the Lodge at Koele. Enjoy five courses of gourmet fare and chat up special guest Dennis Cakebread.
Fat Tuesday is rolling into town next week and Home Maid Bakery as well as Broke Da Mouth cookie company will both be serving hot and fresh malasadas, rolled in sugar for the masses.
Hula Grill in Kaanapali is bringing back its three-course tasting menu for $24.95 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Lahainaluna High School Foundation. Entrees run from mahimahi in lemon beurre blanc to kiawe-grilled petit filet with herb butter.
A benefit for the Pacific Whale Foundation's education programs will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 19 at Kalama Park in Kihei. Called Laugh in da Park, it will feature local foods in a farm-to-table dinner, live music by the Fulton Tashombe Quartet, and comedy show by Augie T. Cost is $90 per person. Call 249-8811.
Cafe O'Lei at Waiehu Golf Course just got its license to serve wine and beer. North shore views are sweeping and foods such as laulau, and grilled mahimahi with rice and Caesar salad, are inexpensive and ono.
* Carla Tracy is dining editor of the Maui Scene. Call 242-6342 or e-mail carlatracy@mauinews.com.
