AROUND THE TOWN. . . Many of us are planning for a long Prince Kuhio weekend with a holiday Friday, March 26. Hula Grill in Kaanapali is offering a generous kamaaina discount in celebration with 25 perfect off food all day long for those who have a valid Hawaii ID.
Enjoy the sounds of waves and live music throughout the day along with fresh fish and locally grown produce with a Hawaii Regional Cuisine twist.
"The menu features imu-style barbeque ribs and fire- grilled shrimp and scallops for appetizers, fresh Hawaiian fish crusted in macadamia nuts or grilled on kiawe wood, and Hula Grill traditions like kobacha-pumpkin ravioli and tarragon-roasted lobster tail," according to Managing Partner Orrin Cross.
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Bring the whole ohana to Ulupalakua Remembers Sunday, March 28 for paniolo fare, free wine tastings, live music and historic exhibits.
You may dig your toes in the sand at Hula Grill's Barefoot Bar all day, or enjoy dinner in the open-air beachside bistro, both located at Whalers Village.
West Mauians are happy to report China Boat in Kahana is back up and running for both lunch and dinner with a new management team and new menu.
The original owners, Haruo Kurokawa, and his wife, Shuw-Luan Chang, have hired a management team to serve both Chinese and Japanese fare.
"We do Americanized versions of Mandarin, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine such as kung pao and General's chicken," says Manager Grace Chen. "And, we also feature hot Japanese foods such as tempura, teriyaki, katsu and udon."
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ON THE ROAD AGAIN . . . I'm not talking about Willie, "silly." I'm talking about you taking a nice, leisurely drive to the country for Ulupalakua Remembers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 28.
The day-long event will be presented by Maui's Winery and Ulupalakua Ranch Store and will feature lots of food specials, the Paniolo Hall of Fame exhibit, walking tours, storytelling by longtime residents and live entertainment by Grammy Award-winning John Keawe along with Derick Sebastian and Bradda Francis Koahou.
"The slopes of Haleakala have a lush agricultural past, beginning when they were first planted with sweet potatoes and dry-land taro by the early Hawaiians," according to event publicist Yuki Lei Sugimura.
"Modern agriculture began in 1845 on what is now Ulupalakua Ranch lands, when Linton Torbert began farming potatoes and corn to ship to California during the gold rush. Under direction from King Kamehameha III, Torbert later planted the first sugar cane. For three decades after that, James Makee, a former whaling captain, farmed sugar cane and other crops and raised his family on what he called Rose Ranch after his wife's favorite flower."
Bring your appetites, sit on the gorgeous grounds and enjoy Ulupalakua elk burgers and the ranch's famous steak chili. Free wine tasting will be available throughout the day in the King's Cottage tasting room.
"The special history of this area is something that should be shared, celebrated and preserved for many generations to come," says Sumner Erdman, ranch president. "Ulupalakua Remembers is a unique opportunity to honor our past and look toward our future. So come on up!"
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Friday nights through the end of March, those who go dancing late night at Casanova Italian restaurant in Makawao may enjoy free pizza as the clock strikes midnight.
Those who love classical music will want to attend Maui Pops presenting orchestral solos Sunday at the MACC in Kahului.
"Take an intimate listen to exceptional solos of these world-famous pieces," says Luana Argel, co-director of food and beverage. "Also joining us solo will be Consuelo's Catering with their world-famous puff pastry filled with prime rib, spinach-feta cheese or potato curry; and delicious tomato-basil soup with focaccia bread. Food and beverage service will begin at 1:30 p.m."
Or, head up to Cafe Marc Aurel at 9 p.m. Friday for the Bobby Ingram and Maui Blues dance music. Enjoy a nice glass of wine with bruschetta or hummus and warm pita. Their Mediterranean tacos are also tasty as are their cheese platters, with or without meats. Greek salads are big and full of crunch.
* You may reach Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
