LOCALICIOUS MAUI . . . In past Scene issues, I've touched on the "locavore movement," in which people strive to grow or buy foods from within a 150-mile radius of home.
Well, Maui restaurants are taking it a step further (or is it closer?) with three-course Localicious menus, showcasing Maui fruits and vegetables, beef and fish for $39.95, plus tax and tip. It runs Friday through April 9 at participating restaurants on the island.
"My goal from day one here at Pineapple Grill in Kapalua was to always source the freshest produce, meat, seafood and other products grown and raised on Maui," says Chris Kaiwi, managing partner. "By remaining committed to these efforts, we keep Maui agriculture alive and promote hard-working, passionate farmers."
Article Photos
STEVE BRINKMAN photo
The Pineapple Grill at Kapalua’s Executive Chef Ryan Luckey (left) and Managing Partner Chris Kaiwi will be among restaurateurs from 15 establishments participating in the Localicious promotion.
Besides Pineapple Grill, participating restaurants include Bistro Casanova, David Paul's Island Grill, I'o, Pacific'o, Ko at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Roy's Kahana, Sea House at Napili Kai Beach Resort, Son'z at Swan Court in Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Tiki Terrance at Ka'anapali Beach Hotel.
The only catch is, you'll need to present a coupon to get the meal deal. You'll find it on Page 8 in this issue of Maui Scene, or you may visit www.mauicountyfarmbureau.org for more details.
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LET IT FLOW. . . Earth hour will transpire at 8:30 p.m. Saturday and all 60 Fairmont hotels around the world will go dark by turning off lights for one hour. At Fairmont Kea Lani Maui Wailea's Ko restaurant and Luana Lounge, you may order the Moonlit Tide cocktail with Maui's Ocean Vodka, slices of fresh ginger and watermelon and lemonade - all organic.
Drinks will be shaken, not blended, and lounge music will be acoustic, not plugged in.
The Wine Olympics tasting will be held at I'o restaurant in Lahaina from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Wines from around the world will flow and you be the judge which is best. Cost is $30 per person.
The Pinots of Oregon tasting and dinner will be uncorked at 6 p.m. Friday at the Plantation House in Kapalua. It will include a reception and four-course family-style dinner with top Oregon wines for $55 per person. I?must say the menu looks phenomenal.
Roy's Kahana will get you in the groove for Deschutes Brewery beers in a six-course beer dinner at 6 p.m. Friday for $50 per person.
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BITS AND PIECES. . . Spotted at Eskimo Candy in Kihei, ordering some seafood Friday was none other than "Law & Order" detective Chris Noth (aka Mr. Big on "Sex and the City").
Beverly Gannon is well known on Maui as a chef and owner of three restaurants here. She's also the corporate chef for Hawaiian Airlines, and in that capacity is now traveling Down Under.
"I'll be bringing back all kinds of fresh seafood from the Sydney fish market," she says. "Starting March 29, we'll feature the Australian Seafood Festival at our Hali'imaile General Store restaurant only with Balmain bugs (meaty slipper lobsters), baby octopodes, Sydney rock oysters and barramundi fish."
In addition, Gannon's restaurant will host the 13th annual Elegant Afternoon Tea benefit May 2 for Women Helping Women at Molokini Lookout.
Remember Patrick Callarec, owner chef of the former Chez Paul in Olowalu? (Who couldn't remember him!?) He e-mails he's officially been named the "executive chef of the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco."
It appears I switched ages and awards on two people I wrote about in a story last week. Travis Morrin is 22, and the winner of the prestigious Chaine des Rotisseurs award, and Cody Christopher is 30. They are partners in Three's Bar & Grill in Kihei. Sorry, guys!
Mama's Fish House will be featured on Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" on one of four episodes airing Friday evening. We hear their lilikoi creme brulee is the item that will "take the cake."
Joy's Place in Kihei will host a class at 5:30 p.m. Sunday highlighting veggie soups, nut-cheese spreads and exotic mushroom wraps.
Don't forget to take the Sunday Drive to Ulupalakua this weekend for live music, storytelling, exhibits and luau beef brisket sandwiches, steak plates, Ulupalakua elk burgers and banana haupia pies.
Did you know? According the American Pie Council, 6 million U.S. men have eaten the last piece of pie - and denied it.
* You may reach Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
