WEST MAUI NEWS. . . Coffee lovers are singing praises about Da Small Kine Bean, a new variety that is being marketed by MauiGrown Coffee Company in Lahaina.
Developed here on Maui at Ka'anapali Estate, the little beans are mature, large on flavor and small on price. So they make an affordable Easter-basket stuffer or hostess gift for your adult friends.
"When darkly roasted and blended together, these small beans deliver a lot of intense flavor, body and a powerful kick," says Diane Boyd, the co-manager of MauiGrown on Lahainaluna Road.
Article Photos
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
Diane Boyd of MauiGrown Coffee Store next to the historic smokestack in Lahaina, showcases the new Da Small Kine Bean variety.
The West Maui Soroptimists will present Breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Hard Rock Cafe in Lahaina. Donations will go directly to Lahainaluna scholarships along with the Domestic Violence Women's Task Force. Cost is $20 adults and $15 keiki. Call 667-7400.
Located in Lahaina's Emerald Plaza, Maui Prime fine foods store now offers whole Jidori chickens that are raised free range, naturally and hormone-and-antibiotic free. Jidori is a Japanese term that translates to something like, "chicken of the earth."
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS . . . Get ready to quench your thirsts at the second Maui Brewers Festival at the MACC's Events Lawn in Kahului Saturday afternoon May 15.
"Join hosts Maui Brewing Company, Paradise Beverages and Maui Arts & Cultural Center for a leisurely day of tasting beers from 30 breweries, appetizer sampling from island restaurants, live entertainment with local bands and prize giveaways from 3 to 7 pm.," says the MACC's Marketing Director Karee Carlucci.
We also hear there will be a designated driver's booth, featuring handcrafted island root beer. Cost of $45 includes micro-brews and imports, pupu and event parking. Or you may opt for a $75 package that allows private samplings with the brewmasters.
Another event sure to appeal to the gourmets among us is Chefs on the Beach, to be held from 2 to 6 pm. May 8 at a private oceanfront estate in Makena. Chefs from Spago to Mala Wailea will cook, wines will flow, Gail Swanson and others will perform, and you may bid on silent auction items. The Rotary Club of Maui is presenter. Cost of $75 goes to many noteworthy nonprofits. Call event director Harlan Hughes at 878-6356.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . The man who lost the most weight in "Biggest Loser" history, earning the $250,000 prize on the show's eighth season, dined at Son'z at Swan Court last week.
Danny Cahill and his wife, Darci Cahill, ate their way through sashimi, grilled rack of lamb on kabocha-pumpkin gnocchi, and seared scallops with braised bacon, olive-oil poached cherry tomatoes and truffled potato chips, says Marketing Director Patricia Blackburn.
"They also toasted to their island visit with a nice bottle of Cristal," she says.
The retro Ruby's Diner at Queen Ka'ahumanu Center is introducing its Kobe beef burger menu with five choices from the All American to the Greek. Each costs $10.99 and is served with a lightly grilled and toasted onion bun, fresh toppings and fries.
"Ruby's will also donate all of the food for this year's Valley Isle Keiki Fest April 10," says managing partner Kirk Baldridge. "All of the food sales will go towards generating scholarships for local youth."
Jim Powlan of Chambers & Chambers will pour organic wines from around the world at Longhi's Wailea at 5:45 p.m. Friday. Cost is $30 with pupu. He also painted nudes on antique kimono silk now on display at the juried Art Maui exhibit in Kahului.
* You may reach Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
