BLAST FROM THE PAST . . . Top Maui chefs extend an invitation to residents and visitors to attend the second annual Progressive Dinner that takes you back in time at a number of historic sites around Lahaina town. Tickets are available for Friday, May 28, as well as for Saturday, May 29.
The dinner begins at Wo Hing Museum on Front Street, where guests will feast on pupu by Executive Chef Sheldon Simeon of the new Star Noodle. Then you take a stroll over to Hale Aloha, where Maui Culinary Academy will serve salad. The entree will be over candlelight at the historic Baldwin Home Museum.
Once there on May 28, savor pan-seared truffled chicken with early harvest spring squash, brussels sprouts and potatoes in a sherry pan sauce prepared by Chef David Paul Johnson. Or on May 29, enjoy sustainable catch and island beef with fresh, local vegetables prepared by Executive Chef Alex Stanislaw of the Plantation House. For tickets or more information, visit www.lahainarestoration.org or call 661-3262.
Article Photos
Lahaina Restoration Foundation photo
Chef David Paul Johnson (from left), Chi Guyer and Chef Alex Stanislaw display China they will fill with gourmet food at Lahaina Restoration Foundation’s Progressive Dinner May 28 and 29.
The annual Holy Ghost Feast will get you in the spirit for free laulau Saturday and Sunday, May 22 and 23 at the historic landmark octagonal Holy Ghost Mission church in Waiakoa. There will be four seatings, set 45 minutes apart, starting at 11:30 a.m., and running until pau.
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HERE'S THE JUICE . . .Learn about the history and culture of tea and then sip your way around the world at 1 p.m. Saturday at Whole Foods Market in Kahului during its free Tea Party.
The Waterfront in Maalaea is renowned for its wine list that includes a chapter on animal wines. Now, I'o Wine Club is getting in on the creature action with an Animal Wines Tasting from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at 505 Front St. in Lahaina. By the way, I'o restaurant's Executive Chef James McDonald won the Maui Onion Cook-off recently with stiff competition by top Hawaii chefs.
Jamba Juice is celebrating its 20th anniversary with daily store specials. In Kahului, get $1 baked goods with purchase of a drink on Thursdays; and $3 fruit smoothies on Fridays. The specials run until May 31.
Teralani Sail Adventures continues with its Vineyard Wine Sail series Tuesday. Featuring Ferrari-Carano wines and foods catered by David Paul's Island Grill. It departs in front of Leilani's on Dig Me Beach in Kaanapali at 5 p.m. and returns at 7 p.m. A portion of sales goes to Maui Food Bank. Call 661-1230.
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BITS AND PIECES . . .Three's Bar & Grill is still the new kid on Kihei's block. But Friday, it will expand with the grand opening of its lounge.
"The lounge is really beautiful," says Chef-partner Travis Morrin. "We've got black-granite counter tops, ice-blue lighting, couches and bamboo flooring. We've remodeled the entire room. It's a casual place to relax and hang out with live music and drinks."
Headliners Barry Flanagan and Eric Gilliom will return to Stella's Supper Club after a two months reprieve. Their show takes place at Stella Blues Cafe in Kihei this Saturday and next. It includes a four-course, sit-down meal and show for $60, plus tax and tip.
Another dinner show that just debuted is called Son'z and Stars at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali. It's an out-of-this-world experience with a three-course meal at the hotel's Son'z at Swan Court restaurant, followed by a trip to the rooftop with a celestial tour of the distant galaxies and nebulae with astronomer Edward Mahoney. Visit www.maui.hyatt.com.
Sadly, Cafe Marc Aurel in Wailuku will close for good Saturday evening. Fans will want to get in on the closing party that evening. "We just haven't been able to make ends meet with the tough economy," laments General Manager/ partner Rose Fernandes. "Our evenings have slowly turned into a ghost town."
The good news is, Fernandes and her hui of partners plan to reopen a new business June 1 in the same Market Street location. Wailuku Coffee Co. will be open daytime only with deli offerings such as fresh salads, sandwiches made to order, soups and pastries.
Now, here's something for parents to do with their older children at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Joy's Place in Kihei will host the Smart Eating class, teaching recipes such as baked fish sticks high in nutrition and flavor. Cost of $45 includes samples and recipes. Call 385-7779.
Lahaina Grill turns 20 this year and in celebration, it is offering 50 percent off all entrees on the 20th of each month to kamaaina with valid Hawaii ID. The next celebration night is Tuesday.
* You may reach Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
