WHERE'S THE BEEF? . . . Apparently, there was a lot to sink your teeth into at the Upcountry Fair last weekend in Makawao.
Anne Gale of Mana Foods in Paia took top honors at the fair's Maui Cattle Co. Cooking Contest. Her Lemongrass Thai Beef Salad was a favorite of the judges because of its taste and creativity.
Coming in second was Belinda Boiling of Whole Foods Market Kahului, who presented a Local Spring Steak Salad. Third place went to Paul Lamparelli and Mike Fisher of Rodeo General Store and Deli in Makawao with their entry of Island Poke Flank Steak.
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Maui Cattle Co. Cooking Contest judges, Chef Justin Pardo of Market Fresh Bistro in Makawao and Gladys Baisa, Maui County Council member, flank winner Anne Gale of Mana Foods.
This recipe showcased the Maui Cattle Co.'s flank beef cut with Kula onion, organic local tomatoes and Hawaiian ginger, seaweed, salt and chile.
Honorable mentions were Shelby Aganos of Pukalani Superette with her Carne Asada "Puk Sup" Style, as well as Sandy Quinsaat with her spaghetti from Aloha Island Shave Ice and Ono Grinds in Paia. The judges were Gladys and Sherman Baisa, Bobby and Maira Carvalho, Chef Justin Pardo of Market Fresh Bistro and junior judges, Daniel and Kaite Jacintho.
"The level of competition this year was top notch," says Gladys Baisa, Maui County Council member. "There was amazing flavor and all of the participants did a good job of showcasing Maui Cattle Company cuts of beef in a way that brought out its best flavor."
A partnership of six ranches on 60,000 acres of prime grazing land, Maui Cattle Co. brings grazed, all-natural beef of superior quality to our tables. It's available in most Maui stores and restaurants.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Here's a belated congrats to newlyweds Mike and Tiara O'Dwyer of Mulligan's on the Blue in Wailea. The couple got married with their kids, Cian and Ethan as ring bearers recently in Makena and now it's back to business as usual at O'Dwyer's popular hot spot. Willie K will play there three nights Monday, Wednesday and June 24.
"We'll feature an Irish-Hawaiian luau each of the three nights," says office manager Tina Brophy. "With mini shepard's pies, hand-carved corned beef, fish 'n chips, fresh island poke, lomilomi salmon and lau lau."
Another famous hot spot is Spats Nightclub at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali. It will reopen one more time so come for the last Spats party of the year this Saturday from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. and dance the night away. We hear the gentlemen's dress code will be strictly enforced with no hats or shorts, closed-toe shoes and collared shirts. Spats also invites you to wear all white to ensure a "white hot summer party!"
Grey Goose is the sponsor and cocktails such as the Fresh Pear and the signature martinis will cost $10. A cover charge of $20 and VIP seating for $35 may be purchased at the door.
Everyone is raving about the $9 lunch bar being served at the Kahili Clubhouse in Waikapu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Each one is different. For instance, you get salad and pasta with choice of three sauces Wednesday along with assorted salads and fresh baked brownies and cookies. The views are incredible from the lanai as well.
Taco Del Mar, a quick-service casual Mexican eatery at the Maui Mall in Kahului, will offer "grad bucks" to Maui high-school graduates who come in anytime next week. Basically, it's worth $2 toward the purchase of any menu items, to be redeemed in July.
Catherine Blake will teach the "Food as Medicine" class from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Temple of Peace in Haiku. Attendees will learn how to make menu items such as peanut-oat burgers and soothing coconut mashed potatoes and a meal is included. Cost is $25. For reservations, you may call 572-8371.
The Grand Wailea will debut a new dinner show called the Grand Luau at Honua'ula June 24. It will hula its way into your hearts Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with lots of tempting island cuisine. "Capricorn Events was looking for a new home and we hope to make it the number one show on Maui," says the hotel's Director of Food and Beverage Kevin Peterson.
* You may reach Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
