NEW KIDS IN TOWN. . . From rib joints to Mediterranean eateries, Maui's got a heap of new places opening these days.
Beginning today at 7 a.m., the much-anticipated Pita Paradise Wailea in Wailea Gateway at the top of Wailea Ike Drive is targeted to open. (It's a new, bigger "sister" of Pita Paradise in Kihei).
"Breakfast is hotel-lobby style, where you go to the counter to get coffee, etc.," says owner Christina Arabatzis. "An in-house pastry chef will serve freshly made pastries daily, espresso drinks, gourmet Maui Coffee Roasters brews, and a limited breakfast menu."
Article Photos
photo courtesy of MALA WAILEA
Actress Malin Akerman of “Couples Retreat” poses with Chef-partner Mark Ellman of Mala Wailea at his private VIP bash last week as part of the Maui Film Festival at Wailea.
Lunch and dinner offers sit-down service along with a full service bar. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. munch pita sandwiches, salads and appetizers. From 5 to 10 p.m. Italian and Greek specialties will be served.
"During dinner service, to-go orders can be brought out to your car (Outback style) so you do not have to come inside," says Christina.
At South Maui Center in Kihei (off Lipoa Street), you'll find a taste of New Zealand at the new Kiwi Roadhouse in Suite 101. Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., it features New Zealand comfort food, pool tables, darts and worldwide satellite sports on TV. From the Bay of Islands, the owner, Waren Stone, once ran Henry's.
You'll find savory kiwi pies filled with everything from steak and cheese to lamb and kumara (sweet potato). Other popular items are mussel fritters, roast lamb, fish and chips (called "greasies") and Kiwi burgers topped with fried egg and beet root. Friday, enjoy music by Billy and the Bad Boys. Liquor license is still pending.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Proudly sponsored by The Maui News, the 19th annual Ki Ho'alu Slack Guitar Key Festival returns to the MACC in Kahului from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday and admission is free. Bring your appetites and enjoy the volcano salmon burgers, Cajun grilled mahi and French fries by Alexander's Famous Fish and other delights from Maui Macaroons, Nacho Mama's and Zia Maria's Gelato.
There's even more for those of us who like entertainment and pupu at pau hana time rather than in the wee hours. South Shore Tiki Lounge is appealing for its pizzas, vegetarian fare and outdoor ambience.
"Ever since I saw Derick Sebastian play his uke, I had to book him," says owner Alma Tassi. "He finally has a slot open in his busy schedule and will play a guest spot Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.!"
Stella Blues Cafe in Kihei is starting live jazz from 5 to 8 p.m. every Sunday and there is no cover charge. You may order off the regular menu as well as a special pupu menu that will be paired with different wines. Specials are gourmet cheese plate, crispy won tons with chipotle shrimp salsa and shrimp ceviche.
Calling all World Cup soccer fans. Every morning through July 11, Brigit & Bernard's Garden Cafe in Kahului Industrial will open for breakfast as early as 4 a.m. and as late as 8 a.m.
"Just call me for air times," says Swiss-born owner-chef Bernard Weber, who attracts a crowd of Euro sports fans. "We'll do full German breakfasts, eggs and bratwurst, Swiss muesli, and omelettes." Call 877-6000.
Leave it to Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar to host beer and sake dinners throughout the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival. First up will be the Maui Brewing Co. beer dinner tonight, and the World Sake Imports dinner Friday. Seating is available all night and beverages will be paired with Sansei Kapalua's cutting-edge foods.
Who Cut the Cheese Store in Kihei will host Sake To Me, a tasting of five sakes and five cheese from 3 to 5 p.m. at Stella Blues Cafe.
Wine dinners keep coming at us with the force of a bottle of champagne about to explode. The Duckhorn Wine Co. dinner will be held at David Paul's Island Grill in Lahaina at 6:15 p.m. Pisoni Wine Dinner will flow at Hali'imaile General Store from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. The menus for all of these dinners look yummy.
Members of the Slow Food Maui Convivium will hold a barbecue fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Whole Foods Market in Kahului. Student chefs from Maui Culinary Academy will be on site, grilling grass-fed beef burgers and salmon burgers, and serving them with taro chips and Asian style cole slaw for $8 - with all proceeds going to Slow Food Maui.
* You may reach dining editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
