JULY 4th in LAHAINA . . . Remember the rooftop dining area of the former oyster bar at 744 Front St. in Lahaina? It will be a prime spot to watch the fireworks and enjoy holiday fun from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. this July 4th Sunday. It will feature live and DJ music, dancing and lots of great grinds. Cover is $10.
"We are offering an all-American plate with local flair," says Ron Panzo, managing partner of Lulu's Lahaina Surf Club & Grill in the Lahaina Cannery Mall.
"The plate includes li-hing-mui barbecue ribs, Korean-style fried chicken, mini-sliders, buttery mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, potato-macaroni salad, cole slaw, and fresh fruit for $12."
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The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
Diamonds Ice Bar & Grill in Kihei will take you south of the border with the foods of Chef Jorge Galaviz (left), says Manager Damien Nestor.
Traditional July 4th contests such as watermelon eating and "The Best Pie in LahainaTown Bake-off" will also be part of the rooftop fun.
On the nearby Library Lawn, Maui Invitational Music Festival will kick off at 5 p.m. Sunday. The Concert in the Park precedes fireworks at Lahaina's annual July 4th party and it includes musical performances by Maui Community Band, Latitude 21 Degrees and Sheryl Renee. Admission to the concert is free.
Or head to Kaanapali and celebrate July 4th with freshly made fish tacos at the grill station by the pool at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa.
The fun kicks off at 10:30 a.m. with the Hawaiian Flower Shower of 20,000 fresh orchids raining down onto the pool areas from a helicopter above, family activities such as the popular "Minute To Win It" game, lei making, slide races, live and DJ entertainment and build-your-own Caipirinha Bar with cool drinks.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Spicing it up from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays oceanfront in Kaanapali is Leilani's on the Beach. Taco Tuesdays offers $4 tacos in flavors of Cajun-rubbed ono or roasted pork smothered with tobacco onions. Sip Tecate beer and margaritas. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Leilani's Legacy of Aloha program, which helps fund Maui nonprofits.
Diamonds Ice Bar & Grill in Kihei is also getting in on the south-of-the-border action. Remember the old Horhito's? Its chef is now at Diamonds.
Chef Jorge Galaviz does a raw bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays with oysters, sashimi and ceviche. Early birds will want to come and watch the World Cup over Mexican breakfasts, weekends.
"Most of my recipes come from my Mama," says Jorge. "My signature dishes are chicken-avocado soup, fajitas and ono ceviche. We also have a kids' menu and industry night Mondays - something for everyone."
OpenTable has just announced the winners of its 2010 Diners' Choice Awards for "Best American Cuisine." Among the 50 honorees nationwide were Spago Wailea and Lahaina Grill.
Fun was had by all last weekend, and now Kapalua Wine & Food Festival announces it will uncork its 30th annual event June 9 to 12 next year. Master Sommelier Fred Dame promises to return as host.
In the food industry? You may want to sign up for the one-day Food Styling & Digital Photography Workshop July 10 at Maui Culinary Academy.You'll get a certificate of participation, CD-ROM, printed material, ingredients and lunch. Cost is $250. Call (917) 301-4490.
Lovers of French food should mark their calendars for July 14, when Gerard's in Lahaina will celebrate Bastille Day with 50 percent off entrees for kamaaina. One of the specials will be coq au vin de champagne.
The grand opening of Wailuku Coffee Co. in the former Cafe Marc Aurel is Friday, coinciding with First Friday in Wailuku town. Come and check out with its new look, free Wi-Fi, gourmet coffees and more.
* You may reach dining editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
