CAUSE TO CELEBRATE . . . In this week's Dining Scene, almost everything I'm writing about is a benefit.
One such noble cause is the second annual Marriott Maui Ocean Club's Summer Bash in Kaanapali. It will be staged on the Napili Lawn fronting the shore from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday.
"Local crafts, great music, delicious food and a keiki zone all make up this delightful family event," says spokesperson Amanda Galarita. "There's no entry fee and parking is just a $5 donation. All proceeds benefit Maui United Way and our 27 partner agencies."
Article Photos
Photo courtesy Dairy Queen
Bella Giraldo is the 2010 “Miracle Child.” At least $1 from every Blizzard purchased from a participating Hawaii Dairy Queen today will go toward the Kapiolani Children’s Miracle Network.
One thing is for sure: Kids love ice cream and Dairy Queen loves kids. That's why $1 or more from each Blizzard sold today on "Miracle Treat Day" will benefit Hawaii's sick and injured children through the Kapiolani Children's Miracle Network.
"Rest assured that 100 percent of the money raised in Hawaii stays in Hawaii," says Stacy Acma, director of the Kapiolani network. "August's Blizzard of the month is the Oreo Brownie Earthquake."
On Maui, the only participating Dairy Queen is Patrick Mehring's store at Lahaina Cannery Mall.
Even the Spam Jam held at Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu recently was cause to celebrate.
"Maui Food Bank collected 2,033 pounds of food that day, which doesn't include the 100 cases of Spam coming from Hormel, and monetary donations," says Sherri Grimes. "The second annual Spam Jam will be held Saturday, July 23, 2011, so save the date."
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MUSICAL CHAIRS . . . It appears the Metcalfe family has exited from the Maui restaurant scene. Scott "Scooter" Metcalfe has sold the Kahului Ale House, and word has it that he will turn back into a worldly adventurer, traveling through the great outdoors.
The new owners are a family from Payson, Ariz., whose parents run the No. 1 bar there. Brad and Stacy Sundin and Mike and Cindy McCannon took ownership of the popular Central Maui watering hole Wednesday.
"I love Maui and have wanted to live here for years," says Brad, who with his partners plans to keep the Kahului Ale House name intact.
"We want to fit in with the local crowd, and we'll get the AC going, roll out a new menu in the next week, hire a new chef and our goal is to offer good food and good service. The rest should take care of itself."
Chef Rey Baysa is now in charge of the culinary staff at the Makena Beach & Golf Resort (formerly the Maui Prince Hotel).
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BITS AND PIECES . . . As it turns out, Max World Bistro in Haiku is open Tuesday through Sunday. I wrote a wrong day in a story that appeared in last week's Scene. The Maui News apologizes for the error.
Tired of paying high prices for groceries? Then sign up for the Shopping 101 for Cheap and Healthy Food. The VITEC class will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, and we hear dinner is included. Catherine Blake is the instructor. Call 572-8371.
Leilani's on the Beach in Kaanapali just launched some new menus in its open-air main dining room as well as at its Beachside Grill. "We do new menu updates a couple times a year," says General Manager Jason Donez. "New items include kalua-pork Cuban, spicy tuna tower, Caprese salad and Szechuan free-range chicken wings."
Last but not least, Maui artist and former restaurateur Piero Resta celebrated his 70th birthday at Casanova in Makawao with a packed house of friends Tuesday. Willie K performed and said it was Piero who gave him his first break all those many years ago.
You may reach Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
