WINE WEDNESDAYS . . . Each "hump day," a lively crowd of West Mauians gathers at Pineapple Grill in Kapalua, sipping discounted wines and munching pupu in the lounge.
"Wine Wednesday is always great way to enjoy our Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list," says Vice President and Managing Partner Chris Kaiwi. "We offer 30-plus wines by the glass at 25 percent off in the bar area only. In addition, we have started a happy hour from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. every day, serving specialty Svedka cocktails, beers and wines by the glass - all in cool, air-conditioned comfort with our four, 43-inch HDTVs."
One specialty drink is with Svedka Citron, fresh cucumber and lemonade, shaken over ice, with a small spritz of sprite. Another offers a blast of orange.
Article Photos
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
Pineapple Grill server Bree Liggett pours a pinot noir from the 30-wines-by-the-glass menu available at the Kapalua restaurant.
Roy's Kahana Wine Lovers promo is also jumping Wednesdays, offering half off selected bottles. Saturdays, chefs utilize the wood-burning oven for pizza-pairing night with $5 wine and $3 beer.
Wild combos include lobster-claw and beef-tenderloin pizza with roasted mushrooms and truffle remoulade; and roasted-lamb and fresh-artichoke pizza with Romesco, grilled eggplant and tzatziki.
"We also have Aloha Hour at Roy's from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and again from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., seven days a week, where we offer limited half-off appetizers at the bar only, no take out," says restaurant Manager Timothy Claskey. "We do lemongrass ono, duck confit ravioli, seared sea scallops, wasabi-pea-crusted ahi and more."
Is it true that Ruby Tuesday will open in the old Roy's Kihei location in February?
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BITS AND PIECES . . . A "big mahalo" is extended to those who supported the second anniversary benefit at Merriman's Kapalua.
"With $10 from each meal sold off of our anniversary menu, we raised $2,100 that was presented to the Maui Food Bank yesterday," says owner Peter Merriman. "Thank you for helping us 'do the right thing' by supporting our local farmers and local community!"
Steak lovers will want to sink their teeth into the 28-day, dry-aged beef now being served at Hula Grill in Kaanapali. The steaks have great marbling and are grilled over kiawe wood to order.
"The meat is dry-aged here; we portion it into 12-ounce rib-eyes and 24-ounce, bone-in paniolo steaks," says Scott McGill, executive chef. "We currently have them available two nights a week in limited quantities, and they are selling out fast. These steaks are a great addition to our world-class fish-house menu."
By the way, Hula Grill will celebrate Statehood Day on Friday with a special kamaaina discount of 25 percent off food all day long. You may also enjoy live music, starting with Ernest Puaa at 11:30 a.m., followed by Kawika Lum Ho and Dub Fire all the way to 9 p.m.
Attracting diners who want "good food fast at affordable prices," Denny's restaurant outlets in Kahului and Kihei will relaunch a popular menu.
Kicking off Tuesday, five new menu choices will be available all day, every day. The menu offers breakfast, desserts and snacks starting at $2; sandwich options from $4; full meals for $6 and Denny's famous hot entrees with a beverage for $8.
Known for his food images, Tony Novak-Clifford will teach the "Secrets of a Food Shoot" on Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali as part of the 2010 Maui Photo Festival and Workshop. Shutterbugs may buy a one-day pass and attend Tony's session or sign up for the whole, four-day enchilada. Call 633-339 or visit www.mauiphotofestival.com.
Looking for some free family fun Saturday? Check out the calendar (page 13) for info on the Festival of Pineapples at the Maui Mall in Kahului.
* You may reach Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
