PLANTATION DAYS . . . Are you still recuperating from all of the ono grinds at the Maui County Fair? Better prepare for the second annual Lahaina Plantation Days on Oct. 22 and 23 at the Pioneer Mill, surrounding the historic smokestack.
"Attendees may enjoy food from over 15 booths, live entertainment, the MauiGrown Coffee tent, a beer-and-wine garden, a farmers market, a sugar-and-pineapple-themed tent, a Kids Zone, historical displays and more," says Theo Morrison, executive director of Lahaina Restoration Society, which is presenting the festivities.
We hear the Aloha Ohana Gang will be grilling 2,000 pieces of ono huli chicken for the event. A half chicken will cost $6 and proceeds go to the Lahainaluna wrestling team. "We've been doing this ono huli chicken recipe for fundraisers for decades," says Bob Kawaguchi, the former athletic director of the school.
Article Photos
Bob Kawaguchi and his Aloha Ohana Gang will grill 2,000 pieces of ono huli chicken Oct. 22 and 23 at Lahaina Plantation Days.
LINN NISHIKAWA photo
In addition, unlike the county fair, many restaurants will participate with food booths. Sansei will make its famous shrimp dynamite bowl, and Tiki Terrace will present its rock shrimp chile rice with cilantro (yummy to the max and served each week at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel's Sunday champagne brunch).
Sea House will do ahi poke nachos; Star Noodle, garlic noodles; Kumu Bar & Grill, hoisin-braised mini-chicken tostadas; Cool Cafe Cafe, cheeseburgers; Leilani's on the Beach, fish tacos; RB Black Angus Steak House, braised certified angus beef short ribs; and Aloha Mixed Plate, Uncle Norm's fried rice.
"We'll feature a wildly popular roasted char-siu Sonoma duck recipe from Cafe Japengo in San Diego," says Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa's Director of Food & Beverage Peter Donnelly. "It's compressed watermelon mosaic, a homegrown favorite of our chef. We'll open our Japengo mid-December."
But it keeps on ticking. . . The Chinese cultural area will present Hop Wo Store's biscuits as well as Fu Lin Chinese Restaurant's pot stickers and honey-walnut shrimp. Meanwhile, the Filipino cultural area will entice you with pansit, lechon (roast pork) and halo halo.
Other desserts will include shave ice, Roselani ice cream, malasadas and more. A handful of the foods will be served on one day only. There is a general admission fee, but keiki 5 and younger are free. For tickets or more details, call 661-3262 or visit www.lahainarestoration.org.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Want to try cuisine from around the world as well as a food demo by a James Beard Foundation-nominated chef? Come to Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea on Saturday for the fun, food-oriented festivities.
During lunch from 11a.m. to 2:30 p.m. the Seascape Ma'alaea Restaurant will feature an array of food inspired from around the globe. Or come early at 10 a.m. and let Chef Henry Tariga dazzle you with a demo of a special cultural dish at the Living Reef. Samples and recipes are included.
The MACC will present the Maui Ukulele Festival from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday on its Events Lawn. Caterers include Outrigger Pizza Co. with spinach or sausage pizzas by the slice; Whole Foods Market with chicken Caesar wraps and pecan bars; Nacho Mama's with kalua pig nachos; and Haleakala Snow shave ice with classic rainbow colors.
The Mt. Difficulty Winery of New Zealand will make a splash at 6 tonight at Pacific'o in Lahaina with a beachside reception and wine dinner. The acclaimed winery will also present pairings at Four Seasons Resort Lanai's Lodge at Koele on Friday with food by Chef de Cuisine Ronald Simon.
There is a new kid on the block in Wailuku town and that is the Vineyard Food Co. The menu changes each week and you may order half and whole sandwiches of the gourmet kind for very reasonable prices. Or opt for the brown-bag special for $10 that includes beverage, chips, brownie and sandwich.
* Reach Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
