PAIA LANDMARK . . . Somehow, the owner of Charley's in Paia is suffering through the parking lot construction behind his landmark establishment as well as with rumors of it closing.
"I'm hoping more people will jump on the bandwagon and show us support in these rough times," says founder Jim Fuller, who had previously listed Charley's for sale. "I kind of felt it was time to retire. But now I've told my employees that I'm here to stay, and they're all really happy and pumped up about it."
When the new parking lot is finally finished with 30 more stalls, lights and paving, cars will enter it next to Charley's and exit on Baldwin Avenue. "In the meantime, you can park at the Paia Community Center or the church next to it on Hana Highway."
Article Photos
Server Suzy Feldt and owner Jim Fuller of Charley’s in Paia share some fond memories of the restaurant’s celebrated history on Maui.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
Today, Charley's will close at 2 p.m. to allow employees to enjoy Thanksgiving with their families. On Dec. 17 and 18, Willie Nelson and sons will perform.
"Willie first came in here 30 years ago, put his quarter on the pool table and ordered a beer," says Fuller, who is poker pals with the icon.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Cafe La Plage in Kihei's Dolphin Plaza will celebrate its third anniversary Sunday. "We want to say, 'merci beaucoup' to Maui for three great years, so we are offering half price all day on food only from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.," says partner Christophe Benoit, who brings sophistication and charm from his former career at the The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.
"We'd like to invite people to join us to try some of our yummy panini such as the delicious Maui melt with turkey, avocado, bacon, pepper-jack cheese and jalapenos, or one of our famous breakfast bagel sandwiches like the Keawakapu," says Benoit. "It comes with scrambled eggs with bacon or ham and your choice of cheese."
Looking for a super affordable Thanksgiving? Denny's on Maui packs everything you love about the holiday into one turkey sandwich for $7.49. You'll also find turkey plates for under $10 and pie slices for $2.
Word is out the new Bocalino in Kihei has already closed. The building's owner is looking for new tenants or to sell or co-op the space. Call 250-3199.
The Makena Beach & Golf Resort is on a roll with the launch of Pau Hana Hour from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays in its Zen Zen Restaurant.
Diners get half off sushi such as tiger-shrimp roll in spicy banana sauce, eel-and-avocado roll, and "I No Like Fish Roll" packed with vegetables - all made by longtime sushi chef Ivan Bersamin.
Apparently, Restaurant Week Wailea was so successful, at least for Mala Wailea, that management will continue to run the $39 three-course menu and a new $29 two-course menu through Dec. 15.
For the latter, choose from hearts of palm salad or soup of the day, followed by hoisin-glazed St. Louis ribs or coconut shrimp with sauces and veggies.
Last week, the entire bar staff at Merriman's Kapalua was named Certified Specialists of Spirit by the Society of Wine Educators, and Jason "Cass" Castle also passed his Advanced Sommelier exam. In celebration, they're running with a special handcrafted holiday cocktail menu through the end of December.
Sunday, the South Shore Tiki Lounge in Kihei will host the Movember 'Stache Bash with DJ JayP and Kanoa and 10 percent of dinner proceeds will benefit the Maui Memorial Medical Center Cancer Foundation. It's to raise awareness about the cancers that affect men.
Enjoy a rare fall evening with legend Roy Yamaguchi Tuesday at his Roy's Kahana with a five-course feast that includes duo of abalone and diver scallop, lamb curry, fresh hapu'upu'u and more. Call 669-6999.
* You may reach Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342.
