GOING BANANAS . . . It may be Prince Kuhio Day tomorrow, but the kings and queens of modern-day Maui have yet to be crowned!
We're talking about the chance for all of you home cooks to enter the Banana Bread King or Queen contest coming up April 2 at the Maui County Agricultural Festival in Waikapu.
All you have to do is pick some bananas, bake your favorite bread, and then drop off your entries from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. that day at Maui Tropical Plantation. Win cash prizes and be crowned king or queen for a day. You may also enter to win the Pickled Vegetable Contest.
Article Photos
Calling all cooks: You may enter the Banana Bread King or Queen contest April 2 in Waikapu.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
Read more about it on my new blog, "As Maui Dines," easy to find on our website, www.mauinews.com. The contest rules are attached.
Speaking of bananas, Jamba Juice stores just debuted an innovative fruit and veggie smoothie line.
One example is the Apple 'n Greens, a blend of apple-strawberry juice with dark, green leafy vegetables, spirulina, peaches, mangos and bananas.
Now through April 24, Krispy Kreme guests can stroll down memory lane with the company's return of banana and chocolate treats at participating stores.
These include the banana kreme pie donut, the traditional banana caramel cake donut.
"Inspired by the old-fashioned eateries, Krispy Kreme's diner classic treats will add comfort to any spring gathering," said corporate chef, Ron Rupocinski.
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FOR SCOTCH LOVERS . . . Did you know the best-selling, single-malt scotch whiskey in America today is Glenlivet? If you love your scotch, then do check out Grand Wailea's signature series, "Toast! on Monday in Humuhumunukunukuapua'a restaurant. Yes, it's a mouthful no matter how you say it, so you may go ahead and shorten it to "Humu."
"Our next Toast! A Celebration of Grand Food, Spirits & Fine Wine will welcome Rick Edwards, Glenlivet brand ambassador and master of scotch," says the Director of Public Relations Christina Yumul. "The event starts at 5:30 p.m. with a reception, immediately followed with a four-course pairing dinner by Humu's Chef de Cuisine Isaac Bancaco."
The first course is paired with Glenlivet 12-year, progressing to 15-year, 18-year and then 21-year-old scotch with dessert.
Highlights will include foie gras and unagi "peanut butter and jelly" with macadamia nut butter and grilled pineapple-poha berry jam; island ahi and spiny lobster Wellington with shiro-miso mustard and shoyu charred brussels sprouts; oven-roasted lamb loin; and chocolate-honey mousse with sour-cherry compote and almond streusel.
"The evening will be enjoyed under the stars in a private location accompanied by a Cigar Tasting by Sir Wilfred's of Lahaina, Maui," she says, " Cost is $100 per person, with portion of proceeds to be donated to the Maui Visitor Industry Charity Walk. Call 875-1234, ext. 4900 ."
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BITS AND PIECES . . . George Lopez was spotted having lunch with friends at Gannon's on Saturday. It appeared he'd just finished a round of golf.
Those who sip a pint or two at Maui Brewing Co. in Kahana any time from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday should note their money is going to the birds.
That is, half the proceeds from that night's pint sales will go to the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, a research organization that is dedicated to recovering Maui's native feathered friends.
Mala Ocean Tavern in Lahaina will flow with an intimate, four-course dinner at 5:30 p.m. Friday paired with the wines of Mi Sueno Winery. Chef-owner Mark Ellman will cook the food. Cost is $85 per person. Call 667-9394.
"Please join us on Turtle Alley for this rare opportunity," he says of his restaurant's oceanfront location as well as about Napa Valley's Mi Sueno, an award-winner with the best of them.
Tiffany's Bar & Grill in Wailuku will donate 5 percent of its gross sales now through April 15 in support of the victims of the disaster in Japan.
Multiple winner of "Best Pupu on Maui" in our annual Best of Maui contest in the Maui News, Tiffany's boasts 100 popular items along with karaoke, sports on TV and a cool, air-conditioned dining room with lots of cushy booths.
Local favorites include the sizzling steak bites, Noda's-style chow fun, and salt-and- pepper shrimp.
* Email carlatracy@mauinews.com or call 242-6342.
