FOOD FOR THOUGHT . . .There's a bakery and cafe that's been up and running since May in the old Pauwela Cannery in Haiku called Baked on Maui. If this had opened in the '70s, Green Harvest would have pounded down the doors.
"It's a good play on words," says owner Tricia Young. "And everything is baked in house, including our omelettes and our artisan breads such as French baguettes, boule and whole-wheat loaves."
Readers may remember Tricia and her husband, Cinco Young, from the old Peaches & Crumbles and as former owners of Milagro's in Paia.
Article Photos
Isha and Aditya Sudhir (from left) are getting ready to enjoy a curry luncheon with their parents at the new Monsoon India in Lahaina.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
"We said we'd never do it again, but here we are!" says Tricia. "We do all of the coffee drinks, salads, sandwiches and we are open until noon on Sundays for breakfast and then 3 p.m. for lunch. Other days, we're open all the way from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m."
Monsoon India has expanded its empire, which started at Menehune Shores in Kihei. It now also boasts a successful restaurant at Discovery Bay on Oahu and has opened a third location in Lahaina.
"We're open and serving authentic Indian cuisine seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the garden level of the Wharf Cinema Center," says owner Hari Reddy. "Our style of cooking is from the northern Punjab region of India, where tandoor and kebabs come from. We also do chicken tikka Masala, vegetable korma and people really love the dals and naan we make here."
Reddy also does a nice peppery version of Muligatawny soup from Southern India as well as lamb biryani with spices, raisins and cashews. You may dine near meandering streams and lush foliage, or get take out. Bring your parking stub for validation. "We offer a 20 percent kamaaina discount on food and we will start delivery service in August," says Reddy.
We also hear the Bamboo Fresh sandwich shop will open next door to Monsoon India Lahaina in August; and that Saffron Indian restaurant will take over the former Maui Masala in Kihei soon.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Are you an up-and-coming student chef who needs a scholarship?
There's a fancy little culinary organization called Les Amis d'Escoffier Society of Hawaii, named after Georges Auguste Escoffier. Born in 1846, the legendary French chef modernized and simplified haute cuisine. Now his society has $,1000 burning a hole in its pocket to give to a Hawaii student. You must already be enrolled in a culinary, wine or hospitality program.
"The deadline to apply for the prestigious scholarship is August 1," says member Alfred Vollenweider, a former chef and restaurateur I met at a recent Chaine des Rotisseurs event. He's climbed Mt. Kilamanjaro and the Himalayas and plans conquer the Andes.
"The $1,000 will be presented at the society's Soiree d'Automne dinner in November. Amis d' Escoffier holds two formal dinners each year. Everybody is seated at one big table and our napkins ares tucked in the old French way - under the collar. Interested parties may call Vollenweider at 572-5200.
In addition, the University of Hawaii Maui College in Kahului will host a large-scale event Aug. 26 and food will be part of the fun.
"It will be a huge community open house to kick off the fall semester," says Chris Speere, co-program coordinator for the college's Maui Culinary Academy. "Our program will be highlighted and we'll also provide an assortment of food for the event."
The first Lana'i Ukulele Festival will be jumping next weekend at the Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay restaurants - both Four Seasons Resorts Lana'i properties. The music is free and new Chef Kevin Erving will offer special two- and three-course dinners at Kailani Terrace at Manele Bay Friday, July 29; and a special appetizer menu Saturday, July 30 in the Lodge's Great Hall. Pupu includes kiawe-smoked baby back ribs, Keahole lobster tempura rolls and more. Maui's own Pau Vodka will pour free tastings. Other venues are Pele's Other Garden, Cafe 565 and Coffee Works - all in Lanai City.
* You may call dining editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342; email carlatracy@mauinews.com.
