Are you a dessert lover? If so, that's only one good reason to attend the Life Is Sweet celebration on Saturday, Nov. 19, at The Shops at Wailea.
Not only will you see Wailea's top chefs compete to make theirs the signature dessert of 2011, but you may sample all of the delectable entries. Plus, it benefits a noteworthy cause:?Best Buddies Hawaii.
"We'll have celebrity judges for the dessert competition; live Hawaiian music to help set the party atmosphere, and a silent auction where you'll find great deals on island products and services," says Michael McCormick, the state director for Best Buddies Hawaii.
Article Photos
Maureen McCormick and Barry Williams, stars of the classic television show “The Brady Bunch,” were the dessert judges for Life is Sweet 2010 in The Shops at Wailea.
Best Buddies Hawaii photo
"Our local programs assist developmentally challenged youth in island schools."
Sponsored by Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and The Shops at Wailea, the second annual celebration will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. outdoors in the lower courtyard of the shopping plaza.
"We are very pleased to partner with our neighbor Bob Dye at The Shops at Wailea again for the second annual Life is Sweet," says Bill Countryman, general manager of Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.
"Last year's Life is Sweet was first class all the way and our chefs are busy working on refining new dessert recipes for this year's contest."
Besides the desserts, you may sample savory entrees created by some of the most renowned chefs from South Maui's famous resorts and restaurants.
Last year, Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui resort won with its Kokoleka Lani chocolate heaven dessert. Its chefs will also be back this year.
Other participants confirmed at press time include Grand Wailea, Longhi's Wailea, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Mulligan's on the Blue, Matteo's and Gannon's: A Pacific View Restaurant.
"We're still waiting on a few others," says McCormick. "We seem to get some last-minute entries."
Celebrity hosts and judges for last year's premiere event were Maureen McCormick and Barry Williams (a.k.a. "Marcia and Greg Brady" from the classic 1970s television sitcom "The Brady Bunch," and musician Mick Fleetwood of the rock group Fleetwood Mac.
McCormick and Fleetwood plan to be back again this year for the event, along with perhaps a couple of surprise guests from the rock genre. Other judges are South Maui council member Don Couch; former White House Chef Steven Horn (who is now food and beverage director at Ka'anapali Beach Club); publisher Diane Woodburn Haynes of Maui No Kao Oi magazine; and Dining Editor Carla Tracy of The Maui News.
Silent auction items include gift certificates to restaurants such as Mama's Fish House, one-year family passes at Maui Ocean Center, helicopter tours, zipline passes, " 'Ulalena" tickets and two-night hotel room stays at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.
Tickets are being snapped up fast. The admission cost of $50 per person includes desserts, wine tasting, chances for free prizes, live entertainment, pupu and refreshments such as soda, coffee and bottled water. Admission is limited to 200 people.
For tickets, dessert lovers may call 242-6962 or visit www.bestbuddieshawaii.org.
