SWEET IDEAS . . . Want to indulge in something out of the ordinary with your lover in celebration of Valentine's Day? Then kick back with the new Hawaiian Chocolate and Coffee Sweetheart package, a trio of yummy treatments at the award-winning Kapalua Spa in West Maui.
The ultimate yin-and-yang pairing, it begins with a coffee, chocolate and coconut milk bath in a stone-carved outdoor tub, followed by chocolate-and-coffee duo massages in an outdoor hale (hut). You are also treated to chocolate-dipped strawberries and iced drinks, says new Spa Director Cecilia Hercik. Call 665-8282.
The Rotary Club of Maui will let the good times roll with its 21st annual Sweetheart Affair at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at Royal Lahaina Resort in Kaanapali. The oceanfront lawn will be festooned with Mardi Gras memorabilia and you may savor New Orleans-style food, drink and live music all night long.
Article Photos
MauiGrown Coffee Store CEO Kimo Falconer showcases red catuai beans at his Kaanapali Coffee Farms. Pick up maps at his Lahaina store for self-guided tours of the area.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
"The chefs at the resort will be 'kicking it up a notch' for the event with New Orleans favorites including gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya, blackened catfish and red beans and rice," says Royal Lahaina's Marketing Manager Liz Bell, who is also the Rotary chairwoman.
The featured drink that evening will be the Hurricane, a red, fruity rum cocktail created during World War II. There will also be an auction and love music by Slam with singer Kelly Covington. Cost is $75 per person. You may call 661-3611 for tickets.
In addition, MauiGrown Coffee Store, located in a green and white plantation building next to the historic smokestack on Lahainaluna Road in Lahaina, is the place to go for the coffee lover in your life, when you are out shopping for Valentine's Day.
It sells 100 percent Maui-grown coffees such as the French Kiss, which is French roasted and "kissed" with medium and dark roasted beans. Low in acidity, it delivers a buttery, full-bodied taste. "It's in a fun red package and makes a great gift to give or to send," says Manager Jeff Ferguson, who, adds that partner Diane Boyd can ship the coffee for you. "There's still time," he says. "Come in and see us and try a sample of our coffees, including the Maui Mokka. Or call us at 661-2728."
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BITS AND PIECES . . . As it turns out, the Just Wing It store at Piilani Village was unable to open in time for Super Bowl. But according to owners, it should flap its wings by this Sunday.
Those in Maui's food and beverage industry know that TS Restaurants, the parent company for Hula Grill, Duke's Beach House, Kimo's and Leilani's on the Beach, is one heck of a moneymaking machine.
Now, its Executive Chef Scott McGill will teach a class on "Kitchen Financials and Theoretical Food Costing" from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at UH-Maui College's Paina Building in Kahului.
Scott will provide an in-depth Power Point presentation, covering essential aspects of food costing and purchasing controls,"?says MCA's Chris Speere. "Students, faculty and those in the Maui chef community are invited to attend at no cost." Interested? RSVP to Haley Matson-Mathes at hayleymm@hawaii.rr.com.
Located lobby level of the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Mala Wailea is officially launching its new happy hour Friday with food and drink specials and live music by Erin Smith. Savor garlic-cheese flatbreads, sweet and spicy chicken wings, coconut shrimp and hoisin-glazed St. Louis ribs and discounted drinks.
We hear Maui Tacos is going into the old Alexander's Fish & Chips location across from Kalama Park in Kihei Celebrating its grand opening on Wednesday was CAA Marketplace next to Habitat for Humanity in Wailuku. It features a variety of local and Filipino fast foods, deli items, baked goods and groceries from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The owners also have the CAS Mini Mart at 430 Hookahi St. in Wailuku.
Back by popular demand, Chef David Paul Johnson will present another series of hand-on cooking classes at David Paul's Island Grill in Lahaina. Starting Sunday, they will run every second and fourth Sunday of the month at noon followed by a sit-down luncheon. Culinary students will get 50 percent discount with proof of enrollment. For further details, call 662-3000.
French Pastry Chef Jose Krall of Maui Bake Shop in Wailuku is making candy boxes for Valentine's Day filled with delectables The new Lahaina Fudge Co. on Front Street is a good place to pick up 20 flavors of chocolate products.
