Mexican food lovers are raving about the fresh roasted corn, cheap prices and fast service at the new Tortillas Burrito Co., which opened in the former Fiesta Time at the end of January. Hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Owner Jim Boynes used to work at Ruth's Chris Steak House for many years as well as P.F. Chang's and a host of Southwestern establishments in Arizona, where he got hot on tacos.
"We do real simple food such as burritos, tacos and burrito bowls," he says. "Mexican aunties are making salsas, and we use organic chicken, grass-fed beef and brown Spanish rice."
Article Photos
Johnny B’s Burgers’ Sara Trujillo serves up an all-natural Hawaiian beef burger with no added hormones or antibiotics.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
Johnny B's Burgers opened at the north end of town in the former Island Cuisine Thai restaurant. Walk up to the counter and order half-pound hamburgers, fries cooked in cholesterol-free peanut oil and chocolate milkshakes. Dine at one of the shaded picnic tables, or take it away.
"Everything we make is packed to-go, but you can eat here at any one of our 16 seats, if you like," says owner Pam Leary. "I can't tell you how many people come and have their pictures taken at the Johnny B. sign as it's their name."
Tobi's Shave Ice and Paia Bay Cafe are located in the former Green Banana locations. Some of you may remember Tobi's Shave Ice from 20 years ago in the old Wok Star in Kihei. Now you may cool off with its island favorite treats in Paia.
Paia Inn's beautiful outdoor breakfast restaurant is still kind of a secret right now, as it's open for guests only from 7 to 11 a.m.
Chef Stephanie Sheveland says that many of her guests like organic fare, and that's what she's been making since the open-air Balinese-style dining facility opened five months ago.
"Our hotel is a hidden gem in the center of town," says Sheveland. "I did a private dinner for 10 cyclists in one of our oceanfront villas."
Hotel Manager Tina Cunningham sometimes does private parties in the wine bar; or hotel guests may bring their own.
"What will happen soon is that we'll open it up to the public as a tapas and wine bar," says Cunningham. "It's really fun here. Our guests are athletes, hippies, celebrities and people from Hana."
