TIME FOR WINE . . . When it rains, it pours, and this week Maui is inundated with top winemakers. Lovers of the pinot-noir grape varietal will want to make reservations fast for the Four Pinots at Four Seasons winemaker dinners, seminars and gala finale in Wailea today through Saturday.
"Each wine dinner will give guests a personalized opportunity to interact directly with the winemakers," says Mark Simon, director of marketing for Four Seasons Resort Maui, where the events will be held. "It's going to be a high touch affair."
The participating winemakers are Webster Marquez of Anthill Farms Winery, Gary Burk of Costa de Oro, Steve Clifton of Brewer-Clifton, and Donald Patz of Patz & Hall. They will lead fun and informative wine seminars from 1:30 to 3 p.m. today and Friday.
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Anthill Farms Winemaker Webster Marquez will appear today through Saturday with four other top pinot noir producers at the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea for a few select dinners, seminars and a gala finale on Saturday night.
CARLA TRACY photo
Then these men, the creme de la creme of the pinot noir industry, will spread out to engage guests at various dinners tonight and Friday at DUO and Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante at the Four Seasons as well as at Capische? at Hotel Wailea. The icing on the cake will be Saturday's gala from 6 to 9 p.m. on Four Seasons oceanfront lawn with chef and farmer stations paired with wine stations. Call 874-2201 or visit www.concierge.maui@fourseasons.com.
In addition, Japengo at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali will present a wine dinner Saturday with Silver Oak Cellars and Twomey. Seating begins at 5:30 p.m. and cost is $169 per person, plus tax and tip. You may call 667-4796.
"Join Japengo Chef Gavin Utrillo and Winemaker Ben Cane as they host an evening of Asian and Hawaiian-inspired cuisine expertly-paired with the current vintages from Silver Oak Cellars and its sister winery, Twomey," says the Hyatt's Director of Food & Beverage Peter Donnelly.
Those heading to Hana will find Plumpjack Winery at the Travaasa Hana hotel at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Enjoy a four-course wine dinner and get 25 percent discount off your room. Call 248-8211.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . . I still vividly remember the old El Crab Catcher with its swimming pool in Kaanapali, so it's so hard to believe that Hula Grill will celebrate its 18th anniversary Friday in the same spot. The old pool, of course, is covered over and is the hugely successful Barefoot Bar, where you may stick your toes in the sand, listen to music and enjoy pupu and drinks daily.
Heading to watch some flicks at the Celestial Cinema in Wailea Wednesday through June 17? The Guava, Gouda & Caviar store in Wailea Gateway is making cheese boxes to go with freshly baked baguettes, dry salami, Greek olives and three cheeses for $23.99.
"So remember, when you're mulling over the schedule of movies and finally decide which nights you're going to scoot yourself down to Wailea, give us a call and order your cheese box ahead of time," says owner Ann Tuomela. "You can leave the car running . . . and we will have it all ready to go for you."
Of course, you may also just dine at the Celestial Cinema on salads, wraps, sandwiches, hot entrees and veggie options in the $10 to $12 range. All will be catered by Gannons: A Pacific View Restaurant.
Dishing up much more than just up-close views of turtles these days is Honu Seafood & Pizza on Front Street. We hear it debuted its new breakfast menu last weekend that is served from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The Italian porchetta with fried eggs and grits is already getting raves; as is the shakshouka of lamb riblets or grilled fish in a spicy Middle Eastern sauce.
Lahaina will also be jumping this week with the Second Friday Town Party from 6 to 9 p.m.
"This family-friendly party will feature food and drink specials at restaurants and eateries, the renowned Art Night, a free concert in Campbell Park, outdoor movies, first class shopping and oceanfront ambiance," says event publicist LuAnne Yapp.
Come and check out the soft opening of Hula Rock on Front Street and visit its awa bar and vie for prize giveaways. Many restaurants will offer kamaaina discounts such as Ono Gelato Co., Kobe Japanese Steak House, Captain Jack's Blue Lagoon, Betty's Beach Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Moose McGillycuddy's and more.
Brigit & Bernard's Garden Cafe will cater food for the Kenny Loggins concert, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday at The MACC in Kahului. Get footloose with crab cake pupu, Hungarian goulash, Caesar salad, and chicken Marsala with potatoes au gratin and vegetables.
