OH SO GRAND . . . A new appetizer and salad menu at Humuhumunukunukuapua'a at Grand Wailea includes the new version of the Growing Future Farmers Salad.
What salad is that, you ask?
"Humuhumu was one of Maui's first restaurants to sign up in support of the new chefs' initiative to grow the next generation of farmers and ranchers in Maui County," says director of public relations Christina Yumul. "Each time someone orders this salad, which features 'grown in Maui' products, $1 is donated to the GFF Fund."
Article Photos
Diner Christina Noah sips a glass of wine and savors soup at Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a, which is launching a new appetizer menu.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
So new Humuhumu Chef de Cuisine Mike Lofaro just created the Waipoli watercress and shaved fennel salad with dried sour cherries, cabrales (Spanish cheese), candied pecans and Maui sugarcane vinaigrette.
He also just rolled out the new appetizer menu that pairs perfectly with happy hour drinks that are offered at half off from 5 to 6 p.m.
Do try the Hawaiian Island prawns with Thai ginger and tomato broth, mango jam and tapioca pearls; and the chicken and pine-nut dumplings with hoisin, candied citrus and crisp lettuce.
Fact Box
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A protoge of acclaimed chef Michael Mina, Lofaro also impresses with seared dayboat scallops with crispy parsnip potato cake, citrus segments and basil blossoms; and Big Island abalone chowder with Madras curry, Kula corn and apple wood smoked bacon.
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FOR FILM BUFFS . . . Maui's uproarious "Get A Job" award-winning movie returns for 17 screenings over the next two weekends, starting Friday, at Historic Iao Theater in Wailuku.
Before you bust a gut over the antics of Eric Gilliom and Willie K and others local celebrities, take note that the Wailuku Coffee Co. will offer extended hours on screening days. Friday it will have a special tapas menu from 5 to 7 p.m. You may BYOB. Cafe O'Lei Wailuku no longer does dinner, but lunch is still served if you wish to dine there before one of the matinees (see the event listings, page 11).
Speaking of films, Kenny Martinez Burgmaier will launch the North Shore Outdoor Movie Theater this Friday in Paia.
Situated oceanfront behind Johnny B.'s, it will offer food booths selling movie dinner packs, burgers and shakes by Johnny's joint along with Mexican fare from Tortillas Burrito Co., and more from Paia Bay Cafe and Island Froyo.
Watch surf films and music films and listen to live music by Shiro Mori, John Zangrando and a lineup of Maui entertainers. Bring your own low-back chairs and note: the event is free.
Last but not least, come to The Melting Pot fondue restaurant in the Lahaina Gateway anytime from 5 to 9 p.m. tonight or Friday and celebrate the Blu-ray release of the "Lucky One" with a special three-course dinner along with trivia and prizes for just $29.95. One lucky one just may score a trip to New Orleans. We hear the winner will be announced Sept. 10.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . It's not just "another brick in the wall." In fact, the Leis Family Class Act is one heck of a student-operated restaurant, situated upstairs in the Paina Building of UH Maui College.
With floor-to-ceiling harbor views, it will reopen for the semester Friday and will continue with lunch service from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Fridays. You may call 984-3280 for reservations. What else is new at the Class Act?
"Chef Instructor Tom Lelli is on leave and is passing the toque to Chef Craig Omori for the fall semester," says Juli Umetsu, who runs the service staff in front of the house. "Creative menus featuring fresh, innovative and elegant cuisine are Chef Craig's specialty."
By the way, the instructors behind the Class Act and its Maui Culinary Academy are very proud to note they were recently awarded the ACFEF accreditation, noting they are running only one of 70 "exemplary culinary arts programs in the nation."
Do mark your calendars for the next Noble Chef, the main fundraiser for Maui Culinary Academy. It will be held Oct. 27 at the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui resort in Wailea.
