HALLOWEEN . . . Ghouls just wanna have fun! So do guys. But we all need a little advance planning to get the coolest costume for the best Halloween party this month. For instance, Maui AIDS Foundation wants you to party down at Wicked, its pre-Halloween fundraising party from 8:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. Oct. 26 at Three's Bar & Grill in Kihei.
"The kitchen at Three's will stay open until 11 p.m. with 15 percent of the food and beverage proceeds being donated to Maui AIDS foundation," says Dana Nitti, the non profit's director of development.
"We are still offering our happy-hour prices in the lounge from 9 'til 10 p.m. Get half off appetizers and sushi and sip $3 wells, drafts, margaritas and Mai Tais," says chef-owner Jaron Blosser.
Article Photos
Paradise Grill managers Art Ortiz and Robert Ponce (from left) toast to the good times at their Kaanapali restaurant.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
"Due to the cause, whoever purchases a ticket to the show and has dinner, gets 25 percent discount off of their entrees for the night."
"Dance all night long and nurture your inner child, letting it run amok," says Chef Rodger James Shortell Jr., who says to "dig deep into your costume box." Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. You must be 21 and older to attend. Call 242-4900.
Like clockwork at this time of year, Tom's Mini Mart in Paukukalo is scaring Halloween enthusiasts with its talking skeletons, monsters, creepy hands and much more. Do check it out, when you order a shave ice, hot dog or other local fare. . . . And, Home Maid Bakery in Wailuku is now selling Halloween cookies for $1. Read about Halloween happenings in next week's Scene.
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AROUND TOWN . . . There's a place in Kaanapali that is fun anytime of year - and that's Paradise Grill at the entrance of the resort.
Everyday, enjoy two happy hours and live music and get half off of pizzas and select pupu during the gridiron action.
"We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner upstairs with nice patio views overlooking the 18th green," says manager Robert Ponce. And, downstairs, we have Mello's Bar with late-night food until 1 a.m. Chef Rosalee Alvarado cooks American-style food such as corn dogs, rib-eye steaks, onion rings and mango-guava ribs. We're keiki friendly and offer kamaaina deals."
Heading East Maui? Travaasa Hana resort now offers a gluten-free tasting menu, sourcing fresh ingredients from Maui and other Hawaiian islands.
The four-course feast includes calorie counts. Cost is $65. The menu sounds incredible with entree choices such as grass-fed beef with Kula asparagus, Hamakua mushrooms in port-wine demi glace; and sesame-crusted ahi with baby spinach and Kipahulu mango salsa.
"In conjunction with new flights from Kahului to Hana, Travaasa Hana just released its new kamaaina rate, starting at $295 per night," says Rebecca Pang. "It includes round trip flight on Mokulele Airlines, airport transfers, and $150 in resort credits towards spa or meals."
Jennifer Nguyen is revamping her Vietnamese restaurant in Wailuku with a new, open-air bar and lounge, expanded dining room and new menu items. Yes, A Saigon Cafe is looking chic these days, and while it's open for business, the new bar will launch in November.
"When my customers come in, their jaws drop open," says Jennifer. "It's got a new, clean, chic look with the Chinese red and mink-colored walls. The contractor is David Sacco. And, we're working on a new pupu menu that will reflect the French influence in Vietnam, like cheese and baguettes, maybe escargot, and I'm working with Alan Jahns of JMD Portfolio on the wines. "
Plantation House restaurant in Kapalua is now on the hunt for a new chef. Yes, we hear longtime executive chef and partner Alex Stanislaw has resigned to pursue other interests.
"Chef Alex's mark on the Plantation House will long be remembered - and we wish him only the best going forward," says Managing Partner Norm Schuhardt, who invites followers to continue to enjoy the incredible views and the breakfast, lunch and dinner cuisine of this popular restaurant.
We also hear that Moki Chong Kee has jumped ship from Mala Wailea to now be general manager of 5 Palms in Kihei. People love to book 5 Palms for their holiday parties because of its spacious, oceanfront setting and tasty meals and sushi bar.
