LIVING THE DREAM . . . Still stuffed from all that turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes? There's a new Farmer in the Field market at Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu, open Tuesdays to Sundays with fresh, certified organic produce.
Kumu Farms of Molokai is the grower and purveyor and it's expanding to take over 15 to 20 acres of Maui Tropical Plantation to grow 35 different kinds of vegetables and herbs of the organic kind.
"Everything that we sell is grown right here, except for the papayas, which we grow on Molokai, as there is no papaya virus there," says owner Emanuela "Manu" Vinciguerra, originally from Italy.
Article Photos
Emanuela “Manu” Vinciguerra of Kumu Farms of Molokai now has a Farmer in the Field pavilion at Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
"This is not a farmers market. We're farmers in the field. Just look for our red pavilion. We even sell our Kumu Farms pesto made of basil and macadamia nut here. We're open at 10 a.m. and stay open to 5 p.m. weekdays and until 3 p.m. on the weekends."
By the way, Kumu Farms was recently awarded as being the "Best Farm in Hawaii" by the readers of Edible Hawaii magazine.
We also hear that Maui Tropical Plantation will serve an all-you-can-eat brunch starting at 10 a.m. Sunday and that "champagne hour" is from 1 to 2 p.m., if you are so inclined. Reasonably priced with plenty of room for the whole clan, it features Bruddah Willy's sticky ribs, mac 'n cheese, ahi poke, kalua pork and cabbage, flamed-grilled chicken, soup, and desserts.
Fact Box
Got restaurant / dining-event scoop? Call Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342; or email carlatracy@mauinews.com.
Former staff writer for The Maui News, Jill Engledow, is living her dream. She'll launch her latest book, "Haleakala: A History of the Maui Mountain," from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Bailey House Museum in Wailuku and her well-known friends who helped her with certain aspects of it will assist with light refreshments.
"I created this whole thing from writing to researching to publishing and distributing," says Engledow. "But Madge Walls did the index and Cynthia Conrad designed the book and they'll be at the launch with their homemade finger foods to feed the guests."
The famous ladies will do artichoke dip, pumpkin bread, fruits and cheese platters and such and there will probably be something with which to toast.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . The next wine pairing dinner and education event as part of a series will be held at 6 p.m. Friday in Pulehu: An Italian Grill at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Villas. Meet winemaker David O'Reilley of Owen Roe Winery at a reception before you sit down to a four-course feast with his wines. The cost is $75 per person. You may call 667-3254.
Soothing broths and soups are always good this time of year. So some of us are looking forward to Oritsu Ramen, also targeted to open in the former Mixed Plate at Maui Mall in Kahului. . . Finally, the Koho's location at Napili Plaza will be taken over sometime early next year by an Italian restaurant, Napili Bistro.
At Maui Seaside Hotel in Kahului, there are some things in flux in regards to the restaurant. The last evening to enjoy dinner at Coconut Grill will be Friday and then it will serve breakfast only until Dec. 16.
"We would like to thank the community and our local clientele for your patronage and for supporting us over the years," says owner Mark Mattos. "We are very thankful for the kind comments and aloha we will continue to remain open in our Hilo location. We hope to open another Maui restaurant in the future. For now, we say thank you, mahalo and God bless."
Hop aboard Kai Kanani Wine & Cheese Cruise near Makena Beach & Golf Resort from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and savor a Spanish-themed menu and sparkling cava. Ann Tuomela, owner of Guava, Gouda and Caviar in Wailea, is hosting the event and she'll serve marinated Manchego cheese and Spanish olives, charcuterie with Serrano ham, her famous caviar deviled eggs, and more. Call her store to book at 874-3930.
Still looking to book a holiday business party? Bring your office to the Aloha Sunday Brunch Christmas Party from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 at the Tiki Terrace restaurant at Ka'anapali Beach Hotel. Hosted by Alaka'i Paleka it includes games, prizes, carolers an all-you-can-eat brunch and champagne. Call 667-0124 . . . Asian Star in Wailuku has lots of seating, parking and exotic Vietnamese cuisine for parties. Call 244-1833.
