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THE NEW MAUI . . . How many new restaurants can open in one summer? How many times can Emeril Lagasse dine on Maui?
“Last night was very special in Mala Wailea’s Buddha Room,” says Melanie Wicker, group event manager of the popular restaurant.
“Chefs Mark Ellman and Sheldon Simeon prepared a five-course meal, featuring dishes from Mala and Migrant, for guests of Lagasse’s Foundation.
Of course, the BAM! man was in attendance, as was movie star owner Shep Gordon, Sammy Hagar and his wife, Kari, Mick Fleetwood and Bob Cabral, winemaker and GM of the fabulous Williams Selyem Winery. “It was a wonderful time for all,” adds Wicker.
The new Hea & Lou’s Cafe is wowing diners in its spot near Uncle Louie’s Sausages on Alamaha Street in Kahului. Owner Michael Smythe is from Haiku, where he says his great grandfather was the Chinese chef for Pauwela Cannery workers back in the day.
“I’m very proud of the menu,” he says. “It’s local fusion cuisine. Hawaiian-style with a twist. We’ve got cumin-dusted steak bites like a poke; tangerine beef stew with lime leaf; and Maui Marathon salad.”
The target opening date for Fatt Chicks Burgers, Brews & Grill is Monday in the former Cafe O’Lei location at Waiehu Golf Course.
“We’re working hard and diligently with the county for permits to open on time,” says partner Tootsie Davis, who will run Fatt Chicks with her partner, Namuo Davis.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Best of Maui results are trickling in, and pizza is one of the most popular categories, which comes as no surprise. Now we hear that Pi Artisan Pizzeria will celebrate its official opening Monday, Aug. 4 in Lahaina, situated on the oceanside of the Outlets of Maui Mall in the old David Paul’s.
The fast and casual Italian restaurant and bar will open at 11 a.m. daily, serving lunch and dinner pizzas, sandwiches and salads made fresh daily.
Prison Street Pizza is also getting set to open soon in Lahaina. The owner chef is Charles “Hatch” Clarke, who also runs the hugely popular Serpico’s in Pukalani with his wife and five children.
Also in West Maui, the new Ruby’s Dinette is taking people back in time at Whalers Village in Kaanapali. It’s the second location on Maui and it features shakes and malts, classic burgers and salad fare.
Tortillas is spicing things up in the old Cilantro’s. It’s the same concept and Mexican fare as its sister eatery, across the street from Charley’s in Paia. . . The trendy Lumeria Maui retreat center on Baldwin Avenue above Paia is now running a three-course dinner in its new Mubu restaurant for $40 per person.
Three’s Bar and Grill in Kihei just launched breakfast seven days a week, featuring as many Benedicts as there are days. Chef-partner Cody Christopher says that his Huevos Rancheros are “the absolute best,” as he uses a century-old, secret recipe from Mexico City.
Three’s Raw Bar now is serving at 11:30 a.m, daily, with fresh fish specials and sushi chefs who will make custom rolls to order. And, last but not least, Three’s just launched a new sushi bar.
Capt. Tim Gilliom has been in the news lately with the full-moon launch of the 62-foot Mo’okiha o Piilani last week. Now we hear Maui’s sailing canoe will be part of the Ka’anapali Fresh culinary weekend Aug. 29 and 30 at the westside resort. . . While there are many other new things on Maui to talk about, it’s nice to reflect on a popular event that harkens back to gentler times. Maui Calls at Maui Arts & Cultural Center is one such event. It will be held Friday, Aug. 8, with the theme, “Celebrating The Songs of Hawaii.” Tickets are on sale now. Call 242-7469.