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AROUND THE TOWN . . . Only 2 percent of the population claims to be vegan, so you’d think that a vegan restaurant wouldn’t fly.
But there are those of us who crave a healthful meal once in awhile, and that’s why Hawaiian Super Foods Kava Bar in Kahului is making it. It’s situated on Lono Avenue behind the new Plantation Grindz. Look for the big, orchid-color sign on the side of the building.
“We’ve been here about a year now, and we just recently launched a new and improved menu,” says owner-chef Elijah Manahan. “Besides our popular acai bowls and smoothies, we’ve added comfort foods.”
So far, I’ve tried the chili-cheese nachos and the hummus collard-green wrap, and the flavors literally jumped off the plate. I ran into Maui Scene’s music writer Jon Woodhouse there on a repeat visit, and he absolutely raved about the raw, pesto-pizza crunch.
You’ll also find cold-pressed organic coffee, tonics and elixirs; and kava or “awa” drinks, such as the Kava Mojito mixed with coconut kefir, mint and lime.
Hop aboard the Kai Kanani for another gourmet sunset cruise on Saturday. Check-in is at 4:30 p.m., and it departs at 5 p.m. at Makena Beach & Golf Resort.
“As always, Chef Chris Kulis of Capische? will be on board, this time preparing California-themed pupus,” says Melissa Glennon, sales and marketing manager. “Wine will be paired with each course, and we also have our regular open bar and live music. Kulis has won awards all over Maui for his expert cuisine. It’s a great way to sample Capische? cuisine while cruising the Wailea coastline.” For more details, call Kai Kanani at 879-7218.
Owned by the founders of Cheeseburger Restaurants here on Maui, the Kaanapali Grill & Tap Room is targeted to open around mid August in the former Longboards at Maui Marriott’s Ocean Club in Kaanapali.
Like its sister Cheeseburger restaurants in Lahaina, Wailea and Waikiki, it offers casual dining. But this one will dish up breakfast, lunch and dinner with hand-cut steaks and fresh fish, eggs Benedict, French toast, sandwiches, burgers and pizza. “A pizza trainer was brought in from Florence, Italy, to teach the staff,” says Robert Caskie, spokesman. “Michael Woodward is the chef. We’ll have craft beers and cocktails. We are opening a brewery in Waikiki on September 1 and this will be its tap room.”
The new Foodland Kehalani will culminate its grand opening festivities this weekend with samplings from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Bite into Foster Farms corn dogs, Amazoo produce, Wilmar ground beef sliders and Caveman Bars, and sip Meadow Gold milk and Starbuck’s iced coffees.
Want to imbibe in frou-frou French wines at less than $20 a bottle? Wailea Wine’s 2009 Evening Land Pouilly Fuisse is flying off the shelves, and it costs way less if you buy it by the case. “This fantastic, mineral-driven white is crafted by the legendary winemaker Dominique Lafon of Comtes Lafon in Meursault,” says Wailea Wine’s owner Ed Mikesh . . . Today is the last chance to sip July Ramey winemaker bottle deals at Plantation House in Kapalua. Complement discounted bottles with Chef Jojo Vasquez’s farm-to-table menu.
Speaking of things to drink, Maui’s own Organic Ocean Vodka and Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa have partnered to create the Ultimate Ocean Cocktail Contest. The winner of both the Hawaii and the National categories receives a stay at the Sheraton and gets their recipe on a menu for a year at one of the restaurants.
“You can be a professional bartender, spirits aficionado, amateur mixologist, backyard bartender or anything in between. Follow the rules and give it your best pour!” gushes Ocean Vodka CEO Shay Smith. “Your submissions will be accepted until Aug. 29.” Visit www.oceanvodka.com or email recipecontest@oceanvodka.com.