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FOOD FOR THOUGHT . . . T-Bone Walker sang, “Stormy Monday, and Tuesday’s Just The Same.” But I say, “What about this weekend?” Huh?! Mauians certainly won’t be “Walking on Sunshine” with two big weather systems bearing down on us.
That’s why Maui Arts & Cultural Center will postpone its annual signature fundraiser, Maui Calls, previously set for Friday. A firm date will soon be announced, according to MACC management. Lahaina Second Friday party planners felt prudent to cancel their event, too.
I must say, it was interesting to put together this week’s Maui Scene calendar, as Lana’i Slack Key Festival also pulled the strings on its fourth annual event, which will now be held in October.
One way to soak in the island will be with a nice weekend brunch. Merriman’s Kapalua has launched an a la carte spread from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays with live music by Ranga Pae.
I indulged recently, and it was epic, from Keahole lobster Benedict to chilaquilles to Chinese rice porridge called jook with hot chili oil to Big Island cinnamon-brioche French toast drenched in real maple syrup.
Of course, Makena Beach & Golf Resort does a primo job on its all-you-can-eat brunch Sundays with champagne to wet your whistle (if the rain doesn’t do so first). And you’ve gotta love Charley’s a la carte Sunday breakfast specials with Bloody Mary walkup bar in Paia. Huevos Rancheros, here I come! Sombrero umbrella, anyone?
You may also get nice and cozy indoors at Alan Wong’s Amasia at Grand Wailea on Saturday night. The Chef Series Dinner will flow with the celebrity chef himself, along with his team players on Maui.
Roast pork will be served with whole pickled cherries and pickled green papaya by Sushi Chef Robert Juan; hamachi crudo with Hamakua-tomato-and-shallot vinaigrette will be prepared by Chef de Cuisine Chris Damskey; hoisin rack of lamb will be broiled by Sous Chef Dee Ann Tsurumaki; Keohole lobster will be steamed in rice paper by Wong; and lychee-matcha tart will be baked by Wong’s Oahu Pastry Chef Vivian Wu, who will fly in for the occasion.
Spend a potentially rainy evening savoring stellar cuisine like this for $75 per person. Pair it with wines for $125. Call 891-3984.
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BITS AND PIECES . . At UH Maui College, Maui Culinary Academy’s external coordinator, Chris Speere, says that MCA is gearing up for a fantastic fall semester. Those of you looking for an exciting career as a chef are encouraged to enroll in the two-year program. Job placement on Maui is as good as it gets after graduation.
“We are currently rebranding many of our Pa’ina Food Court outlets to stay current with food trends and reinvigorate our menu offerings,” says Speere.
“We will be launching our new Ramen X concept when classes begin on August 25th. And MCA students will rub shoulders at the end of the month with renowned chefs at two major Kaanapali events, the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival and Ka’anapali Fresh. Both events will provide proceeds to the academy.”
New this year at “K-Fresh” on Aug. 29 will be ‘Aha ‘aina O Kaanapali. The voyaging vessel, Mo’okiha o Pi’ilani, will lead a flotilla of canoes to the beach, before attendees travel through three eras of Hawaiian cuisine at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa. As part of the culinary journey, Napua Greig and her halau will perform.
Then stir it up Aug. 31 at the Fresh Mixology 101: Craft Session at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa with cocktails by Chandra Lucariello, director of mixology for Southern Wine & Spirits and chef-crafted lunch, served on the resort’s ocean lawn. (I know, today it’s hard to imagine sunshine beaming down on us).
Pi Artisan Pizzeria had its official Lahaina opening last week in the Outlets of Maui Mall in the old David Paul’s. The fast and casual Italian restaurant and bar opens at 11 a.m. daily, serving lunch and dinner pizzas, sandwiches and salads. Its outdoor misters may not be needed in this type of weather. . . Prison Street Pizza also just opened in Lahaina. And there’s a pizza place called Po targeted to open in Kihei soon. . . Hmm . . . do I hear a song? Yes, it’s “Here Comes The Rain Again” by the Eurythmics.