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FRESH AS IT GETS . . . As many of you readers know, it was a stellar weekend at Ka’anapali Fresh food and wine festival. Shelley Kekuna and her ohana did a bang-up job of putting it all together, and the music was just as enticing as the cuisine. And the wines, such as Joseph Phelps’ Insignia and Justin’s Isoceles and more, poured by respective famous winemakers, took it all over the top, making it a rare, “pennies from heaven” experience.
At the signature event on Saturday night, Best of the Fest winners were chefs Raymond Nicasio of the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa for his No. 1-rated vegan dish of ti-leaf wrapped corn tamale with corn-truffle salsa in smoked-tomato emulsion; followed by Bobby Masters of Hula Grill for his togarashi-seared Hokkaido scallop with smoked cumin-cream corn and kaffir-lime oil.
Nicasio teamed with farmer Sylvester Tumbaga of Syl’s Produce; and Masters with Walter Evonuk of Evonuk Farms – both in Kula. Nicasio tells us that the Sheraton will team with Kula’s Ocean Vodka for the Ultimate Ocean Cocktail Mix-off and Dinner Sept. 20.
“Recipe submissions have been pouring in over the two months from across the state, and four finalists will face off that evening,” says Nicasio. “Spirit enthusiasts are invited to be judges and cast their votes for the winning cocktail at the cocktail and pupu reception, followed by a three-course, prix-fixe wine dinner.” Call 661-0031.
Also at KFresh, as it’s affectionately called, I spotted our former Editor-in-Chief David Hoff enjoying his retirement; and Marco Defanis of Marco’s Grill & Deli, whose eatery was just named No. 1 Italian Restaurant on Maui. Organic farmers Chuck and Lily Boerner made the trek all the way from Kipahulu to sell jackfruit and other exotic edibles at the Saturday Grown-on-Maui farmers market, where Napili Flo Farm wowed with wheatgrass “shots” that you “inject” into your mouth. Planners say attendance topped well over 400 people per night.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . It’s that time of year again, when things slow down and restaurants create tasty promos to get you in the door.
From 5 to 10 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays, both Longhi’s in Lahaina and Wailea are offering buy-one-get-one-free dinner entrees with valid Hawaii ID.
Entree favorites of Longhi’s patron Dierdre Falconer are filet Longhi, ahi Torino, spaghetti putanesca and clams capellini. Come early and enjoy happy hour discounts on select beer, wine and cocktails.
Sugar Cane Maui in Lahaina presents ukulele and tapas on Thursdays for kamaaina night. Get 50 percent off tapas and enjoy live music by Sweet Sadi.
Beginning Sunday, it will donate 20 percent of its brunch proceeds to the Foundation and Friends of Lahainaluna Football, to assist with educational and athletic programs at the famous school. Savor Kona lobster Benedict, Aina loco moco and kalua pork melt, while watching football on one of the three large-screen TVs, or just enjoy the ocean view from its panoramic perch upstairs in historic Lahaina town at 736 Front St.
Saddle up to Paniolo Night from 3 to 9 p.m. at Maui Preparatory Academy in Napili. Food trucks and vendors will include Teddy’s Bigger Burgers and Bubble Tea, along with pizza and local ice creams.
“It will be a fun-filled family day with games, activities, food and entertainment for all ages,” says the school’s Michelle Pupunu. “We will also have popcorn, candy, shave ice and drinks for purchase.”
On Friday, Sept. 12 at Montessori School of Maui in Makawao, Four Season’s Resort Maui’s Executive Chef Roger Stettler will cook a four-course benefit feast. Call 573-0374. . . Maui’s new Chinese restaurant, Dragonfly in Wailuku, will launch a lunch buffet Sept. 11 for $12.95 per person. It runs Monday to Saturday and is a great value for the taste. . . Maui Brewing Co. is now the “Official Craft Beer of Hawaiian Airlines.” Its Bikini Blonde Lager took off on international routes this week.