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MELE KALIKIMAKA . . . On Maui, some of us tend to envision “one mynah bird in one papaya tree” when the holiday countdown begins, instead of “chestnuts roasting o’er an open fire.”
But wait a minute. The Pailolo Bar & Grill at Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas has extended its dining area on North Beach to offer fire-pit seating.
Now you may gather from 4 to 6 p.m. for happy hour and linger for more grinds under the canopy of stars after the sun sets. It’s experiential dining at its finest. But . . will there will be chestnuts?
I’m not sure. But I do know Westin KOR has partnered with California Cart Builders to design a new, retro-looking food truck that will be permanently parked on property as another trendy centerpiece of Pailolo Bar & Grill. It will be rolling out soon.
From noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays through December, there is also gathering of food trucks at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa Ocean Lawn in Kaanapali.
But getting back to fire pits, Merriman’s Kapalua that is situated on the tip of a black lava finger has a wonderful fire pit on its deck. The Courtyard by Marriott in Kahului also boasts an outdoor fire pit.
Kula Lodge has a roaring fireplace. So does Plantation House in Kapalua. And my husband and I have a 20-foot, Maui-shaped fire pit. But major weed whacking and chain sawing of kiawe trees must transpire before any chestnut roasting occurs.
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HOLIDAY HIGH FIVE . . . Unless you’ve already shopped till you dropped, you are one of many looking for last-minute holiday gifts.
Now through Dec. 25, Teddy’s Bigger Burgers at the Lahaina Gateway in Lahaina is offering a free, $5 gift card to anyone who purchases a $25 gift card. You may use it on the Teri Swissmas burger topped with savory grilled onions and Swiss cheese. Or opt for the Holiday Bliss shake with red-peppermint ice cream.
Jamba Juice Hawaii has stocking stuffers for everyone on your list – and, best of all, it includes a gift for you. Now through Dec. 28, you’ll receive a free, 12-ounce smoothie of your choice that’s worth $5, every time you spend $25 or more on Jamba gift cards, a gift that keeps on sippin’.
There are four locations on Maui, including Old Lahaina Center, Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, Maui Marketplace and Piilani Village.
Speaking about $5 deals, Rock & Brews Paia, owned by rockers Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, is counting down the days of KISSmas,
Through Tuesday. Rock & Brews will offer four holiday brews, three festive dishes and two seasonal cocktails for one really rockin’ time as well as collect toys for the local Toys for Tots chapter. As a ‘thank you,’ diners will receive $5 worth of Rock & Brews bucks.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Thirsty for fun? The Botero Bar at Grand Wailea offers the Champagne Wishes tasting menu tonight and Dec. 25. For $20, you get three tastes of bubbly, including Domaine Chandon, Moet & Chandon, and Veuve Clicquot – and an appetizer. No reservations are required. And if you order other food at Botero Bar this evening, you get 20 percent off . . . Speaking of thirsty, Amy Hanaiali’i will launch her new wine line before year’s end. Read all about it in next week’s Scene.
Chefs at Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Kapalua are on a roll with holiday sushi platter for $150. You get 150 pieces of 14 different rolls, all beautifully arranged. Call 669-6286 to order.
Maui’s Roselani Ice Cream is at it again with a festive Christmas Mint white peppermint ice cream with red and green peppermint candy flakes a great accompaniment to holiday pies or on its own. Call 244-795.
On Saturday, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua will bring back a family favorite. The annual Teddy Bear Tea will feature fun tea presentations for the knee-high set, cookie decorating and cameo appearances by Frosty the Snowman, Chris the Christmas Bear and Santa. For more details, call the resort at 669-6200.