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AS MAUI TURNS . . . Just like a fine cabernet, the 34th Kapalua Wine & Food Festival last weekend was a swirl of complexity (and fun gossip).
Ran into Brandon Maeda, food and beverage director of Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas, who says Frances Mayes, author of “Under A Tuscan Sun,” will be guest of honor at a Sept. 23 wine event. The resort will also present the Namaste & Chardonnay yoga event from 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Bring a yoga mat.
Word has it the legendary Diana Ross rented the Cliff House that fronts the Montage Kapalua Bay resort hotel for an intimate family event. No wonder she looked so happy at her Monday concert.
Yvonne Biegel of Grand Wailea was also beeming – but at the wine festival. That’s because her boss, Grand Wailea Managing Director Tom Donovan, had called her from Dubai, where he learned she was named 2015 Public Relations Director of the Year for all the Waldorf Astoria resorts in the world.
After 27 years at Maui Culinary Academy, Chris Speere will spearhead the University of Hawaii Maui College’s Maui Food Innovation Center starting in July, utilizing cutting-edge technologies.
Rumors were also swirling that famous Hawaii Regional Cuisine chef and restaurateur Peter Merriman wants to open another West Maui hot spot – this time in Kaanapali. He sure doesn’t monkey around with locations from the Big Island to Kauai.
Lahaina Grill sommelier Richard Olson was also at the wine fest, saying that on June 25, kamaaina get 50 percent off entrees with a $5 donation to Maui Food Bank. The restaurant will match every dollar.
LONG ON TASTE . . . Talk about a departure from th norm – the original Longhi’s Lahaina is expanding to feature tastes of Hawaii’s cultural diversity, starting in July downstairs. That’s right! Asian and South Pacific fare in an Italian restaurant.
Longhi’s Front Street Kitchen, downstairs at 808 Front St., will entice with Chinese-style, black-pepper king crab legs; Korean short ribs and kim-chee tacos; Indonesian lamb chops glazed in tamarind and other exotic spices; and Hong Kong-style fish.
This is the brainstorm of family owner Peter Longhi and Corporate Executive Chef Derek Watanabe, who cooked for Alan Wong on Oahu.
But Italian food lovers, don’t despair. Downstairs will still serve the original award-winning breakfast menu, and some original lunch and dinner favorites in addition to Watanabe’s new menu. Longhi’s original Italian cuisine will be available every evening upstairs.
Sharon Jahns, who managed Joe’s in Wailea for many years, has been named director of food and beverage at Travaasa Hana. The restaurants are run by Longhi’s and they are buying whole cows from Buddy Nobriga to serve New Yorks and rib-eyes. Former Travaasa F&B Director Manny Arriaga now runs the Volcano House restaurant on the Big Island. Meanwhile, former Travaasa spa director Monique Jitila moved to Grand Wailea in outside sales for F&B and spa.
Matteo Mistura recently returned from a Rolling Stones concert in San Diego. Just like Mick Jagger, he doesn’t miss a beat. From 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, he’ll rock with a party in celebration of 30 years in the business. Come for apperitivi and antipasti from Matteo’s Osteria in Wailea kitchen. Ed Mikesh of Wailea Wine will pour 20 different types of wine to taste. Cost is $40, plus tax and tip. For reservations, call 879-0555.
Hawaiian Islands Land Trust will throw a free Family Picnic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Waihe’e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge. Listen to music by Kaniala Masoe, take tours by Director of Conservation Scott Fisher, make ropes with land steward James Crowe and eat picnic fare by Zing’s Maui. RSVP at 244-5263 or info@hilt.org by 3 p.m. Friday.
“The menu includes a spread of local dishes that we all know and love, so don’t miss out. The event is graciously being sponsored by The Boeing Company again this year,” says Ted Clement, HILT executive director.