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AROUND THE TOWN So many new places to dine and so little time. Jumping at Azeka’s Makai is the new, super casual Nalu’s South Shore Grill, where you walk up to the counter to place your order for everything from juicy burgers to lobster-clam bakes to local farm-fresh salads.
Owner Ron Panzo also operates Lulu’s Lahaina Surf Club & Grill and he managed Nick’s Fish Market back in the day as well as did restaurant consulting in Indonesia, so he knows how to create a cool vibe.
” ‘Nalu’ means three things, including ‘energy of the ocean,’ ‘tranquility’ and ‘go with the flow,’ ” says Panzo. “We are all these things – and we do go with the flow with farmers, who have watermelon one week and radishes the next. We have local flavors and healthful options, too, all made by Chef Preston Hope.”
Other restaurants are popping up like bamboo in a rain forest. Sip Me opened recently in Makawao. Kokoloco is dishing up Brazilian food bites under the banyan tree in old Wailuku. Teddy’s Bigger Burgers bought the Slightly Salty food truck and will be on a roll soon. Cambodia Ci Ci is dishing up tom yum soup, mandoo and much more on Lower Main Street in Wailuku.
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BITS AND PIECES After all of the rain hitting the islands this week due to Hilda, we’ll be ready for outdoor fun in the form of an Aloha Friday Beach Barbecue from 6 to 8 p.m. next week in Kaanapali
Situated poolside at Westin Maui Resort & Spa, the casual Relish Oceanside restaurant will dish up an all-you-can-eat barbecue affair with Maui Brewing Co. beers included in the $65 admission price.
Relish Chef Jen Evetuschick will grill ahi steaks and Kauai prawns, and spin huli-huli chicken and Kula corn on the cob over an open fire. For more details, you may visit www.westinmaui.com.
At sister property Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas, you may taste rum flights for $10 on Sunday in celebration of National Rum Day at Pailolo Bar & Grill. Or opt for the $7 award-winning rum cocktails by Gabe Harvey.
Tommy Bahama restaurant upstairs in The Shops at Wailea will also celebrate National Rum Day on Sunday with pina coladas, mojitos and daiquiris along with more modern libations like the Tiki Tonk, packing a punch with rum as well as blood orange liqueur. The jerk pork tenderloin with pineapple rum sauce and mango salsa is the perfect pairing as you imbibe.
Tucked away near Eskimo Candy at 753 Launa Drive in Kihei, Chez Meme Bistro & Bakery will once again serve dinners. It will do so on Fridays and Saturdays, starting this week. All dinners include a basket of fresh rolls, a bowl of salad and a boat of gravy to share. Entrees include meat loaf with caramelized onions; breaded pork paillard or schnitzel; and grilled mahimahi with papaya chutney. Entrees run from $18 to $22. Desserts range from chocolate mousse to fruit cobblers with ice cream. Owner Ryan McElroy also now has a full bar. Call 879-5425.
You’ve gotta love Hard Rock Cafe Maui’s new sand bar, created to “save the planet.” The outdoor area is made of recycled and repurposed tables, umbrellas and tiki torches and 8 tons of sand. It’s located in Lahaina at the Outlets of Maui mall.
Who loves ulu? A “Breadfruit Workshop” hosted by Maui Nui Botanical Gardens will be ripe for the picking at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Ian Cole of the Breadfruit Institute at Kahanu Gardens in Hana will discuss the cultural history of ulu, or breadfruit, planting, harvesting, preparing and eating. The workshop will also include tasting menu prepared by John Cadman of Pono Pies. Cost is $20 for members and $45 for others. For reservations, email info@mnbg.org.