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ON THE HORIZON . . You’ve heard of “farm to table.” But how about “drone to table?” Word has it The Mill House restaurant at Maui Tropical Plantation plans to launch drones in January to deliver up to 8 pounds of fresh produce from Kumu Farm to the Mill House kitchen, where it will then be served in 20 minutes, according to Francesco Greco, plantation general manager.
Want to book the Cliff House for an unforgettable event for your family and friends? It overlooks Namalu Bay and fronts Montage Kapalua Bay resort, and chefs and servers can cater to your every whim. It seats about 20 or so people in comfort. Call 662-6620.
Tickets are going, going . . . almost gone for a fabulous New Year’s Eve feast at Mala Wailea and entertainment benefit in the ballroom of the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa with Alice Cooper, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Michael McDonald and Pat Simmons of Doobie Brothers fame, and more. Call 875-9394.
The former Memphis Belle Cafe is now called the Belle Surf Cafe in Kihei and it’s added a new breakfast and lunch menu and new, chic, Bohemian design. Order French crepes and coffee du jour from the owner, artistic Frenchwoman Marion Giradin. . . Speaking of thin pancakes with sweet or savory fillings, Badua’s Creperie is in the main food court of Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, having moved from its small kiosk two months ago. . . . Any Kine Diner should open Friday in the old Ruby’s in the same mall.
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FOR MOVIE BUFFS . . . Foodies will want to attend at least one of the FirstLight movies that are screening over the holidays at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater. “Noma: My Perfect Storm” is about Chef Rene Redzepi, who reclaims the title of best restaurant in the world in 2014 for the fourth time for his Noma in Norway.
“His story has the feel of a classic fairy tale: the ugly duckling transformed into a majestic swan, who now reigns over the realm of modern gourmet cuisine,” says FirstLight Director Barry Rivers. “It will screen at 5 p.m. Sunday at the MACC.”
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BITS AND PIECES . . .Come and dine on sizzling rib eyes and New Yorks at Ruth’s Chris Steak House at the Outlets of Maui mall in Lahaina from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and Sunday and Santa and his elves will appear around the bend by the Gap and Brooks Brothers.
Dairy Queen is asking to turn its idea of giving Santa milk and cookies upside down this year with the launch of the new Candy Cane Oreo Blizzard, a must-have holiday treat available through December. It’s a crunchy blend of Oreo cookie pieces and peppermint candy bits handcrafted together with creamy DQ vanilla ice cream, so thick that it’s served upside down
Calling all sports fans. Pailolo Bar & Grill at the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas will have a pig roast at noon Saturday.Watch college football, NBA and NHL games screen on nine TVs in the oceanfront bar with a food truck. Roast pig plates will go for $16; kombucha-based cocktails for $7 and beer will flow at happy-hour prices. The regular menu will also be available.
Looking for a certified organic, gluten-free and vegan stocking stuffer? VerMints are now available on Maui at Mana Foods as well as Foodland Pukalani.
“VerMints are a good breath mint alternative for those looking to eat healthier in the new year,” says Sandra Garcia, publicist “Tins are $3 to $4 each depending on the store, and flavors include peppermint, wintergreen, cinnamon, ginger, chai and espresso.”
Gary Smith is the new director of operations for 5 Palms in Kihei. He brings a wealth of experience with him as the family owner of the former Waterfront and more recently as GM of Humuhumunukunukuapua’a at the Grand Wailea. Stay tuned. . . Coincidentally, the Oceanside Restaurant is targeted to open this weekend for breakfast and lunch in the former Saltimbocca (and Waterfront) space in the Maalaea Harbor Shops. Dinner service will start soon.
The owner is Preston Cheng and chef-partner is Gary King. Their two manager friends James Wright and Juan Skinner come New York, and all will use the farm-to-table approach. Hmm . . . wonder if the “drone-to-table” method will take flight there and elsewhere?