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TOP FOR 2015 . . It’s hard to pick just 10 places, chefs or events to top a list of things culinary on Maui for 2015. So much is going on I’d have to write a book about all of the new and exciting developments.
But as far as visitors go, Anthony Bourdain of CNN’s “Parts Unknown” put a different spin on Maui and Molokai islands with his eccentric personality.
James Beard Award-winning chefs descended on Maui for a two-day party at Grand Wailea. World renowned, they included Johnny Uuzzini of Sugar Fueled Inc. of NYC, Nancy Silverton of Pizzeria Osteria Mozza Los Angeles and Bruce Bromberg of Blue Ribbon NYC.
“Under The Tuscan Sun” New York Times bestselling author Frances Mayes delighted diners at Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas.
Beverly and Joe Gannon made the news by partnering with certain industry people in their Wailea restaurants, Joe’s and Gannon’s – and then not.
Charley’s Restaurant & Saloon in Paia made headlines a couple of times last year, the first for launching its new smokehouse menu by Executive Chef Chewy Cereceres; and the second time for a new sushi bar with legendary Paia chef Ivan Bersamin.
Hank’s Haute Dogs drew instant fans when it opened at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa with the Fat Boy, bacon wrapped and deep fried, and more.
Yvonne Biegel launched “Search” KHON-TV show starring Grand Wailea chef Michael Lofaro and cultural advisor Kainoa Horcajo.
Named after the famed Mexican self-portrait artist, Frida Kahlo, Frida’s Beach House opened in Lahaina as the latest restaurant in the Mark Ellman empire. . . Moana Bakery reopened next to Dazoo in Paia, then both closed later in the year. Hana Ranch Provision Co. is now in the old Dazoo spot on Baldwin Avenue.
One of Maui’s most popular restaurateurs, Jennifer Nguyen, celebrated 20 years in business at A Saigon Cafe in Wailuku. The same week, Bistro Casanova debuted the Alele Room for private parties, with art by Piero Resta, a beloved Italian painter, artist and former restaurateur, who passed away this year.
Ulu Market blossomed at the former Rodeo General Store in Kihei and Mary Dread played reggae at its opening party and breadfruit was served.
Maui’s own five-time Grammy nominee Amy Hanaiali’i debuted her new line of wine, beginning with merlot and now chardonnay.
Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses in Lahaina and Wailea sizzled and popped for the 50th anniversary of the franchise with the Veuve Clicquot promo under the expert direction of Kennan Randolph, marketing wiz. Near Costco, the Fresh Off the Boat food truck was a real 25-foot Penn Yan fishing trawler before husband and wife team Wayne and Heidi Miyahara renovated it.
The iconic Mama’s Fish House, which welcomed guests to its inn, oceanfront and adjacent to the dining rooms, was voted Best Restaurant on Maui. Entrees like crab-stuffed mahimahi will make you want to waddle to the hammock, then make your way to the inn.
Joey’s Kitchen celebrated comfort food by Chef Joey Macadangdang, formerly of Roy’s. Anthony Vargus mixed fresh seafood to order at Poke Hale Grindz in the old Tom’s Mini Mart in Paukukalo. . . . Former Spago General Manager Jacques Perwin was on a roll with the launch of Hopper Maui that brought restaurant cuisine right to your door from Makena to Maalaea.
Star Noodle in Lahaina hosted the Empty Bowl Project and diners got to slurp away with noodles, share plates and fun cocktails. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa flowed with the Ultimate Ocean Vodka Showdown . . . The Haliimaile Distillers opened its tour facilities.
Shep Gordon was honored by six of his famous chef pals at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa as part of the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. Acclaimed chefs who cooked included Mark Tarbell of Phoenix and Celestino Drago of Los Angeles.
The Montage Kapalua Bay let you Eat Your Drink with master mixologist Matthew Biancaniello shaking things up at a fun dinner. Maui Sugar Shop in Lahaina the place to go for gluten-free and organic.
Kapalua Wine & Food Festival brought in headliner chefs Michael Mina and Charlie Palmer. And Peter Merriman was voted Best Chef on Maui.