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ODE TO LOWER MAIN . . . Dozens of longtime landmarks line the long stretch of asphalt from the ocean to Wailuku town. It’s far from fancy like Wailea, but Lower Main has grit and local character.
From tasty Tokyo Tei that served a young Sen. John F. Kennedy back in the day to the legendary Home Maid Bakery, aka “home of the crispy manju,” that is undergoing an outdoor face-lift, Lower Main boasts old staples and two brand new food businesses.
Donut Dynamite took over Manapua Bakery after it took its final bao and people have caught on like moths to a flame, lining up outside the door until the bacon-maple, Maui vanilla-bean and cinnamon-toasty-crunchy donuts and guava malasadas are all wiped out.
“We had a soft opening just last week and we are so pleased by the HUGE response,” says Madame Donut, the legal name of the person whose husband and business partner is Frank Parada.
Donut Dynamite is open from 7 to 10 a.m. except for Sundays, when it’s by appointment. After a grand opening, the brioche-style of bakery will expand its hours. Donuts cost $4 each and $3 each if you buy by the dozen (swap meet prices). Call 280-6442.
The Golden Coin Bake Shop & Restaurant will open on Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner with hours from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Filipino fast food, take out and catering will include tortang talog (eggplant omelet); grilled squid and longanisa and eggs. Owners are Joseph Uy and Elizabeth Chu.
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BITS & PIECES . . . The free-spirited Gypsy Maui coffee truck is changing gears, relocating to the sprawling grounds of Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center on Baldwin Avenue, between Makawao and Haliimaile from 7:45 a.m. to noon Mondays to Fridays. Sip magical Gypsy espresso with coconut oil and buffalo butter – lattes, 100-percent Maui coffees, teas and brunch fare of organic ingredients. With Wi-Fi, 100-year-old trees, and original art displayed in the gallery and a gift shop, Gypsy Maui is a new favorite hangout for the Upcountry set.
BMW of Maui in Kahului will rev it up from 4 to 6 p.m. today with a free Maui Jazz & Blues Festival Party with sax masters Rock Hendricks and Joie Tayler and Na Hoku-winning guitarist Benny Uyetake. Groove to the tunes and munch free pupu by Brigit & Bernard’s Garden Cafe. “We’ll make German bratwurst, potato salad and saurkraut with homemade seed mustard,” says owner-chef Bernard Weber. “Then mark your calendars for Fridays and Saturdays in October, starting on the 7th,” says Weber. “It will be our Oktoberfest celebration. I’ve hired sous chef David Gemberling, formerly of Bistro Casanova, and we will add new things to the menu and expand the deck area after the celebrations.”
Japengo at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa will also play host to the jazz and blues fest Monday to Wednesday with Gene Argel and John Zangrando. A prix-fixe menu for $60 offers calamari or hoisin-glazed pork ribs; grilled ahi or Durham beef; and dessert.
Who remembers the Waterfront restaurant? The former bastion of fine dining on Maui may be gone, but its famous en Bastille fish lives on at 5 Palms in Kihei. Yes, through September, you may order fresh catch en Bastille, that is, “imprisoned” in ribbons of fresh angel-hair potato, then sauteed and topped in a nest of fresh scallions, mushrooms, tomatoes and lemon beurre blanc.
“When people see me working at 5 Palms and talk about the Waterfront and stuff, the en Bastille dish invariable comes up as it’s fixed on their minds,” says former owner of the Waterfront and now 5 Palms Director of Operations Gary Smith. “It’s really good. I myself am excited because I miss it so much.”
In addition, you may also bring your favorite bottle of wine to enjoy in September with the special and 5 Palms will waive your corkage fee.
Who out there among my readers is a school teacher? McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii wants to thank you with a medium cup of hot or iced coffee on Tuesday or on Sept. 13, 20 and 27, and no purchase is necessary. Just bring your school ID.