Side Orders • October 6, 2016

OOM-PAH-PAH . . . Last week, this column toasted to the famous autumn fest that involves merrymaking and drinking frothy beer. The Oktoberfest fun continues Fridays and Saturdays through the month at Brigit & Bernard's Garden Cafe in the Kahului Industrial Area.

"Authentic music, German beer and our all-you-can-eat German buffet is the secret to our 18th Oktoberfest," says owner-chef Bernard Weber.

Do the chicken dance to oom-pah music by Lisa Owen and the Dorfmusikantens, sip from Bitburger to Spaten on draught, and  from an array of bottled beers. And do a shot of Jagermeister if you are brave. Bavaria never had it so good.

(Arguably the best chicken dancer to have strutted his stuff there was Jason Chau of Asian Star a few years back.)

Doors open at 6 p.m. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. Assisting Weber with the sauerbraten, bratwurst, Hungarian goulash, spaetzle, red cabbage and more will be veteran Maui chef David Gemberling. The all-you-can-eat buffet is $40; apple strudel is a la carte. To reserve a seat, call 877-6000.

Wailuku First Friday town party will feature an Oktoberfest beer garden from 6 to 9 p.m. this week along with live music by Josh Kahula.

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A MOUNTAIN OF FOOD. . . Top isle chefs will be cooking up a storm at the Taste of Upcountry farm-to-table culinary celebration from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Montessori School of Maui. Do bring your appetites to the beautifully manicured lawn of the school campus at 2933 Baldwin Ave. in Makawao.

"While great food is the centerpiece of the evening, the festivities (hosted by emcee Kainoa Horcajo) also include a silent and live auction, live acoustic Brazilian music by ManaBrasil and cocktails, wine and beer available for purchase," according to Development Director Ali Grimes. "The event is open to members of the public that are 21 years of age and older."

Montessori's primary fundraising event of the year will present cuisine by Gary King of the Oceanside Restaurant (set to reopen next month); Cameron Lewark of Spago; Uma Dugied of Star Anise Catering; Sean Christianson of the Maui Country Club; Sheldon Simeon of Tin Roof; and chefs of the Ulupalakua Ranch Store.

Pau Vodka by Hali'imaile Distillery will be shaken into cocktails by Ross Steidel of Perfect Pour Maui and a good time should be had by all. General admission tickets are $100 and VIP seats are $125. You may call 573-0374.

BITS & PIECES . . . The national Drink Local Wine Week will be uncorked Tuesday through Oct. 17at MauiWine in Ulupalakua. Sip complimentary tastings at King's Cottage from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and enjoy tours of the estate and wine cellar as well as the Old Jail. Kamaaina will get 30 percent off all wines purchased.

"Small production is beautiful," explains Paula Hegele, MauiWine president.

Speaking of wine, Lahaina Coolers will present its next wine dinner Friday as it does on the first Friday of each month. The dinner inclues three glasses of wine and three food pairings for $60.

Sip Frei Brothers sauvignon blanc, ZD Uncaged pinot noir and Columbia Crest cab with the lively cuisine. For reservations, call 661-7082.

Plantation House Kapalua restaurant just  debuted a new chop house concept and it will run as a pop-up restaurant within the restaurant on Thursdays, sizzling with large cuts of premium meats and traditional sides by Chef Jojo Vasquez.

Island Grocery Depot's 30th birthday party runs now through Oct. 25 with special savings and giveaways at both the Kahului and Lahaina locations.

"We will be having some great deals to show our appreciation to Maui for 30 years of supporting our local company," says owner Nelson Okumura.

* Got restaurant / dining-event scoop?

Call Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342; or email carlatracy@mauinews.com.