Side Orders • November 10, 2016

ACTION PACKED . . . Do you adore chocolate? How about cheesecake? Then run to the Life is Sweet fundraiser for Best Buddies Hawaii from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at The Shops at Wailea.

But you won't be able to run there as fast as my fellow dessert contest judge and host Carl Lewis, who won 10 Olympic medals back in his heyday, nine Golds.

After retirement as World Athlete of the Century, Lewis became an actor and was in a number of films. His golden sneakers were iconic.

"Life is Sweet is a community fundraising event where top resort and restaurant chefs compete for the title of Wailea's Signature Dessert of 2017, raising awareness and funds to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities," says Sarah Man, state director.

"Life is Sweet plays a key role in funding Best Buddies programs that are dedicated to one-to-one friendships, leadership development and integrated job opportunities for individuals with IDD."

Cost of $60 per person includes lots of desserts, live Hawaiian entertainment, fine wine tasting by Alan Jahns of Paradise Beverages, and yummy tapas-style savory entrees. For tickets, visit www.bestbuddies.org/lismaui or call 242-6962.

The King Kamehameha Golf Club in Waikapu, Kahili Restaurant is revamped as a fine art hub eatery.

"We will be holding our opening today and there will then be a permanent exhibition and a series of regular events to celebrate artists of the month," says Michael Dawson, who has joined with the management for the new concept.

"At 5:30 p.m., we'll have champagne and pupu and if you want dinner, it's available after that. Menu items include Chef Eddie Munoz's signature sirloin steak pupu, seared ahi, coconut shrimp, crab cake pupu, miso and ginger opakapaka and Kahili baked chicken. They are bringing in sofas, easy chairs and possibly a fire pit on the lanai," he continues. Call 244-6000.

Restaurant Week Wailea is still making people hungry through this Saturday at 20 participating restaurants. For reservations, visit www.opentable.com.

The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is snapping with a three-course crab leg feast on Friday nights in November at Black Rock Kitchen. Cost of $58 includes fresh green salad, one pound of steamed snow crab legs, seasonal roasted Maui vegetables, loaded mashed potatoes and dessert. Tax and tip are extra. Call (808) 921 4600.

Dave Mason will join the regular rock star lineup on New Year's Eve this year at Shep Gordon's annual bash at Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Other regular rock stars who entertain include Alice Cooper, Doobie Brothers Michael McDonald and Patrick Simmons and many more.

This year, the party will move to the top of the ballroom. Fireworks, cocktails and pupu are included with the music in the big price tag of $600 per person, but a portion of the proceeds go to Maui Food Bank and Maui Arts & Cultural Center. For tickets, email nyemala2013@gmail.com.

Another noteworthy benefit is the seventh annual Dine Out for Hospice on Tuesday at 33 restaurants all over the island from 5 Palms and Ko in South Maui to Colleen's at the Haiku Cannery and Kula Bistro in the Upcountry area. All you have to do is order a meal and a portion of the proceeds will go to this noble cause.

Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop on the west side in Olowalu and Mala Ocean Tavern in Lahaina will also participate, as will Aria's and The Mill House in central Maui. For a complete list, visit www.hospicemaui.org/news-andevents/dine-out.

Speaking of The Mill House, a Robert Sinskey wine dinner will flow Nov. 17; and in South Kihei, Sarento's on the Beach will uncork a Torbreck wine dinner with Matt Lane that same evening. From Olympians to rock stars to famous wine peeps, Maui is in full gear right now.

* Got restaurant / dining-event scoop?

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