Side Orders • December 1, 2016

IN WEST MAUI . . . Uncorking its next monthly wine tasting dinner on Friday will be Lahaina Coolers. For starters, sip Matanzas Creek sauvignon blanc and savor pistachio-pumpkin soup.

The next course is Cambria chardonnay of Sonoma paired with butternut squash and goat cheese tartines; followed by Liberated cabernet sauvignon of Sonoma paired with shepherd's pie. Dinner will be prepared by Lahaina Coolers' GM Sean Stover and cost is $60 per person. For reservations, call 661-7082.

It's always a sea of change on Maui and it's sad to report that Lulu's Lahaina Surf Club & Grill at Lahaina Cannery Mall will be closing Dec. 18, an employee confirmed. The big, lively venue with island cuisine and umbrella drinks will be missed from the dining scene.

Hard Rock Cafe Maui will soften its tune at the end of the year and close at the Outlets of Maui mall in Lahaina after a run of 26 years. Corporate clones will come in and debrand the rock 'n' roll-themed cafe with an American vibe.

Yet, Lahaina keeps ticking with veteran restaurants like Longhi's on Front Street, celebrating 40 years of successful business at the end of this month.

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BITS AND PIECES . . . Hui No'eau Visual Art Center's First Night is from 5 to 8 p.m. today and it will be a very merry, shop-till-you-drop extravaganza on Baldwin Avenue in Makawao.

Bring friends and do holiday shopping as you enjoy drinks, pupu and spirited music  surrounded by festive holiday decor of the Kaluanui estate.

"See our annual handmade paper dress installation by Maui artist Deybra Fair. First Night guests will also have the first   access to Hui's beautiful and sought-after handmade wreaths," says Erin Wooldridge,  development, membership and marketing manager.

Drink will include holiday cider and food will be by artist/chef Tim Garcia, who will make kalua-pork tostadas with guacamole, sour cream and cabbage; ahi poke with ogo, sea asparagus, wasabi shoyu and red onion on crisp won ton chips topped with tobiko and furikake; and brie and asparagus on toasted French bread with caramelized onions. Deejay Claudio Marchetti will spin festive holiday tunes.

First Night 2016 courtyard vendors are Jasmine Bustamante (jewelry); Catherine Conarroe of Cici Maui Designs; Diane Ybarra, Sweet Betty Confections; Maggie Costigan (jewelry); Katie Lutz (ceramics); Kris Goto (artist); and more. This is a 21- and-older event. Cost is $30. For tickets, call the Hui at 572-6560.

Duke's Beach House will celebrate its seventh anniversary from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday  at its oceanfront spot in north Kaanapali with live music by Henry Kapono as well as complimentary pupu.

Those who bring an unwrapped toy (for keiki 3 and younger to be donated to Imua Family Services) will receive an entry into the Duke's raffle.

Three's Bar & Grill on South Kihei Road in Kihei is set to reopen for full service today after a fire in the kitchen shut down the restaurant for a while.

Tonight is the night to watch Maui's own Sheldon Simeon compete on "Top Chef Charleston" Season 14 on the Bravo Media channels 40 and 560. The premiere episode airs at 8 p.m.

The Yuletide Market Fair will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday in the Kihei tasting room of Maui Brewing Co. It's a one-stop shop for buying holiday gifts, listening to music, eating foods and sipping beer and specialty cocktails. Maui Fresh Streatery will be there with its food truck and Maui Sweet Cakes will be tempting attendees with desserts.

Last but not least, Kahului Hongwanji Mission will present its end-of-the-year Yard Sale from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday with baked goods, chow fun and lau lau.

* Got restaurant / dining-event scoop?

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