Side Orders • February 16, 2017
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NEW UPCOUNTRY. . . A Middle Eastern fusion cafe opened on Monday in the courtyard between Rodeo General Store and Master Jewelers in the heart of paniolo land in Makawao.
Habibi serves shawarma, falafels and different hashes with lamb, chicken, fish or spiced chick peas; and desserts of baklava and loukoumade -- the latter a yeasty dough ball deep fried and rolled in brown sugar and then glazed with orange blossom honey.
"I used to have a food truck with the same name," says owner Michael Worrell. "I lived in Saudi Arabia for 15 years as my dad worked for an oil company there and my food is reminiscent of that country."
For starters, Habibi is open only from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Worrell and partner Lindsay Hogan built decks, a mosaic fountain and refinished tables.
Makawao Steak House has been sold. The new owners are keeping the name and are doing small menu changes but nothing drastic so far. They also own Hoku Nui Maui, a 260-acre Olinda Farm that grows produce and raises cattle, chicken and lamb.
Do check Makawao out this week at the Third Friday Town Party. Performing on the main stage by Habibi will be the band Luna Overdrive.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Thinking about driving out to East Maui this weekend? There is a rare opportunity to view a collection of homes and vacant lots from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in the Hana Town Open House Tour -- all within close proximity of the Travaasa Hana hotel, stores and food trucks.
"It's going to be a fun day for Maui folks to get to view a lot of Maui homes and get a bite to eat," says real estate agent Mindy Armour.
"Some of my favorite Hana eating places are Braddah Hutts with pasta and teri chicken," Armour continues. You might even spot Weird Al Yankovic having lunch on the next table over. I also love Shaka Pops and Thai Food by Prance."
Speaking of food booths and trucks, about 18 will be spread around at Kalama Park in Kihei on World Whale Day from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Grind Mexican food from Horhitos Mobile Taqueria to frozen ice cream in organic cones by Dragon Cones to curries and tom yum perhaps by Maui Thai Bistro.
Remember when Three's Bar & Grill had a kitchen fire that closed it for awhile? The Kihei restaurant will have its grand reopening today with a blessing at 4 p.m., specials on fresh island fish, noodles and sushi throughout dinner and live music all night. Three's Food Truck will also be at World Whale Day on Saturday.
Kihei's brand-new Shearwater Tavern is listed at No. 2 on OpenTable's Best Value list and No. 7 on the Fit for Foodies list. "We just opened in mid-December and we're thrilled and humbled that our community has embraced us in this way," says GM Reed Robertson.
Breakwall Shave Ice Co. in Lahaina now serves adult shave ice with alcohol during happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m. daily for only $5.
Four Season Resort Maui's popular Beachwalk Cafe has reopened with high-top communal tables just footsteps from the sand with premium coffee, espresso drinks, house gelato and views of whales.
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NOBLE CAUSES . . . More food trucks will rally to the cause of Maui baby Sully Forbes, who has a rare form of eye cancer. So if you are shopping on Saturday, head to the Food Truck Lot across from Costco on the Haleakala Highway, grab a bite and 10 percent of the proceeds will go to assist with Sully's medical expenses.
Owner-chef Wayne Miyahira will do sushi and fresh catch for Sully's cause from his Fresh Off the Boat food truck and there will be many more helping out from Like Poke? to Kalei's Lunch Box.
Another fundraiser for 21-month-old Trucker Dukes, who also has a rare form of cancer, will be held at 10 p.m. Saturday at Sansei Kapalua. Cover charge of $10 will go to his ohana and 100 percent of the sales from the Sansei panko-crusted ahi sashimi roll will also be donated from 5:30 p.m. until closing.
* Got restaurant / dining-event scoop?
Call Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342; or email carlatracy@mauinews.com.