Side Orders • February 23, 2017
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AROUND THE TOWN . . . The who's who of Maui poured into Humuhumunukunukuapua'a at Grand Wailea recently to celebrate its grand reopening and rebranding as Humuhumu, dazzled by Chef de Cuisine Mike Lofaro's new Hawaii Seasonal Cuisine menu and the renovation. The circular bar is now surrounded by modern seating and lounge tables positioned to maximize the brilliant sunset views on Wailea Beach.
The first to arrive at the party was Pardee Erdman, owner of Ulupalakua Ranch and MauiWine with friend Paul Meyer. Over 200 kamaaina were there to support Boys and Girls Clubs of Maui with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit that serves 7,000 isle keiki. Tom Donovan, managing director of the Grand Wailea, presented the whopping $20,000 check.
Speaking of MauiWine, it will be uncorked at a special winemaker dinner at Son'z Steakhouse starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday including its viognier, rose, grenache and syrah. Son'z also underwent a renovation to its lounge and Executive Chef Geno Sarmiento delights with gourmet pupu at a reception followed by five courses from seared diver scallops to chopped Greek salad to ahi prime rib to prime New York steak. New MauiWine winemaker Mark Beaman will chat up guests. Cost is $125 per person. Call 667-4508.
And back to the Grand Wailea, Amy Hanaiali'i just held an industry night on Tuesday to show off her upcoming Hawaiian Room at the resort.
While it launched with a New Year's Eve show, it will, "At Last," have a soft opening on March 25 with food and Amy doing from Etta James to Tina Turner to Holoholo Ka'a to Justin Timberlake. It will offer 5 p.m. receptions and 6 p.m. shows Saturdays until May 12, which is its grand opening. The five-time Grammy-nominated artist will also have a Mother's Day show. For tickets, visit www.hawaiianroomshow.com.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Oh, yes. I must not forget about Sheldon Simeon of Tin Roof, who's advancing like the Energizer Bunny on "Top Chef."
In tonight's episode, the three remaining chefs head to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, where culinary legend Jeremiah Tower teaches them about Mayan cooking and challenges them to use ancient ingredients in a cenote, or sinkhole. Watch back-to-back "Top Chef" episodes on the Bravo cable channels at 7 and 8 p.m. this evening. The two winning chefs will move on to compete in the finale. Will Sheldon keep on ticking? Watch to find out.
Journey will take you on a voyage to the land of rock 'n' roll on Tuesday at the A&B Amphitheater at Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului, and there will be a world of food from which to choose.
Maui Tacos will dish up a taste of Mexico with plates and bowls with rice and beans. Three's Bar & Grill will be all over the map with kalua pork quesadillas, hoisin ground turkey lettuce wraps, sushi rolls, Upcountry kale salad and fish sandwiches.
Outrigger Pizza will take you to Italy with cheese pies and toppings. Sumo Dogs will wrestle your taste buds with island-style hot dogs and shave ice. And AK's Cafe will do Asian garlic noodles, crab cakes and more. Rounding off the outdoor concert menu will be Donut Dynamite and Maui Kazowie Kettlecorn.
Hula Grill in Kaanapali boasts Aloha Hour from 3 to 5 p.m. daily with pupu such as tandoori shrimp, kiawe wings and crisp vegetables and hummus from $8 to $10; cocktails such as house margaritas and boozy lemonade for $6 and wine and draft beer for just $5. Hula Grill also set a recent stage for "Booze Traveler: Best Bars" to film for a future show on the Travel Channel.
Taste of School Gardens is coming up March 4 on the Sunset Lawn of Hotel Wailea with dishes created by good things grown in well, school gardens, but prepared by top island chefs. New chefs this year are Peleg Miron of Spago and Zack Sato of Hotel Wailea. For tickets, you may visit www.growsomegood.org.
Part of Maui Plein Air Invitational, the Art to Heart gala and art show will tempt at 6 p.m. Friday at Royal Lahaina Resort with an artist's reception, four-course feast and the Gina Martinelli jazz combo. Call 665-1491.
* Got restaurant / dining-event scoop?
Call Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342; or email carlatracy@mauinews.com.