Side Orders • March 16, 2017
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IT'S GREEK TO ME . . . Restaurants keep budding in Haiku like bamboo in the rainforest. Next week, lovers of Mediterranean cuisine may feast at the new Greek Oven Maui in Haiku Aloha Aina Center.
But it won't be your typical Greek cuisine. It will dish up gluten-free breads and vegan options for breakfast starting 5:30 a.m. and serve lunch soon. The aromatic coffee is said to be out of this world. On Sundays it will feature lamb on the menu as well.
Athens native Adonis Kapsalis met his South American wife Santuzza Kapsalis in Brazil and the couple moved here to be Realtors.
But things change. The couple teamed with Lilia Biniari, a native of Greece, at the Upcountry farmers market and the concept was born. Even the moussaka is vegan, made with a combo of mushrooms, lentils and tomatoes to imitate the meat in a sauce of cashew milk with potatoes and eggplant and gluten-free flour.
"It's a pain to make. The moussaka takes hours," Biniari says. "I also make baklava, so sweet with macadamia nuts that pay homage to Maui while it holds onto the old-country recipe in other respects."
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Do you want to celebrate St. Paddy's Day in a sober, alcohol-free environment that's fit for the whole family?
Then come to the Coffee Attic in Wailuku and sip tea, coffee or lemonade, get dressed in costume and listen to the music of Soul Kitchen.
"It's a $10 cover charge and we'll have pizzas, salads, wraps and pastries available for purchase," says owner John Henry. "We'll have a dance floor and prizes for the best costumes."
Sip imported Japanese green tea and savor creamy pesto chicken, Kumu green salad and top it off with Key Lime pie. Call 250-9555.
The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset will host Go For the Green St. Patrick's Day party on Friday at Royal Lahaina Resort in Kaanapali. Residents and visitors are invited to kick up their heels from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the resort's Molokai Ballroom with a no-host bar, a pupu buffet of Irish, Hawaiian and veggie entrees and desserts; and dancing to Fred's Garage. Proceeds benefit scholarship and recycling programs. Bid on more than 100 auction items such as a dinner for eight by Chef Lyndon Honda of Laulima Events & Catering. Cost of $95 per person includes dinner and two beverages. For tickets, you may visit the website at www. universe.com/goforthegreen.
Calling Maui farmers and island food manufacturers. The 25th annual Celebration of the Arts is coming April 14 and 15 and host hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua wants you to participate.
"Hawaii's premier hands-on art and cultural festival will also feature for the first time a farmers co-op that focuses on Polynesian fruits, vegetables and packaged goods," says Clifford Nae'ole, cultural advisor.
"Any crafters, artisans, farmers and Konane (Hawaiian checkers) players that are interested in participating are asked to call the Celebration hotline at 665-7084 and leave all the necessary contact information including your email addresses."
Rock & Brews Paia, the rock-based restaurant owned by KISS front men Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, is on a roll with the Go Mad Sweepstakes basketball promo now through April 3.
Those 18 and older may fill out a form in the restaurant to win prizes such as a trip for two to Chicago and tickets to attend a music fest this summer.
In the resort shuffle, Jenn Evetuschick has climbed up the corporate ladder to be named executive sous chef of the Westin Maui Resort & Spa. . . Grand Wailea Managing Director Tom Donovan has accepted a position at Pelican Hill Resort in Corona del Mar, Calif., and will begin in April. . . Michael Jokovich is back on island as general manager of Andaz Maui at Wailea and area vice president for Hawaii's Hyatt properties.
* Got restaurant / dining-event scoop?
Call Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342; or email carlatracy@mauinews.com.