Side Orders • August 20, 2015

August 20, 2015

ALL ABOUT EVITA . . . The star of MAPA Live's production of "Evita" will be sporting a new "do" when she graces the Castle Theater stage for the elaborate run starting on Friday.But don't call Amy Hanaiali'i a "platinum blonde." She's rather a "chardonnay chanteuse," with buttery overtones and highlights.That's because Hawaii's top-selling female vocalist of all time will release her new 2013 Hanaiali'i Napa Valley Chardonnay at the private VIP opening party at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center."It will also be available for sale to audience members in the courtyard after 6:30 p.m. ...

Side Orders • August 13, 2015

August 13, 2015

AROUND THE TOWN So many new places to dine and so little time. Jumping at Azeka's Makai is the new, super casual Nalu's South Shore Grill, where you walk up to the counter to place your order for everything from juicy burgers to lobster-clam bakes to local farm-fresh salads.Owner Ron Panzo also operates Lulu's Lahaina Surf Club & Grill and he managed Nick's Fish Market back in the day as well as did restaurant consulting in Indonesia, so he knows how to create a cool vibe." 'Nalu' means three things, including 'energy of the ocean,' 'tranquility' and 'go with the flow,' " says ...

Sides Orders • August 6, 2015

August 6, 2015

WINNERS, ALL . . . Do you love a cuppa? Maui is producing some stellar beans, as indicated by results of the recent Hawaii Coffee Association Conference & Cupping Competition on the Big Island.Taking the lead for Maui growers this year was Tambra Gardens /Kula Beans, owned and operated by Tama and Don Brandeburg."Besides placing first on Maui, they also placed ninth in the very competitive, statewide Creative Division," says David Gridley, owner of Maui Oma Coffee Roasters and HCA's cupping committee chairman. "Second place on Maui went to Keokea Farms - owned and operated by Ann ...

Side Orders • July 16, 2015

July 16, 2015

READ BETWEEN THE WINES . . . A new party board game of wine wit and wordplay, "Read Between The Wines," has hit store shelves and wine-loving players sip and scribble, and sip to win.On Maui, wine dinners are coming out of the woodwork to entice us. Ruth's Chris Steak House Wailea will host the Grgich Hills wine dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, July 24 with five pairing courses.Highlights are pan-roasted crab cake with mango salsa, spicy shrimp margarita, endive-arugula salad, petite filet and chocolate sin cake. Grgich wines will flow. Cost is $125 per adult. Call 874-8880.At 6:45 p.m. Friday, ...

Side Orders • July 9, 2015

July 9, 2015

AS MAUI TURNS . . . This island provides a fickle climate for restaurants, although it retains the No. 1 spot on Travel + Leisure's list of "Top Islands in Hawaii" in its 2015 "World's Best Awards" readers survey to appear in the August issue."Stellar food, friendly people, lots to do and, of course, spectacular beaches - Maui is a pretty perfect package according to T+L readers, so it's no surprise to see this perennial favorite topping the list once again," says editor Nathan Lump.In regards to being fickle, it's sad to note Saltimbocca in Maalaea has closed. "It is with a heavy heart ...

Sides Orders • July 2, 2015

July 2, 2015

NEW IN WAIKAPU . . . The family meals for four people are all the rage. Choose from baked ziti, pesto or Bolognese lasagne, spaghetti and meatballs or spinach or cheese canneloni with salads and freshly baked focaccia bread for $18 to $24.Maui Pasta Co. invites you to call in your orders for quick pickup. Starting as a roadside stand, it's now settled into its spot on Honoapiilani Highway in Waikapu. Owner and Executive Chef Patricia Inman studied pasta making in Florence and Rome for two years. She and husband Ron Inman also make lavosh, sauces, side dishes, sandwiches, pizzas and ...