Side Orders • Aug. 14, 2014

August 14, 2014

IN A NANO SECOND . . . Putting a smile on my face for decades was Robin Williams. Then in a nano second, he was gone. Hurricanes Iselle and Julio were coming, and then they shifted, damaging and flooding only parts of the state, like Ulupalakua and Puna.Some restaurants battened down the hatches and closed for the storm, like Mama's Fish House. Now that the coast is clear, literally, I say head straight to its oceanfront spot in Kuau now for the new seared-ono entree with dipping sauce and housemade poi. It's well, ono!Others, like A Saigon Cafe in Wailuku, decided to stay open with a ...

Side Orders • Aug. 7, 2014

August 7, 2014

FOOD FOR THOUGHT . . . T-Bone Walker sang, "Stormy Monday, and Tuesday's Just The Same." But I say, "What about this weekend?" Huh?! Mauians certainly won't be "Walking on Sunshine" with two big weather systems bearing down on us.That's why Maui Arts & Cultural Center will postpone its annual signature fundraiser, Maui Calls, previously set for Friday. A firm date will soon be announced, according to MACC management. Lahaina Second Friday party planners felt prudent to cancel their event, too.I must say, it was interesting to put together this week's Maui Scene calendar, as Lana'i ...

Side Orders • July 31, 2014

July 31, 2014

AROUND THE TOWN . . . Only 2 percent of the population claims to be vegan, so you'd think that a vegan restaurant wouldn't fly.But there are those of us who crave a healthful meal once in awhile, and that's why Hawaiian Super Foods Kava Bar in Kahului is making it. It's situated on Lono Avenue behind the new Plantation Grindz. Look for the big, orchid-color sign on the side of the building."We've been here about a year now, and we just recently launched a new and improved menu," says owner-chef Elijah Manahan. "Besides our popular acai bowls and smoothies, we've added comfort foods."So ...

Side Orders • July 24, 2014

July 24, 2014

WINNERS, ALL . . . The sixth annual statewide Coffee Cupping Competition was just held in the heart of the Kona Coffee Belt at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Brewing interest was MauiGrown Coffee, which tied for No. 1 in the Commercial Division.The award for the highest scoring coffee from Maui was Keokea Farms with its organic entry of Typica, Kent and Caturra varietals. Owners Ann Ashley and Rafael Escobar once again made Maui proud.Also in the Maui Division, Kimo Falconer's MauiGrown Coffee's Mokka Natural received second place; and third place went to Tom ...

Side Orders • July 17, 2014

July 17, 2014

THE NEW MAUI . . . How many new restaurants can open in one summer? How many times can Emeril Lagasse dine on Maui?"Last night was very special in Mala Wailea's Buddha Room," says Melanie Wicker, group event manager of the popular restaurant."Chefs Mark Ellman and Sheldon Simeon prepared a five-course meal, featuring dishes from Mala and Migrant, for guests of Lagasse's Foundation.Of course, the BAM! man was in attendance, as was movie star owner Shep Gordon, Sammy Hagar and his wife, Kari, Mick Fleetwood and Bob Cabral, winemaker and GM of the fabulous Williams Selyem Winery. "It was a ...

Side Orders • July 10, 2014

July 10, 2014

NEW IN WAILEA . . . In last week's Side Orders, I waxed poetic in regards to 4th of July hot dogs and the history of the frankfurter.This week, it's all about upcoming events, new places and fun menus. Fustini's Oils & Vinegars opened just last week, taking over part of Celebrities Gallery upstairs in the Shops at Wailea. With five locations in Michigan, Fustini's Maui is the first in the state. Owner Jim Milligan says he procures only just-crushed and harvested oils."Right now, we are importing from countries such as Peru, New Zealand and Australia in the Southern Hemisphere; and ...