Side Orders • Feb. 20, 2014

February 20, 2014

AROUND THE TOWN . . . When locals and visitors hear about a new restaurant, they embrace it wholeheartedly. On its opening day, the new Sangrita Grill & Cantina in the Fairway Shops in Kaanapali had eager diners charging in like bulls at Cinco de Mayo.They sunk teeth into Mexican fare, such as short-rib tacos, seized whole chickens in the grab 'n go section, and drank top-shelf margaritas. Owner Paris Nabavi seems to have filled a niche in this new spot with wood furniture imported from Bali, distressed to look like it jumped right out of Senor Frog's in Mazatlan.Remember Patrick ...

Side Orders • Feb. 13, 2014

February 13, 2014

APHRODISIAC NEWS . . . According to experts, the top 10 foods with the hottest aphrodisiacal qualities are honey, oysters, garlic, chocolate, basil, bananas, avocados, figs, almonds and asparagus.Why am I writing about this, you ask? Because Friday is the height of romance, sweethearts!Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur is the latest product in Godiva's portfolio, on Maui shelves in time for Valentine's Day. It's the perfect marriage of sensual flavors from around the world. I say, skip boxes of chocolates and sip chocolate martinis! Naked Turtle Rum also just landed on our shores for ...

Side Orders • Feb. 6, 2014

February 6, 2014

AUSPICIOUS EVENTS . . . If you haven't had your fill of Chinese New Year events, the Year of the Horse is still cantering around the island. Ka'anapali Beach Hotel will celebrate its 23-year tradition with a buffet from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.The lion's mouth will snap, cymbals will crash, fireworks will explode and martial arts will be performed by Au's Shaolin Arts Society. Sip free-flowing champagne and enjoy Hawaiian music, too. More than 50 Asian foods will be presented, such as Chinese roast duck, pot stickers, shrimp chow mein, mini-manapua. sweet-and-sour pork ribs and ...

Side Orders • Jan. 30, 2014

January 30, 2014

NOT TONGUE TIED . . . I planned to do gardening and other household chores on Sunday, but decided to kiss it all goodbye.My friend and I headed to Paia for the blessing celebration of the new Rock & Brews, where we spotted some people we knew in the crowd.Glass artist Tom Trottier says he etched the Hawaiian figures on the restroom doors. Al Lagunero conducted the blessing in full native regalia (and his murals adorned the walls). Olelo Brown (formerly chef at StopWatch) said she'll run the grill, when the restaurant opens in February. Marty Dread was spotted, talking to partner ...

Side Orders • Jan. 23, 2014

January 23, 2014

TONGUE IN CHEEK . . . Sometimes, or should I say oftentimes, Maui restaurants don't open on schedule, and we have to take it with a grain of salt. Tongue-in-cheek humor works, too.Especially when we're talking about KISS rockers Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, the latter world-famous for sticking out his tongue.The point is, Rock 'n' Brews in the old Jacques Bistro spot in Paia will proceed ahead with a private blessing this weekend, but Simmon's partners will only say that they will "open our doors soon."Maui artist Al Lagunero will put his cultural renderings on the floor, the tables, ...

Side Orders • Jan. 16, 2014

January 16, 2014

ITALIAN INVASION . . . Love Italian cuisine? Then I suggest you enjoy a leisurely repast at Saltimbocca, the new modern Italian cucina at the former Waterfront spot at Maalaea Harbor.One special is the three-course lunch with soup, salad and pasta for $18, and the menu rotates daily. As an example, you may begin with soup du jour or cannelini bean soup. Then Caesar salad or mista insalata are served with entree choices of spaghetti and meatballs, penne ai tre formaggi or penne all arrabiata.Further south in Wailea, the new Matteo's Osteria just got its liquor license. It now pours 64 ...