Maui Food+Wine Festival and Taste of Wailea
Probably one of the best times to visit Maui, and for good reason for food and wine connoisseurs. A back-to-back experience of the islands' best chefs and wine experts. The Food and Wine Fest represents a broad range of restaurants and vineyards from the islands and mainland (with an emphasis this year on locally grown Maui farms). The Taste of Wailea focuses specifically on the Wailea region of Maui, primarily the 5 star hotel restaurants such as the Four Seasons; this is paired nicely with the outdoor movie experience of the Film Fest. My friend was determined to attend this weekends' latter event, particularly because Hollywood stars are known to fly in just for the film and food. Regardless of this star-craze, I look forward to flying in as well, and enjoying the excitement. (see posts on main blog for more information)
May 5, 2011
"Morimoto Waikiki" (Oahu)
Bacon Donut + Bacon Ice Cream
You probably recognize him from TV--it's Iron Chef Morimoto. Yup, he opened a new venue in Waikiki and it's been a hit, particularly among men. I didn't fully understand why this was until I read an article about a popular breakfast menu item that reinforces this trend--Morimoto's serves a "manly" breakfast: a bacon donut drizzled with liquor based sauce, paired with a scoop of bacon ice cream! Indeed, a hearty morning treat for any guy. And while sushi is Morimoto's signature dish, the menu also includes steak and a number of thoughtfully prepared seafood dishes. While I wasn't able to check this restaurant out in March (though I almost did in January), it's certainly on my list for the coming weeks. And now that I've read about their bacon inspired menu items, I am certain to check this place out. As I often say, everything tastes better with bacon!
Bacon Donut + Bacon Ice Cream
You probably recognize him from TV--it's Iron Chef Morimoto. Yup, he opened a new venue in Waikiki and it's been a hit, particularly among men. I didn't fully understand why this was until I read an article about a popular breakfast menu item that reinforces this trend--Morimoto's serves a "manly" breakfast: a bacon donut drizzled with liquor based sauce, paired with a scoop of bacon ice cream! Indeed, a hearty morning treat for any guy. And while sushi is Morimoto's signature dish, the menu also includes steak and a number of thoughtfully prepared seafood dishes. While I wasn't able to check this restaurant out in March (though I almost did in January), it's certainly on my list for the coming weeks. And now that I've read about their bacon inspired menu items, I am certain to check this place out. As I often say, everything tastes better with bacon!
Bacon donut and ice cream ($12), extra scoop of bacon ice cream ($4)
July 19, 2010Some of the most thoughtfully and skillfully prepared dishes with a touch of Hawaii/Pacific Rim inspiration are enjoyed at Chef Mavro, which is slowly becoming my favorite Honolulu restaurant. The service is impeccable and ambiance unpretenscious, a bit dated to the 1990s. I recommend the 6 course tasting menu to try a range of the chefs' skills and delightful culinary creations. (The tasting menu at Roy's Hawaii Kai is excellent, and 3660 on the Rise and Alan Wongs come in second place). But Chef Mavro offers guests the chance to think about the flavors, textures and aromas in ways that these others have yet to achieve. Can't recall each dish I had, but I think these are a few of them. {For animal rights reason, I've been trying to stay away from my beloved Foie Gras, and sadly must admit that I did enjoy it's preparation at Chef Mavro. Also enjoyed some good malasada here--though Champions and Leonards are still local classics):
Sauteed HudsonValley Foie Gras | with poha berries, spiced kabocha bread, braised leeks, balsamic glaze
Crisped Sablefish “Basquaise" | with garlic, tomato, picholine olives, capers, essence of basil
Wagyu Beef | sautéed strip loin medallions, oxtail rillettes, potato fondants, onion sprouts & garlic shoots, sumida watercress purée, bordelaise sauce
Lilikoi Malasadas | with guava coulis, pineapple-coconut ice cream
Tuesday - Sat, 6:30-9:30pm (Closed Mondays; Dinner only) | 1969 S. King St. (McCully St.) Honolulu, 96826 | 808.944.4714
July 5, 2010
"David Paul’s Island Grill" (Maui)
Shared an excellent bottle of white wine to pair with seafood--Whitehall Lane 2008 Savingon Blanc. I started with the multi-colored beet salad and maui goat cheese, followed by the butternut squash raviolo and lobster sauteed in butter and garlic. For dessert I had David Paul's specialty--multi-berry pie with homemade chantilly and vanilla ice cream (excellent crust). 900 Front Street, Lahaina, 808.662.3000
July1, 2010
"Maui's Best Plate Lunch" (Maui)
Da Kitchen | The best plate lunch on Maui! Located in a strip mall in Kahului, expect to wait for a seat as this joint is always packed. Big portions and good quality food bring locals back time and again. Must try the one of a kind, "fried spam musubi" (huge musubi panko crusted, deep fried, drizzled with sauce and topped with green onion). The 'Hawaiian Plate' comes with Lau Lau, Kalua Pig, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Rice and Mac Salad (can subsitute for a green salad). Also good is their Honolulu Noodle (egg noodle from Paia, terri beef pieces, kamaboko, the works and good tasting sauce), Katsu chicken, and Miso Butterfish. Everything on the menu has been good so far. Friends liked it so much we ate there for dinner two nights in a row. Ambiance is casual, vinal booth and small tables, great for families (keiki menu too).
Aloha Mixed Plate | Good plate lunch on the patio with a Lahaina ocean view. All seats outdoors. Voted best plate; known for coconut prawn pupu; busiest time of everyday: 6-8:30pm according to manager. (to be continued)
"Paia Fish Market & Restaurant" (Maui)
June 21, 2010
Hank's Haute Dogs (Oahu)
Hanks serves a variety of “playfully delicious” Daily Special hot dogs : Alligator (Tu), Rabbit (W), Buffalo (Th), Lobster (F), Duck & Foie Gras (Sat) and Kobe Beef (Sun). The owner (Henry a.k.a. Hank) opened Trio in Chicago, which won the prestigious Mobil 5-Star rating. He’s certainly channeling his culinary talents in the other direction by opening up a local gourmet hot dog stand (Chicago’s influence perhaps) in his hometown of Honolulu.
In its third year of operation, the regular menu of this cash-only joint includes: Portuguese, Andouille, Hawaiian, Chorizo and Bratwurst dogs to name a few, each loaded with specialty toppings such as Cajun spiced mustard, sweet mango relish, lime mustard, and chipotle mayo with the option of ordering special dipping sauces (curry ketchup and garlic aioli are popular favorites). According to the manager the most popular dogs are: 1) The Chicago Dog ($4.95) with the classic snap 2) Chili Dog ($5.95) loaded with lots of chili and 3) Fat Boy, a bacon wrapped deep fried hot dog.
People like their onion rings (maui onions battered in panko) and I tried their twice cooked French fries (which was okay). I munched down a Portuguese hot dog which wasn’t too bad, and would come back for the Lobster and Duck/Foie Gras dog. Eating my gourmet dog, I forgot I was in Hawaii for just a bit. At one time Hank did have a Hawaii honored hot dog--a Spam Dog, which the manager said has retired from the menu. However, Hank published the recipe for this dog in the July 2008 Elle magazine: 2 cans spam, 14 oz ground pork, 3.5 oz of water. Mix, caste and cook. Top with kim chee and secret sauce—3 parts ketchup, 3 parts mayo, 1 part mustard, squeeze of lemon. Enjoy!
“Haute Nights” are Fri and Sat, 5-9pm (bring your own wine to pair with truffled mac ‘n cheese or crème brulee > Trio’s influence makes for an eclectic menu at a dog stand).
324 Coral Street, Honolulu | 808.532.4265 (off Ala Moana Drive, near OfficeMax—kindof) | hankshautedogs.com
June 10, 2010
"Krispy Kreme, Maui "
Come watch donut batter dropped, deep fried, flipped over, fried again, dried and glazed, at the only Krispy Kreme location on all the Hawaiian islands. There is a Drive Through available, but walk-in customers have additional options: mulberry filled donuts, baseball detailed glaze, and daily specials. Plenty of seats indoors and outdoors, but only one electrical outlet. shucks. Special Maui Krispy Kreme logo t-shirt for $18.99.
June 20, 2010
"Maui - Best Places to Dine" (preliminary listing and write up....to be continued)
Lahaina Grill: I like this food here, it's comprable to David Paul's. Almost the same style, quality and presentation. Will do a seperate food write up soon. (127 Lahainaluna Road, Lahaina, 808.667.5117); pick up a $10 off coupon at the airport baggage claim kiok flyer. Average entrée: $28-34. If a special occassion, they'll treat you to one of their decadent desserts. Everything I ordered was delicious.
Pineapple Grill: Award winning restaurant for Best Restaurant, Best Wine List, Best Hawaiian Fusion. A relaxing place to sit with friends on the lanai in comfi cushioned chairs looking out unto the golf course and tree lined mountains. A refreshing green and peaceful view. Indoors the best seat in the house is on the corner overlooking the ocean at sunset. Kinda hidden location at the Kapalua Resort, 200 Kapalua Drive, Kapalua, 808.669.9600 (lunch: 11-2:30; grill menu: 2:30-5:30; dinner) lunch entrée: 9-17; dinner: 26-40; pupus/bar menu. Live music in the evenings (was just okay) and 50% off pupus on Tuesdays.
David Paul’s Island Grill: (see review above). Can get a $10 off coupon when you first walk in the restaurant--check the table on the right hand side for a business card sized coupon. 900 Front Street, Lahaina, 808.662.3000 (average entrée $28-34)
Casual but Good
Cane & Taro Bistro: 2435 Ka’anapal Pkwy, 662.0668 (at the end of Whaler’s Village: good sunset view of sun between Molokai and Lanai over the ocean during summer). One of the few Maui places off the to serve Kalbi Tacos. Mainland road truck is better, but hey, close enough.
Café O Lei: One of my favorite staple casual places to eat. If can't think of where to go with friends/family, this is my backup. Range of Asian cusines, casually prepared, in a large upstairs restaurant with silk cloth partisians to seperate booths and tables. 2439 S. Kihei Rd, upstairs of strip mall, 891.1368. Air conditioned restaurant with casually nice decor. (other locations in wailuku and the golf course)
Aloha Mixed Plate: Have a plate lunch with an ocean view. (see review above). 1285 Front Street, Lahaina, 661.3322
Flatbread Company: Paia (see previous blog posts by using the mainlandgirl google search engine)
Regional Cuisine:
Hali’imaile General Store: I'm not sure if it lived up to it's hype. They stress orgainc produce, and the menu looked promising, but the food prepration and presentation wasn't what I expected. If you're in the upcountry area, it's said to be a place to check out. (photos and review forthcoming). 900 Honoapi’ilani Hwy, Kahana, 572-2666
Roys Kahana Bar and Grill: No more Roys in Kihei, so check out this branch geared toward tourists on the coast. 4405 Honoapiilani Hwy, Kahana, 669-6999 (strip mall between Kaanapail and Kapalua)
Ethnic Foods
Bistro Casanova: Surprisingly good homestyle Italian food in a nice ambiance (for maui standards)--i.e. cloth napkins. Garlic knot rolls to start, all the pasta's are handmade and homemade fresh. Had the seafood with angel hair and red sauce. Delish. Tried three desserts and were all good, but they are known more for their pastas and antipastas. 33 Lono Ave, Kahului, 808.873.3650. Original place in Makawao. This one is closer to town life.
Cilantro Mexican Grill, I haven't been here, but voted best Mexican. 170 Papalaua street, Lahaina, 667.5444. There is a Mexican Restaurant in the Kahului Mall (forget the name: Juan's?) next to Yogurtland which I thought was actually pretty good. Can rival a lcoal East LA joint in California. Not too bad!
A Saigon Café, Voted best Asian food. Always see this place and now will stop by. 1792 Main Street, Wailuku 243.9560. I do not recommend the Thai restaurant in the Maui Marketplace (near the movie theater)--junk. Saegang's in Old Town Wailuku on Vineyard has a nice outdoor ambiance and the woodwork around the booths reminds me of my visit to Chiang Mai.
Star Noodle: Always smells good here. Simple house made noodle dishes in a casual atmosphere—almost like eating on your aunty’s front porch. 286 Kupuohi Street in Kihei (across the dolphin park). Sister restaurants with these notables: Aloha Mixed Plate, Feast at Lele and Old Lahina Luau.
Curious to Try:
Duo: French and Italian food for fine Wailea resort dining. 3900 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, 874.8000
Ko: Hawaiian Regional Asian flair at the Faimont Hotel.
Gerards: Well noted French food and extensive wine menu in Lahaina at the Plantation Inn, 174 Lahainaluna Road, 808.661.8939. I usually don't think of French when I'm on Maui, but I do love french cuisine > would love to be a full time Saucier in a different life time.
Sea House Restaurant: voted best keep secret: best outdoor breakfast with an ocean view; pupu menu 2-5:30pm; live music 3:30-5:30 daily and 7pm nightly
