Maui Restaurant: Honu Seafood and Pizza
The Maui Visitors Bureau scheduled my visit to Honu Seafood and Pizza. It was a highlight for me, cause I'll FINALLY meet Chef/Owner Mark Ellman, I'll explain later.
Hono Seafood and Pizza
Front Street in Lahaina
In the early 90's, I was on my way to Maui and heard a girl rave about a restaurant in Lahaina called Avalon. I decided to go and was instantly hooked, the food represented Hawai'i and the Pacific. I was surprised to find out that this dinner I enjoyed so much was part of a new cuisine movement and the Avalon chef/owner was part of this group.
In 1991, Chef Mark was one of the twelve Hawai'i chefs to form the Hawai'i Regional Cuisine movement. Using ingredients grown/raised on the islands, combined with the Asian and Hawaiian culinary influences, add in some Western and European preparations, and you get a unique regional cuisine. When I started cooking professionally, I used what I've learned from this movement.
Since my first visit to Avalon in the early 90's, I've visited the other restaurants that Chef Mark and his wife Judy have opened; Penne Pasta Cafe, Maui Tacos, Mala Ocean Tavern and Mala Wailea. But each time I've visited their restaurants, I've missed meeting them.
After 20+ years, I finally get to meet
Chef Mark Ellman in person.
But tonight, as Mark put it, "Yes, I really do exist"
I met Chef Mark and Judy at their latest restaurant, Honu Seafood and Pizza.
Dining Room at Honu*
Sunsets included
Great atmosphere, food, and service...
Bar at Honu*
While meeting with Chef Mark and Judy, I enjoyed Honu's Kale Salad; with dates, pomegranate, walnuts, pecorino & preserved lemon vinaigrette. I love kale and it was a great salad (sorry the picture didn't turn out).
It was unfortunate that Honu was my 7th restaurant visit of the day, other chefs were telling me that I had to try Honu's Ali'i Mushroom Pizza. The menu looked fantastic and will be back on my next trip.
Read about
Lemon Tart
Tonight's Special Dessert
from Pastry Chef Elizabeth McDonald
How did they know that I love lemon desserts?
It was a fantastic end to a busy food day.
Mark Ellman and Barbara Santos
Chef Mark shared his latest book with me, "Practice Aloha, Secrets to Living Life Hawaiian Style" There are stories, recipes and lyrics from Hawai'i favorite people. The funny thing is that I know quite a few of the people who shared their stories in the book, small world...
I really enjoyed this book and was a good reminder to "Practice Aloha." Since Chef Mark shared it with me, I'm sharing it with my dad,
a Lahaina boy...
I'll be back again and look forward to dinner with Chef Mark at Mala Ocean Tavern.
Mahalo!
Mark Ellman
Judy Ellman
NOTE: I was a guest of the Maui Visitors Bureau and their partners.
I thank them for the invitation and hospitality.
I thank them for the invitation and hospitality.
All comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Photos by Jay Terauchi
* - Photos by Honu Seafood and Pizza
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