One Day on Maui...
My 8 Restaurant Day!
Yes, you read that correctly. My last full day on Maui was an unbelievable day of food and meeting some incredible people. Each has a unique story and I look forward to meeting again.
The night before, I did a double take at my schedule for the day, 8 restaurants in one day? If I can keep moving like a Southwest Airlines' schedule, I should be able to hit all 8 restaurants before the last place closes. I appreciated that each person was very accommodating in fitting me into their busy schedules. I enjoyed meeting and talking story with them.
Without further adieu, this is what happened One Day on Maui...
My day began at 6:15 AM - Napili Kai Resort
The sun was rising and I'm enjoying my Maui office.
8:30 AM - First Stop: Sea House Restaurant - Napili
The night before, I had a very nice dinner with Executive Chef Craig Erickson. Today, I wanted to thank him and checkout the breakfast menu.
If you can sit near the window or the patio, it's a beautiful view
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Chef Craig Erickson
9 AM - Second Stop: Pineapple Grill - Kapalua
Pineapple Grill
Located inside the 22,000 acre Kapalua Resort
at The Bay Course
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Ahi & Salmon Tartare
Hass avocado relish, chili oil & crispy lotus chip
If you're sitting at the bar,
look straight up...
Unfortunately, Chef Ryan Luckey was not available during my visit, But I was fortunate to meet Managing Partner and restaurant veteran, Chris Kaiwi. He was telling me about the Cohn Restaurant Group's latest venture, 100 Wines in Lahaina. A new place? I need to go...
Chris Kaiwi
Vice President and Managing Partner
I'll see Chris later this evening at '100 Wines'
11 AM - Third Stop: Pacific 'O - Lahaina
I've dined at Pacific 'O a couple of times over the years and had met Executive Chef James McDonald about 5 months ago. I love this part of Front Street and Pacific 'O has one of the best ocean views in Lahaina. Met up with Chef James McDonald and Aimee Paradise.
"The Shops at 505"
Lunch - Dinner
October 2011
Tropical Ceviche Du Jour
with wontons
Pasta Ele Ele
Blackened fresh fish served over whole wheat spaghetti tossed with
cilantro pesto, organic green papaya, shiitake mushrooms, fennel, and mango creme fraiche.
Chef James McDonald
Serving his "Molokai Sweet Potato Gnocchi
with Heirloom Tomato and O'o Farm Herb"
at the
2012 Maui County Agricultural Festival
Photo by The Maui News
1 PM - Fourth Stop: Hula Grill - Kaanapali Beach
With Executive Chef Chris Schobel
Kaanapali Beach
Lunch - Dinner
He also competed in this year's Maui County Agricultural Festival
with a "Kalua Pork LauLau with Taro Fries and Coconut Taro Sauce,
sous vide Taro Stems, and Cilantro Oil Drizzle"
Crab and Macadamia Nut Wontons
A Must Have...
Chef's Counter
over looking the open kitchen
The "Chef's Tasting Menu
served at the Chef's Counter
Chef's Tasting Menu
A portion of the proceeds from this Tasting Menu
goes to a local Maui charity that
benefits the land or education.
3 PM - Fifth Stop: David Paul's Island Grill - Lahaina
Many years ago I dined at Chef David Paul's restaurant on Lahainaluna Road and loved the Tequila Shrimp with the Firecracker Rice and the Deconstructed California Roll.
Today, he can be found in the old Sam Choy location at 900 Front Street.
900 Front Street
Lahaina
Dinner
A friend introduced me to Chef David Paul last October
and we had a wonderful dinner on the patio.
Chef David Paul
invited me into his kitchen today
Fresh Buratta Cheese
Olive-Rosemary Loaf
Olowalu Tomato Jam, Hawaiian Sea Salt
One of the BEST Fresh Buratta Cheese
I've ever had...
Chef David Paul Johnson
Unfortunately, David Paul's Island Grill
has closed in September 2012
5 PM - Sixth Stop: Cilantro - Lahaina
For those of you who know me, I grew up in Los Angeles and I LOVE Mexican food! I can eat good Mexican food everyday.
I was introduced to Chef Paris Nabavi a few days before at the Maui County Agricultural Festival, where he was teaching kids how to make guacamole.
170 Papalaua Street
Lahaina
Lunch - Dinner
Award-winning handmade Mexican food in Lahaina
I was told that Cilantro has great Mexican food
and I wasn't disappointed...
Mother Clucker Flautas
Two fried flour tortillas filled with chicken and spices,
served with creme fresco and spicy-sweet jalapeño sauce
Winner at the 2005 "Taste of Lahaina"
A few people told me that I had to get a
Flauta at Cilantro.
It was packed with chicken and tasty.
Pork Al Pastor
Slow-cooked adobo roasted pork topped with
grilled pineapple salsa and fresh cilantro
Both worked really well together.
With Chef Paris Nabavi of Cilantro
Unfortunately, Cilantro has closed in 2013
7 PM - Seventh Stop: Honu Seafood and Pizza - Lahaina
Back in the early 90's, I was heading to Maui from Oahu for a few days of R&R. On the plane, I heard a girl rave about a Lahaina restaurant called Avalon. I decided to go and was instantly hooked on this casual restaurant with food representing Hawaii and the Pacific. The chef/owner was Mark Ellman from Southern California, so to me that was even cooler...
Lahaina
Lunch - Dinner
A beautiful setting, sunsets included...
I've spent the day eating, but had to try the Honu Kale Salad
with dates, pomegranate, walnuts, Pecorino & preserved lemon vinaigrette.
I loved it!
Lemon Tart
was fantastic!
How did they know that I love anything lemon?
But the best part of the night was meeting Mark and Judy Ellman.
I had been to their restaurants a few times
and each time they were off island or unavailable.
But tonight, as Mark put it, "Yes, I really do exist"
Finally after 20+ Years!
9 PM - Eighth Stop: 100 Wines - Lahaina
Since Chris Kaiwi from Pineapple Grill gave me the inside scoop on their latest project, I wanted to get over there to check it out, since it happened to be their 4th day of operations. It's a great looking space and I got to meet GM Cindy and Chef Lyndon Honda.
(shares the space with The Melting Pot)
Lahaina
Dinner
They give you an opportunity to explore
and shop for wines,
which is located in the center of the main room
100 Wines is not just a place to enjoy wines,
but has a menu that encourages sharing.
Be sure to check the Daily Specials...
I'll have to come back on a Thursday for Paella,
I love paella...
Unfortunately, 100 Wines Lahaina has closed
in February 2013
10 PM - Last Stop: Napili Kai Resort.
It was a busy day, got to meet some great chefs and restauranteurs, learned more about the use of local ingredients, and the direction of the Maui food movement. YES, had some great food too.
The sun is coming up and I haven't packed yet
WHAT?
Just going to enjoy the view
until it's time to leave for the airport.
Mahalo!
To all of the chefs/restauranteurs for taking
time to meet with me.
Charlene Ka'uhane for scheduling the visits
Note: I was a guest of the Maui Visitors Bureau and their partners.
I thank them for their invitation and hospitality.
I thank them for their invitation and hospitality.
All comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Photos by Jay Terauchi
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