The first smooth, foamy, chilled sip of liquid courage is engineered through a lengthy process of malting, milling, mashing, brewing, cooling, fermentation, maturation, and finishing.  Beer Brewing could be a fun, productive new hobby… I’m not quite sure what I’d call my original beer, seeing as my name, “Sierra,” is already taken, but if anyone with a more original name feels inspired to take a swing at it, let me know how it turns out. Here’s a video to give you a push in the right direction:

Then, of course, comes …

Maui Culinary Academy Students Team Up With Renowned Raw Food Chef for Annual Le Grinds Fundraiser

In most homes and restaurants, the word “raw” is met with fear and loathing… it signals that either your Mcdonalds burger just dosed you with Mad Cow, or that no meals want to pop out of the fridge at you, and someone may actually have to cook. However, to The University of Hawaii Maui College’s Maui Culinary Academy, and Jeremy Safrom, local raw food chef and author of books such as The Raw …

Here’s a big old warning: Easter is the last big holiday that is going to come around for a while. There really isn’t a better excuse than a holiday to get together with friends and family to eat sinfully delicious food. Let me direct you to all the best spots to spend Easter morning (and an evening spot) munching on goodies.

Easter Brunch and Fun for Keiki Ka’anapali Beach Hotel
2525 Ka’anapali Pkwy. Ka’anapali HI 96761
The fun begins with an egg hunt for the keiki ages 0-10 …

Furlough Fryday is soon to enjoy a more central location, for those who feel like going to Lahaina is a big mission that requires days of advance planning.  Whole Foods will host Furlough Fryday, which will  feature a farmers market and cooking demonstrations by Chef David Paul of David Paul’s Island Grill, and container garden demonstrations by The Maui Farm.  Sample-fiends will be in heaven thanks to Alii Kula Lavendar and Maui Ono. This is a wonderful reason to take a trip to Whole Foods and peruse their healthy, glowing …

Come to the Laugh at da Park comedy show and dinner benefit, hosted by the Pacific Whale Foundation, to fill up on delicious entertainment and grinds.  February 19th at oceanside Kalama Park will kick off with Augie T’s -up and coming radio personality and actor- evening comedy show.  Next up is a three-course “farm to table” dinner composed of locally grown and produced organic treats.  O’o Farms in Kula, Maui Cattle Co., and locally caught Mahi Mahi will be featured, prepared by the chefs  of Hoaloha Culinary Catering (owned by …

Keiki might not be learning their multiplication tables on Fridays… but who really needs to know phonics  and basic math anyway - learning to cook yummy, healthy fried food is a much more useful life skill.  All sarcasm aside, the new furlough “Fry-Days” – the last friday of every month – are more than just a great pun.  Chef David Paul will hold cooking lessons at Whalers Village from 10 AM – 1 PM, free and open to the public.  Local chefs and farmers will be featured, making this event a …

Maui’s Surfing Goat Cheeses is heading to San Francisco for the 19th annual Zinfandel wine festival. This is a great opportunity for this Maui-based company, and a good reminder to Californians that: yes, we do produce something besides sugar and pineapples. Beverly Gannon, the maui-based founder of Hawaii Regional cuisine, will also participate.

Spago’s Outdoor Lanai – wolfgangandpuck.com

Spago’s is offering a new take on their fine dining experience, providing a few less expensive offers for local patrons. A child’s entree is $9, or $15 for a three course meal. As far as adults go, bring a date, and the second entree is free. Just make sure your sweetheart brings her valid Hawaii ID or she might be a more expensive date than you had planned. The final option is a set menu for $49. Spago’s is a great …