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:

http://www.alabev.com/brew.htm

Then, of course, comes the final, and most important step of beer design: drinking.  Drinking alone is boring (and selfish,) so the MACC has generously found a way to unite beer-drinkers around the island in an outdoor party.   After all, winos are notorious for their “wine tastings,” where they engage in the blasphemous practice of spitting out alcoholafter swirling it in their mouths for mere seconds.  If any alcohol is coming out of your mouth at this party, it better not be until the end of the night, and please not in my car, on my clothes, or on any unfortunate fellow’s shoes (Though if a decision must be made, elect the shoes.)

Oh, and did I mention, this beer fest is top notch. (The MACC is pretty good at that, what with its awesome white and black-clad volunteers, and use of the term “under the stars” to explain the concept of “outside.”) Even more breweries than last year will be featured (foreign, domestic, and local). Look below for a complete list.  Spend the afternoon and early evening leisurely taking your sampling cup to taste away at each of the brewery and food stands. Warning: It is possible that this event works like the Loko Kuapa fishpond design, which is an angled rock wall with a sluice gate (makaha) allowing little fish to find their way in, fatten up, and be unable to escape. *Besides being fatter, there will also be the factor of being unable to walk in a straight line or recite your alphabet backwards (I can’t do the latter sober, so I may already be at a disadvantage.)

For just $45, you will have unlimited access to the beer sampling, a commemorative sampler cup, ‘ono pupu and desserts, and event parking.  For $75, be a “happy hour” guest, which results in reserved parking, and early entry at 2pm for a private sampling with the brew masters, in addition to the general admission ticket. 21 and over only. 242-show or mauiarts.org

See the official press release for more info:

MAUI BREWERS FESTIVAL TO SHOWCASE MICRO-BREWERIES FROM HAWAI‘I AND BEYOND AT MAUI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER 2nd Annual Event is a Benefit for the MACC

FOR RELEASE March 19, 2010 KAHULUI, MAUI, HAWAI‘I – Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC), Maui Brewing Co. and Paradise Beverages are pleased to present the 2nd Annual Maui Brewers Festival on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 3 to 7 pm. It will be held on the Events Lawn at the MACC in Kahului. The event is a fundraiser for the MACC with net proceeds benefiting The Center’s arts and educational programs for students, seniors and the Maui community.

Showcasing the best in hand-crafted and imported beers made in Hawai‘i, California, Oregon and beyond, Maui Brewers Festival will feature 30 breweries, including: Ballast Point Brewing Co., Boston Beer Company, Caldera Brewing Company, Coronado Brewing Company, Deschutes Brewery, Hawaii Nui Brewing, Maui Brewing Co., Moylan’s Brewing Co., Oskar Blues, Pizza Port, Primo Brewing & Malting Co., Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Stone Brewing Co., Uncommon Brewers and Waimea Brewing Co.

Garrett Marrero, founder and owner of Maui Brewing Co., had this to say: “Last year was a blast! This year, we’re adding even more craft brewers who will be pouring some amazing beers never seen before in Hawai‘i. The breweries invited to participate in the festival were chosen because of their commitment to making craft beer, where quality, flavor and uniqueness comes before cheaper, bland and mass-produced beers. They all play a part in the growing rebirth of good beer in America. This festival is a must-do for all, not just beer lovers.”

Festival attendees will enjoy a leisurely day of sampling a wide variety of micro-brewed beers along with island style dishes from local purveyors such as 808 Deli, Flatbread & Co., Maui Brewing Co. Restaurant, Maui Tacos, Three’s Catering, Cake Bakery and Zia Maria Gelato. On stage, the entertainment line-up includes some of Maui’s favorite bands like GoMega and Off Tomorrow. There will also be logo merchandise for sale from Maui Brewers Festival and the individual breweries as well as prize giveaways galore.

The all-inclusive general admission price is $45 per adult, which includes beer sampling, a commemorative sampler cup, ‘ono pupu and desserts, and event parking. The $75 “happy hour” package features reserved parking, early entry at 2 pm for a private sampling with the brewmasters or brewery representatives, and a special amenity in addition to general admission for the entire event. The festival is open to adults aged 21 years and over only.

“The first-ever Maui Brewers Festival last year received positive reviews and created a new group of supporters for the MACC. The organizers recognized that we had to continue this new tradition,” said Toni Rojas, CMP, event coordinator and director of Corporate Sales & Special Events for Maui Arts & Cultural Center. “We’re planning an even bigger event this year, and invite everyone to bring lawn chairs or mats and enjoy a relaxing day of fine food and libations, good company and great entertainment.” Festival sponsors include Maui Brewing Co., Paradise Beverages, Pacific Radio Group and Maui Time. Paradise Beverages is the exclusive distributor of Maui Brewing Co. and Hawaii Nui Brewing. Event tickets will be available beginning Monday, March 22, 2010 from the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Box Office. Call (808) 242-SHOW (7469) or order online at MauiArts.org.

### ABOUT THE MAUI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER: The Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) opened in 1994, the culmination of a long standing dream of Maui’s residents to build a world-class gathering place for the arts. The Center is the most comprehensive, multi-disciplinary arts facility in Hawai‘i. Its diverse facilities include the state-of-the-art 1200-seat Castle Theater; multi-purpose 300-seat McCoy Studio Theater; the 4,100-square foot museum-quality Schaefer International Gallery; a 5,000-seat capacity outdoor Alexander & Baldwin Amphitheater; the Pa, dedicated to hula, as well as a mix of dance studio, classroom, and meeting room space. The new Yokouchi Family Pavilion, currently under construction, is slated to open in mid-2010. MACC is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation governed by a 28-member volunteer board of directors and made possible by the generosity of people who love Maui. For more information, call 808-242-ARTS (2787) or visit MauiArts.org.

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

Give it to me Raw Blog

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 Truth, the word “Raw” is accepted like “salt, sugar, chocolate,” are for the rest of us. Except, of course, these raw food activists are probably a lot thinner, healthier, and have more energy.  And no: no one will be serving up a tower of carrot sticks along with a pile of celery. (That’s called anorexia, not veganism.)

The four-course dinner will include Haleakala Sunset Salsa with Crater Chips, Coconut Caravan Soup, Cajun Nofu with Hemp Rice, and Marinated Vegetables.  Organic and biodynamic wines will also be served.  MCA Instructor, Chef Jake Belmonte says, “It’s all about enjoying what the ‘aina’ has to offer and preparing it to its full potential. I am just ecstatic to be a part of this gig and be able to showcase what’s hot in the culinary world.”  The event will also feature live music by singer, songwriter, and violinist Maesyn. Tickets are available to the public for $40 a person or $20 for UHMC students, faculty, and staff. Call Tiffany Ida 808-984-3434. Friday, April 30th from 6-9 PM at the Maui Culinary Acadamy’s Class Act Resaurant, Pa’ina Building. By: Sierra Brown

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cnn.com

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 years in the hotel gardens. The Easter Bunny will visit the brunch throughout the day and there will be face painting and temporary tattoos for all the keiki. Ka Holo Moana, Maui Ocean Center’s Traveling Ocean, will be on hand with an entire saltwater tide pool and an array of invertebrates for keiki to enjoy. Kids will also experience the Maui Butterfly Farm mobile exhibit learning and interacting with butterflies. The chef will prepare children’s favorites for a special keiki buffet featuring pizza, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, cookies, brownies, Jell-O, and ice cream.

Easter Brunch at Swan Court Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa 6:30 am- 11am 200 Nohea Kai Dr. Kaanapali HI 96761
Sip on a Mimosa, Bunnymosa, or a Swan Mary while munching on seasonal tropical fruits and berries, Noah’s bagels, smoked salmon & traditional accomaniments, omelets made-to-order, Molokai sweet bread french toast, Ahi poe three ways, Maki & Nigiri, a fresh Island salad bar. Main Courses include: Slow-roasted rib Aus Jus, Roasted leg or lamb with Pinot Noir Demi Glaze, Crispy China Town Duck Breast with a sweet plum glaze and tender Bok Choy.

Phone: 808-661-1234

Cost: $58 for Adults & $29 for Keiki ages 5-12

Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch 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 years in the hotel gardens at 8:15 am. Next, the Easter Bunny will visit the brunch throughout the day and there will be face painting and temporary tattoos for all the keiki. Ka Holo Moana, Maui Ocean Center’s Traveling Ocean, will be on hand with an entire saltwater tide pool and an array of invertebrates for keiki to enjoy. Celebrate springtime with traditional and holiday brunch favorites.

Phone: 808-661-0011

Cost: $42.95 adult/ $24 children

Umalu Easter Brunch 200 Nohea Kai Drive Lahaina HI 96761

Obsorb the gorgeous Umalu ocean view as your enjoy an amazing Easter Brunch. Menu includes: Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Freshly baked danishes, muffins, and croissants; assorted cereals and steel cut oatmeal, scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, caramelized Maui Onion and Thyme, and vegetable frittata and classic eggs benedict, pancakes and maple syrup.

Phone: 808-661-1234

Cost: $10-$20

Unity Church Easter Sacred Service Inspirational Message Easter Egg Hunt Filipino Community Center
780 Onehee Ave Kahului

Unity Church is throwing a free easter egg hunt for keiki and providing brunch for just $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 aisles.  The event starts April 30th at 9 am.

polynesia.com

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 Lahaina Luau.)  The fun is sure to swell as the night darkens, as each attendee receives three complimentary cocktails.  Throughout dinner, the Fulton Tashombe Quartet will serenade the lucky attendees.

This event not only support local businesses and agriculture, but part of the ticket fee ($75 for Pacific Whale Foundation member, $90 for non-members-HERE TO BUY A TICKET) goes directly to the Pacific Whale Foundation’s “No Child Left Indoors” program, an organization that makes it possible for economically disadvantaged children to attend environmental education field trips. By: Sierra Brown

The yummy Laugh at Da Park Menu:

Appetizers:

Ginger Tofu Wonton Pi salad

Asian Pork Buns Served with Sliced Grilled Pork Belly

Entrees and Side Dishes:

Maui Cattle Co. Prime Rib, Roasted with Rosemary and Served with Horseradish Sauce

Locally Caught Mahi Mahi served Island-Style with Hot Peanut Oil, Cilantro, Ginger, Garlic, Shitake Mushrooms, and Shoyu

Oven Roasted Chicken Breast served with Garlic Hamakua, Mushroom Cream Sauce

Grilled Vegetables Marinated in Maui Onion Dressing

Garden Vegetable Fried Rice with Locally Raised Teardrop Tomatoes, Asparagus, Red Onions and Carrots

Desserts

Fresh Island Fruits with Haupia Tapioca Dip

Pineapple and Taro Bread Pudding with Caramel Creme

Fresh-baked Brownies

Served with Coffee and Tea

Spirits

Maui Brewing Co. Beer

Wine, including selections from Tedeschi Winery

Soda and Juices Available

Zin in Paradise

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. The festival will also benefit Maui Culinary Academy.

Surfing Goat Dairy and z52 wineries will team up to present a combination of award-winning wines and cheeses. Surfing Goat Dairy plans to feature some of their unique creations, such as Truffle Goat Cheese and “Oyster” which is Chevre with oysters.

Hold your own mini-wine festival without flying out to San Fran by stopping by Maui Surfing Goat Cheeses in Kula.

Warning: Their website says the Goat Cheese Truffles are sold out for the moment…looks like all the truffles are en-route to San Francisco. By: Sierra Brown

More About the Festival HERE

Honolulu Advertiser Article HERE

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 way to enjoy “playing-tourist” for a night, now at a reasonable price. Read the glowing reviews about this beautiful maui restaurant here. 879-2999 for reservations.