Even as it faces increased competition from Whole Foods, Down to Earth is slated to open a new store on Oahu in 2011, according to a recent company release and Pacific Business News dispatch. The health food chain–founded on Maui in the ’70s–is also planning to remodel and expand its Kahului store.

Here’s the most curious line in the PBN report: “Down to Earth is the only known all-vegetarian natural foods store in Hawaii.”

Leaving open the possibility, perhaps, that there are unknown all-vegetarian health food stores somewhere on the Islands. Sounds like a great plot for Lost.

Dude...is that an all-vegetarian health food store?

Decided to BBQ a turkey this year with a small oven and lots to cook. Put it on at 300 degrees with a pan of water beside it to combat dryness…

Cooked it about 4 and a half hours (it was an 11 lb. bird) without flipping and it came out great, bit crisp on the underside but overall tender and flavorful…a hit!

(Note: stuffing was cooked seperately in the oven which is recommended.)

Here’s a few images from the process:

About to dig into a heapin’ plate of nachos made by my better half, featuring tomatoes, avocado and green onions from Kula Country Farms’ produce delivery service. (The photo doesn’t do ‘em justice.)

Checked out Max To Go in Haiku this afternoon. In the Haiku town center right around the corner from the main restaurant, they serve sandwiches, pizza and other lunch staples. Seating is limited (hence the name) but the decor is bright and inviting. We got the tuna salad and a delicious veggie sandwich with eggplant and pesto while our keiki companion opted for the cheese pizza. We all shared an exemplary basket of garlic fries.

In a word: yum.

Well I did it. Fried Twinkie at the fair. I admit I did it to say I did, but here’s another admission: it was good. Like, really good. Not saying I felt like running in the Maui Marathon after…but still.