Charlie Seibert, Mala Wailea. Photo by Sean Hower

Mala Wailea is nested in the Marriott Wailea. You’re in Wailea now, so that means posh resort grounds, but here it’s not over the top. There’s not a lot of polished brass, and the elegance is a bit of understated. The architecture is clean and modern.

This is also not a pick-up spot, so bring your own date and enjoy the evening in the cushy lounge, or up at the bar. The ocean views are spectacular, no matter where you sit. The food is epicurean Mediterranean and the bar is fashion forward. They serve hand-crafted cocktails, local ingredients and the menu is loaded with impressive vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes.

Drink Me. Photo by Sean Hower

WHAT ELSE? Infinity pool. There you can practice your inner LA socialite, or just relax on the chaise lounges on the bluff for the sunset. This restaurant is co-owned by Chef Mark Ellman and some Hollywood A-Listers., so wear big sunglasses.

HAPPY HOURS? 5 to 7pm daily.

Sweet. Photo by Sean Hower

HAPPY HOUR DRINK SPECIALS? Don’t be afraid of the $6 drinks with names like the Charlie’s Cool Breeze with blueberry Stoli and Canton or the Loki Moki with Absolut Citron–they are professionals. The Maui Mai Tai with fresh squeezed OJ is $6, as is the watermelon Cosmo. For $5 there’s Kona Longboard Lager and white wine spritzers.

HAPPY HOUR FOOD SPECIALS? The list of bar snacks reads like a catered celeb soiree: tiger shrimp cocktail, hoisin-glazed ribs, coconut shrimp, garlic cheese flatbread, sweet and spicy wings with pomegranate ginger chili, house olives, pita and hummus–all for $8 to $9

BONUS: When Happy Hour ends at 7pm, do a little sightseeing on the property. Then hook back up at Mala when your appetite is piqued at 8pm. That’s when a Kamaaina discount kicks in, knocking 50 percent off your meal if you have a Hawaii ID.

MALA WAILEA

3700 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea

808-879-1922

Join the fun on the Fourth with their barbecue bonanza. They only need 5 more to sign up for it to be a go!

http://buzzswharf.com

Capische’s accolades include being listed as one of the top 50 most romantic restaurants in the country by Open Table. Their amazing wine list and great cocktails are all part of the experience. The modern Italian menu is always as mind-blowing as the view, which is tremendous no matter where you’re seated in this intimate setting. Their kama’aina deal rocks: buy one entree and get one half off (though not on holidays). It’s a great way to try those dishes you always wanted to. Reservations recommended. 6pm. Hotel Wailea (555 Kuakahi Rd., Wailea); 808-879-2224; capische.com

Wine Wednesdays have become a Twitter phenomenon and Four Seasons Maui is jumping on board. You can catch their version of Wine Wednesday at all the bars and restaurants on the property. There you can tweet to your hearts content with their hashtag #FSWW while swilling sample pours of their fabulous and unique featured wines for around $9. If you stay after 8pm, the bottles go half-price. $9. Four Seasons Maui (3900 Wailea Alanui Dr.)

I know how you feel, its late monday. Heck, I am still chained to my desk, and sadly missing happy hour. Here is some foodie news to perk you up. Book your seat now for the Peju Wine Dinner happening next week at Merriman’s, it will instantly cheer you up.

Merriman’s Restaurant 1 Bay Club Place Lahaina, HI 96761 P: 808-669-6400 F: 808-669-1989

Peju Winemaker Dinner

May 15th at 6:00pm Merriman’s welcomes Peju Winery & Sara Fowler for an incredible winemaker dinner

First Maytag blue broiled Kauai prawns, fennel, arugula, raddichio, compressed pineapple-mustard vinaigrette 2010 Peju Sauvignon Blanc Second Cinnamon smoked quail, red quinoa-sweet corn “risotto,” baby beet pickles, grilled lemon 2008 Peju Cabernet Franc Third 70-hour root beer braised pork belly, heart of palm puree, brown butter, swiss chard, roasted cherry 2007 Peju Merlot Fourth Tapenade crusted beef tenderloin, sautéed maui cattle beef heart, jalapeno onion rings, pesto green beans, piperade 2006 Peju Cabernet Sauvignon

$115 per person plus tax and gratuity

Please call ahead as reservations are required for the event.

Jurg Munch invites you to Lahaina Grill

It’s time for kama’aina to treat themselves to an exquisite evening of food. The incomparable Lahaina Grill is offering 50 percent off all entrees on the menu every Monday in May. The restaurant is celebrating 22 years of impeccable service, magnificent food and wondrous pairings and they want to share it with you. In fact, we think there might just be a Kona Coffee Mountain Meadows roasted rack of lamb with your name on it. Just call to make reservations first (valid Hawaii ID required). Every Monday in May. 6pm-close. Lahaina Grill (127 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina); 808-667-5117; lahainagrill.com

Want more? Here is the rest from the folks at Lahaina Grill:

May 2012 Kama‘aina Mondays at Lahaina Grill!

Residents Enjoy 50% Off All Entrees from 6PM Until Close on 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28

Please Bring Valid Hawaii Identification, Call 667-5117 for Reservations

In celebration of their 22nd year as part of the Maui community, Lahaina Grill is offering a KAMA’AINA SPECIAL every Monday in the month of May. Receive 50% off all entrees on the menu; all they ask is that you show valid Hawaii State ID.

“It is our pleasure to offer this kama‘aina special to the community,” shares chef/owner Jurg Munch, “because we love living here and have enjoyed running a business that is well supported by our local community. We especially appreciate the support and referrals to our Maui visitors.”

Come share in a restaurant experience that has been awarded “Best Maui Restaurant” by Honolulu Magazine readers (Hale Aina Awards) for the 19th year in a row, from 1994-2012.

To make a reservation, please call (808) 667-5117 or visit www.lahainagrill.com. Lahaina Grill is located at 127 Lahainaluna Road in the historic Lahaina Inn, and dinner is served nightly from 6pm.

ABOUT LAHAINA GRILL

Visit Lahaina Grill for innovative New American cuisine using techniques and flavors from around the world, all perfectly blended with the freshest ingredients cultivated by Maui’s local farms, dairies, and surrounding waters. Lahaina Grill has been voted “Best Maui Restaurant” for NINETEEN consecutive years by Honolulu Magazine readers’ poll (1994-2012).

LahainaGrill_DinnerMenu

Paia has a new little burger joint. It’s located at the south end of town, and it’s called Johnny B’s. The renovation of the spot was so well done that I couldn’t remember exactly how that old building looked, but it was one of those places that had been a yoga studio, head shop, clothing store and surf shop (most recently, it was a Thai restaurant). Now Johnny B’s is breathing new life into space with great local food.

Owners Tom and Pam Leary took over the property a few years ago with the idea of creating a wedding destination. After quickly figuring out that building and planning their dream wedding business would take a while, they opened Johnny B’s. After two years of renovating and permitting, they opened on Jan. 26.

Sitting under their canopy ceiling with the breeze blowing, Johnny B’s architecture fits right in with Paia’s casual North Shore vibe. The restaurant is casual; there’s a walk-up order window and shaded patio with tables and chairs for sitting (there’s also a gorgeous ocean front lawn with picnic tables). The menu is painted on the wall, with a specials board off to the side.

They mostly feature burgers, hot dogs, fries and shakes but they’ve been dabbling with fish tacos and other dishes, so check the specials. They also offer a pulled pork sandwich and veggie burger. The Learys said they were influenced by the Five Guys burger chain that’s incredibly popular from Maine to Florida.

The Learys took a lot of time to plan their burgers, from the Komoda bakery buns to the local Kula onions and tomatoes, and the Big Island Cattle beef that makes up their hand-patted patty. You can taste the aloha in every bite. Komoda’s buns are great on their sandwiches, you order your fillings any way you like, with as many toppings as you like. I was partial to the fish burger, fresh caught by local fisherman Jeff Johnson.

Fresh fish!

“We asked Komodas if we could get our buns from them,” says Pam. “They said no. I wouldn’t give up. It took two months but they did say yes.”

Tom showed me the gorgeous, just-caught Mahi that goes into the fish burgers and tacos. It’s lightly seasoned and grilled, then dressed to order. Their cholesterol-free fries are hand-cut Burbank russet potatoes fried in peanut oil (they’re so good I admit to eating two orders). The shakes are also big sellers, and are made with Roselani Ice Cream.

“We wanted to keep with the vision of Paia and the architecture,” says Tom. “We use everything local. Even the Maui Volcano spice on the volcano fries is made here. We wanted to create a place locals will love.”

Tom and Pam are at Johnny B’s everyday. In a town notorious for non-existent parking, it’s nice to know you can park your car right at the restaurant.

JOHNNY B’S

65 Hana Highway, Paia, 96779

808-579-9070

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Johnny-Bs-Paia/232507866836083

Maui’s triumphant reign over the best damn onion in the world is celebrated at the 23rd Annual Maui Onion Festival in Kaanapali this Saturday, May 5. Of course, we began celebrating our revered sweet white globe way before agri-tourism turned into big business. Now the festival, in its 23rd year, boasts an elite chef competition for best onion recipe, a Kaanapali chef cook-off, a keiki and adult onion eating contest and food booths. You can bet the most ono onion rings will be there, too. There’s also live music by the Air Force Band of the Pacific, Benoit JazzWorks and the Barefoot Minded. Festivities begin with an early-morning Polynesian Hula Dance at 10am. Kaanapali bartenders will also compete at the Cinco de Mayo Mix Drink Contest at 2:30pm. Free. 10am. Whalers Village (Ka‘anapali)

Friday May 4, Hula Grill Kāʻanapali hosts the annual Maui Onion Pairing Dinner with a splendid three-course meal. Of course, Maui Kula Onions are key. Dishes are paired with handcrafted beer of Maui Brewing Co. Tickets available at Hula Grill.

Chef demonstration schedule:

10 a.m. Russell Siu, 3660 on the Rise

Demo: Braised Kurobuta pork belly, caramelized Maui Onions, natural jus

Recipe Contest: Maui onion horseradish crusted Kurobuta pork belly, carmelized

10:45 a.m. James McDonald, Pacific’O and iʻO Restaurants

Demo:  Smoked pork and Maui onion jam panini

Recipe Contest: Maui onion tart tatin with Irish whiskey onion anglaise

11:30 a.m. Kevin Hanney, 12th Ave Grill, Salt

Demo: Pan roasted Maui Cattle Co. mock tenderloin with caramelized onion soubise and smoked onion jam

Recipe Contest: Savory Maui onion French toast with a warm Waimanalo Crimini mushroom and frisee salad, local fried egg and a Maui onion – housemade pancetta syrup

12:15 p.m. Dave (DK) Kodama, Cane & Taro, Sansei

Demo Dish:  Pan roasted Opakapaka

House made fresh linguine, Hamakua mushrooms, Kahuku corn, red radish, pickled red chili, with a Maui onion demi

Recipe Contest: Forthcoming

1 p.m. David Paul Johnson, David Paul’s Island Grill

Demo:  Sweet Maui onion fritters with caramelized Maui onion aioli

Recipe Contest: Grilled island beef and Maui onion sliders

1:45 p.m. Jojo Vasquez, Banyan Tree Restaurant

Demo: Oyakodon, Maui onion, pea shoots

Recipe Contest: Forthcoming

The well-established, educationally mesmerizing Maui Onion Recipe Contest asks celebrity chefs from around Maui and O‘ahu to demonstrate their creative culinary skills step by step. Judges subsequently rate each dish. But with the winners of the past three years returning to reclaim their spot, the bar has been raised. Welcome back to Dave (DK) Kodama, who in 2011 came up with a Maui Onion, Kekaha shrimp and lobster cake, James McDonald, celebrated for his upcountry ravioli in 2010, and David Paul Johnson, our winner for 2009. (Winner announcement at 4:30 p.m. Center Stage.)

Royal Ocean Terrace at Royal Lāhainā Resort / Chef Bernardo Salazar : Maui Caramalized Onion Sweet Potato Cake

The Maui Onion Festival is 23 years old, but not too old to try new tricks. Last year the Maui Onion Challenge was added to the event, gathering the fine executive chefs from the Kaapanapali properties to compete for a best onion dish. This year’s event is off the charts in Maui onion goodness. The great thing about this challenge, is it starts early, no need to wait until next Saturday to enjoy the quintessential Kula veggie. All the dishes below are on the menu’s in Kaanapali right now! (See the list at the bottom of the post and try them all)

These chefs are all competing to have the best dish, and will compete at the event to be named the best. The 5 finalists

• Pūlehu, an Italian Grill at The Westin Kāʻanapali Ocean Resort Villas / Chef Wesley Holder:  Maui Onion Tortelloni En Brodo.
• Tropica Restaurant & Bar at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa / Chef Jennifer Evetushick:  Seared Hamachi with Maui Onion Pad Thai.
• Royal Ocean Terrace at Royal Lāhainā Resort / Chef Bernardo Salazar : Maui Caramalized Onion Sweet Potato Cake.
• Hula Grill Kāʻanapali / Chef Chris Schobel:  Thai scented salad gazpacho, Maui onion soup and picked Maui onion.
• Tiki Terrace at Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel / Chef Christopher Napoleon:  Pan seared Opakapaka with onion dust and house spices, on caramelized onion gnocchi with asparagus tips, oyster mushrooms, Kula sweet corn and Maine lobster meat. Finished with butternut onion butter sauce and a touch of mixed onion marmalade.
• Cane & Taro / Chef Ivan Pahk:  Pan Roasted Opakapaka fresh Mafalde pasta with Maui onion jus with local farm fresh veggies. 126 points

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The Maui onion dishes will be featured on menus in Kāʻanapali Beach Resort from April 27 – May 6, 2012, the week of the Maui Onion Festival.

Sad reporting the closure of one of Maui’s beloved Italian food spots Aroma D Italia. It was neither pretentious or expensive, and will be missed.

Luckily I can say I ate there in the month before they closed. Did you eat at Aroma D Italia? What was your favorite item? My last meal there was good old spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread.