Oyaku Tei Burger

Five Lunches for Five and Change (or Less) in Central Maui

Oyaku Tei

Oyaku Tei Cheeseburger Deluxe $2.65

Oyaku Tei is a little hole in the wall old school okazuya. They serve breakfast and lunch and their misoyaki butterfish is excellent. They are very reasonably priced but if you just have a few bucks in your pocket their Maui Cattle Company Cheeseburger deluxe is the way to go for just $2.65. Their handmade beef patty is always served with with lots of melted cheese, crisp lettuce, nice ripe tomato and a thick slice of onion. Its simple and delicious. Their dining room is cozy just a few plastic tables and chairs. Most of the time there are already seniors parked their eating their favorites and watching tv. It is a mom and pop shop through and through with family photos, and the kids hanging out regularly. I usually drop in and order to go, but today they informed me they deliver to anywhere in Kahului and Wailuku. Even better!

Stillwell’s Bakery

Stillwell’s Bakery Quiche and Roll $5.95

This quiche is off the hook. The first time I tried it was at Hawaiian Village Coffee and I begged the proprietor to tell me where he was getting it. Then I went straight to the source. The roll that it comes with is also a real treat, it is a white cottage bread with macadamia nuts in it. The filling has ham and onion and bell pepper, and the texture is so smooth, its more like a custard then any other quiche I have come across. Stillwell’s also has a side soup and roll for $4.95. Their soup changes day to day but they are always good, the office favorite is the corn chowder that is really good and hearty. Of course you will also probably tempted by their island famous banana cream pie, or cream horns so you might want more than five bucks in your pocket before entering.

Bento Box Combo TJ's Warehouse

TJ’s Warehouse

TJ’s Warehouse Combo Bento $5.75

TJ’s Warehouse is a modern day okazu-ya wonderland with the chops to prove it. Not only do they provide pre-packaged bento goodness to the masses who know about this place, but they also have a hot food line of specials daily in case you want to pack your own. Their food always sells out. They have plenty to choose from in the five dollar range in their bento case, try unagi, udon, combos, mochiko chicken, gyoza and more. They also do specials from time to time, like last week’s teriyaki chicken bento and fountain drink for $4.99 so keep your eye out for the sign on the wall too. While you are here they also have an asian market, japanese imported foods, and local produce. The building also houses Maui Chemical and Paper Supply so you can pick up miscellaneous office supply and paper goods. Now they are also selling propane too. Its one stop shopping at its most random.

Da Smoothie Shack Sandwich

Da Smoothie Shack

Da Smoothie Shack Shaka H&C $5.95

Its truly difficult to recommend a sandwich in Central Maui and steer clear of a corporate deli environment and stay in the price range of five dollars. While Da Smoothie Shack is not a deli, and certainly not the italian deli I am praying will someday open in Central Maui, they are serving good healthy food for a good price out of their little shack. All of their sandwiches except for the prosciutto come in at $5.95. The Shaka H&C is Virginia Ham and Muenster cheese plus tomato and lettuce. They also have a veggie, tuna, salami or caprese. You know you are in Maui when the fresh fruit smoothies cost as much as your sandwich.

Royal Island Drive Inn Chinese Broccoli and Pork

I don’t know if they do this in the Mainland but over here in the islands we love to name take out places the “drive inn” when there is really no car service, theatre or drive through of any sort. Plus I don’t know where the Inn comes in because that usually denotes lodging. By the way L&L was one of the first to do it, but now they have more or less dropped the ‘drive inn’ portion of their name in branding. That being said, places named Drive Inn are usually serving awesome local food, even if you have to go inside and order, don’t let the name fool you. Royal Island Drive Inn is no exception. Their One Item Plate for $4.95 means you can choose from many of their fresh made dishes that day, like sesame chicken, sweet sour pork, chinese broccoli and pork, charsiu, zuccini and chicken, and you get the choice of chow mein or fried rice. This restaurant is totally family owned, and serves a great breakfast for under 5 dollars too.

Searching for a good salad in the 96732 in the evening? Tonight’s dinner at the diner is barbecue ranch chicken salad. I asked for blue cheese crumbles. Ruby’s Diner has huge salads, they are always good. This one is no exception. It came fresh and fast.

Despite all of the dreary economic indicators for Maui county plenty of restaurateurs decided to give it a go. After all, everyone must eat! I say bravo to the brave food and beverage entrepreneurs whose spirits weren’t dampened by locations that have yet to hold a successful eatery despite other attempts, or the daunting liquor commission and planning commission hoops to jump through.

Monsoon India

1. Best Ethnic Cuisine on the Scene

As of 2009 we have two indian cuisine places in Maui, not just one! Maui’s history with Indian food has been a bit sketchy. A curry place here, a Taj Mahalo there, nothing lasting long, definitely not over two years. For 2009 we officially have two choices, a more casual take out option with Maui Masala in Dolphin Plaza and in north Kihei the sit down ocean views of Monsoon India in the Menehune Shores.  I am hoping this will spur some Indian food appreciators on the island. This is what Maui Time Weekly’s Nancy Kanyuk had to say about it a few weeks ago:

This is a place where a yogurt drink is a lassi, which is nothing like a smoothie. And it’s also a place where any misconceptions you may have about curry are put to rest. In India curry is a common term, used to describe any entrée with a sauce. But that certainly doesn’t mean they all taste the same, says manager Hari Reddy. In fact, he and Monsoon’s Chef Bindeshor insist nothing is further from the truth. So they offer six different curries with names like Vindaloo, Saag and Kadhai, served with any of nine meat, vegetarian or seafood choices.

Maui Masala

2. Most Needed in Central Maui

Bistro Casanova

Bistro Casanova came into the Kahului dining scene like an old friend, doing the lunches that we had dreamed of but were never offered. Delectable housemade bread rolls and bread sticks to snack on while you wait, sandwiches, crepes and salad washed down with strawberry ice tea, or cocktails if its that kind of lunch. More recently they began serving dinner that has a collection of Italian, Spanish, Mediterranean, and French dishes. I loved their tasty filet, but especially the Antipasto di Mare, a seafood salad that has muscles, calamari and shrimp. Another plus for the Bistro, a stylish getaway for the going out crowd, try the Mohito’s by the carafe and tapas menu.

Max in Haiku

The selection is a pared-down version of what’s offered at the main restaurant—breakfast options, sandwiches, soups, pizza etc. I opted for the tuna salad sandwich, a heaping dollop of tuna on a sliced baguette with lettuce and tomato. My dining companion got the excellent veggie sandwich (and by excellent I mean even for staunch carnivores), which comes piled with lettuce, tomato, shredded carrot, cucumber, avocado, red onion, grilled eggplant and a pesto spread and perfectly exemplifies one of Max’s winningest traits: fresh ingredients. Add a basket of well-seasoned garlic fries (and some cheese pizza for the keiki in our trio) and it was all we could do to clear our plates.

David Paul and His Son the Next Generation for Island Grill

If reputations precede you then does that give you an edge on the competition? With the opening of David Paul’s Island Grill, Chef David Paul comes back to Lahaina about 19 years after opening and selling the Lahaina Grill on Lahainaluna Rd. David Paul’s Island Grill reinvents Chef David with a modern look, fresh ideas and good food. His attention to fresh island products and innovative creations spawned the princess and the pea, a seared scallop on the most amazing pea cake, one of the best things I put in my mouth this year.

Princess and the Pea

Also entering the dining fray on the west side with a big rep is T S Restaurant’s Duke’s Beach House. T S Restaurant’s will now have 4 out of their 13 restaurants on Maui, and that is no accident. All 4 reside on the west side with fabulous ocean views. The controversial development of North Beach notwithstanding, they have opened a gorgeous Duke Kahanamoku themed place with complete with Hawaiian artifacts and the signature Duke’s style.

5. Food, Drinks and Live Music

I have got to hand it to Diamond’s Ice Bar and Grill for opening their club and supporting live music on Maui with their Friday Night Live series. A different live band has played there every Friday night. You can expect a fun and eclectic crowd. This is one place that makes a great Martini bringing back my faith in mixology, and the bartender doesn’t roll their eyes if you order one. Dress up, come out, and if you get hungry their menu goes till the wee hours. More recently I checked out Big Mike’s Throwback Thursday night where he spins quality 80′s and 90′s dance tunes. Don’t act, you know you totally want to dance.

6. The One that Got Away

I wouldn’t be human without missing something. My big regret is not getting over to Tiajuana’s Beach Cantina and Donovan Frankenreiter’s Margarita House in Kaanapali. I hope they are missing me! I have sent emails saying hello but have not heard back, but now I know the end of the year is near and I am going to have to close 2009 without checking this place out. Ouch! I hate regrets.

The sad farewells of 2009. Wow, we had a lot of closing restaurants in 2009, and I mourn a bit for each one. Heres our goodbye’s: Santa Fe Cantina, Rusty Harpoon, Henry’s, Maui Bake Shop, Pauwela Cafe, Unisan, Rosa’s Cantina & Rosa’s Taco Cart, Greek Bistro, Roy’s Kihei, Kujo’s, Compadres, and Bernard’s Bento & Banquets.

Cafe o Lei at Waiehu Golf Course View

Cafe O Lei Waiehu Golf Course 242-2770

Find our Mauitime Dining Listing Guide Here

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday 6:45 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday and Sunday 6:00 am – 5:00 pm

I heard from the Market St. Cafe O Lei team that the Cafe O Lei family had expanded recently and added the Waiehu Golf Course Restaurant to their brood of Maui restaurants. My first thought was my goodness, how does restauranteurs Michael and Dana Pastula keep up? My next thought was hey that’s in my neighborhood I need to eat there.

Cafe O Lei Waiehu Burger is Deluxe and only $6.95

The dining room is serene and pleasant. Its modest and casual with rattan chairs and cusions, and square tables, all four tops. My first impression was that it was very comfortable for breakfast or lunch. The menu is more limited than their other locations, so open your mind when you come down to dine. The service and quality is all there and the prices here are extremely reasonable. The specials vary day to day. The special today was mahi with a curry butter sauce, and a slow roasted pork. The menu is also skewed to more plate lunch dining, with white rice and mac salad on all entrees, and just one sandwich, the burger. I was in a comfort food mode. The burger comes with fries and lettuce and tomato and onion with fries for just $6.95. I added avo for a dollar and change more.

They also serve a few breakfast items, pupus and dessert. Plus you can call ahead and get take out.

Cafe O Lei Breakfast Menu

yummy burger

Cafe O Lei Waiehu Golf Course 242-2770

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday 6:45 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday and Sunday 6:00 am – 5:00 pm

Waiehu Golf Course Video courtesy of youtube ufbchang. Just so you can check out the course. It wasn’t windy at all today.

Grilled Beef and Spring Roll - Bun Cha Gio Thit Nuong at Asian Star

I didn’t expect to find exceptional Vietnamese food in the Wailuku Millyard area, I stumbled upon it. Although Wili Pa Loop is also home to Sam Sato’s famous for their noodles, it is definitely a surprise to find another great restaurant hidden up here among printing businesses, union offices and dentists. A few facts: Asian Star is open for lunch and dinner. Their menu is extensive with over 90 individual items organized by starches and protein categories. They also have a bar and wine and beer lists at the tables. The decor is sparse, a wide open dining room plays vietnamese instrumentals of cover tunes, and you have the traditional chinatown art of wood with mother of pearl inlays displaying traditional themes here and there on the walls. There is an oddly placed podium, stage and dance floor area which must be for private parties because i find no entertainment schedule here.

The first few things that jumped out at me from the menu are the ‘Steak House’ options including a New York Steak. They have Vietnamese fondue (Nhung Dam), and Vietnamese burritos. Vietnamese are known for their vegetarian options, but here it looks like beef lovers can rejoice. I started with a noodle bowl with fried spring rolls and grilled beef, Bun Cha Gio Thit Nuong, number 37 ($9.95). Vietnamese cuisine is known for its use of fresh herbs like mint and basil and combining those with lettuce, bean sprouts, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber with their dishes. As a result there is a lot of salad looking dishes with hearty elements.

My husband ordered the Vietnamese burrito, Banh Hoi, with the boneless Chicken Breast with Garlic, number 47  ($12.95), considered a house specialty. This is a dish where they bring you the ingredients of your burrito laid out on a plate, and then you get rice paper and hot water and roll your own “burrito”. Both were a good entryway into the dining of Asian Star. The spring roll and grilled beef noodle bowl came with generous portions of vegetables and the grilled beef was incredible. Thinly sliced and expertly marinated, it had flavors of ginger and lemon and sweet teriyaki. Chopped peanuts and basil grazed the top of the dish, and as you grabbed a slice of beef with chopsticks you wrap it up with some of the veggies and noodle. Each bite is different, but the combination of crunch, savory, and fresh herbs jumps out to greet your tastebuds. A dish of Nuoc Mam sauce that is sweet and sour accompanies the bowl and you pour it over the whole business before you get down to business. A total lunch treat.

Asian Star's Number 47 Banh Hoi Ga Nuong Toi

Our roll you own experience was excellent as well. The rice paper surprisingly is not that difficult to negotiate. You have a bowl of hot water and you dip it in for 10 to 30 seconds pull it out and lay it on your plate. At this point it is sticky but you start laying the lettuce, mint, bean sprouts, daikon, carrot, and cucumber in there and top it with a choice piece of chicken breast, and stretch one side of the rice paper over to the other to form a roll. Dip in sauce and enjoy a bite. Preparation did not slow us down and it was gone just as quickly as the noodle bowl, and washed down with hot tea.

My next stop in to Asian Star was for dinner, I was interested in the fondue. My daughter loves shrimp and will not eat anything spicy, so my server recommended the shrimp vegetables, number 74 Tom Xao Thap Cam ($11.95). We also got summer rolls with shrimp, number 1 Goi Cuon Tom ($5.95), along with the fondue, number 53, Tom Muc & Bo Nhung Dam ($25.95). The shrimp dish was perfect, tender brocolli and cabbage in an extremely mild sauce with tail on shrimps mixed in. My daughter is a pro with shrimp, gripping them by the tail and taking them down leaving only the crusty shell behind. Their summer rolls are just as you would expect, the peanut sauce a little milder then I am used to. The fondue was the real party at this dinner.

Nhung Dam #53 at Asian Star

Asian fondue are generally bowls of seasoned broth that you dip your meats into. This one was no different. The broth came on a plate with a ?? underneath that allows it to boil at your table. The broth had lots of onion and pineapple and tomato in it. The surprise here was that this was just like vietnamese burrito in presentation except you are cooking your own filling this time. The beef was very thinly sliced and cooked the fastest. The shrimp and calamari also took very little time. You just grab it with the chopsticks and drop it into the broth, meanwhile preparing your rice paper because you are going to wrap the cooked proteins up with veggies and noodles just like the burrito dishes. In no time at all we had a system down. The calamari was awesome, so tender and fresh.

Asian Star is located at 1764 Wili Pa Loop in the Millyard Wailuku, Hawaii, 96793. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 9:30 pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 8:30 pm. They welcome take out orders and you can call them at 808-244-1833.

1764 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku, HI 96793

Today is the last day for the current location of Horihitos (and Keoki’s Fish and Chips). Owner Jorge Galavaiz has not announced the new location yet. Lease is up at their next to Starbuck’s in Kihei location and they are closing the doors. Its not the first time, their lovely Lipoa Street location closed a couple of years ago and it was a few years before we got them back on South Kihei Road. We can only hope they are coming back soon! At any rate today is the day to go in and get your favorite Horhitos item before its done! 891-6394.