When Mauians think brunch, we think Kaanapali Beach Hotel. This year their Mother’s Day blowout includes lots of frills for moms from champagne to fashion.

See the press release below for all the details.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH & FASHION SHOW AT KA‘ANAPALI BEACH HOTEL

Ka‘anapali Beach, Maui, Hawai‘i – Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel presents a stylish Mother’s Day celebration Sunday, May 8th, 2011 from 8am to 1pm. Free-flowing champagne and feast on a lavish all-you-can-eat buffet while enjoying Hawaiian music, hula and the latest offerings from renowned Hawai‘i fashion designers.

Showcased are designers Na Makua and Wahine Toa Designs from the Big Island, and Anne Namba Designs from O‘ahu, whose clientele includes Elizabeth Taylor and Sharon Stone. Enjoy watching our continuous Hawaiian entertainment with performances by Na Kamali‘i O Ke Akua and Halau Kealaokala, special appearances by Melveen Leed with models and hula dancing by Tihati Productions. KPOA’s Morning Goddess, Alaka‘i Paleka, will be the Mistress of Ceremonies for the day’s festivities.

Every Mother will receive a rose and have a chance to win the grand prize “Clean Home & Car Detail” package by PWC Hawai‘i (prize valued at $500). Other prizes for lucky Moms include Kupanaha: Magic Dinner Theater admission for two, Dinner for Two at the Tiki Terrace Restaurant, Beauty of Aloha gift certificates, and an overnight stay at Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel.

Featured on the all-you-can-eat buffet are our famous Belgian waffles and Omelets Made-to-Order. For seafood lovers, there will be an iced buffet of Shrimp Cocktail, Crab Legs, and Oysters and Mussels-on-the-half shell. Our chefs will be carving Kiawe-smoked Prime Rib and Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel’s award-winning Rack of Lamb. Other entrées include Herb Roasted Porkloin, Baked Salmon, Spicy Fried Shrimp, Roasted Chicken with Marsala Mushrooms & Caper Sauce, Braised Shortribs and Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce. There will be an exclusive buffet of specialties just for keiki, and an array of decadent desserts completing this menu ­– celebrating Mom.

Brunch prices for Adults are $46.95, and Children 12 and under are $24.00. Children 5 years & younger eat free (one child per paid adult). Special event parking rates apply. Reservations are a must, and may be made by calling 667-0124 or online at www.hawaiiansundaybrunch.com.

The 432-room Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel combines charming Hawaiian atmosphere with an ideal ocean front location and has been awarded Hawai‘i’s Best Value Hotel by the readers of Travel & Leisure magazine. Kama‘aina rates start from just $109 per night. The Waiaha Foundation officially recognizes Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel as the Most Hawaiian Hotel in the State of Hawai‘i, and TripAdvisor has named the hotel as one of the “Top 10 Family Hotels in the U.S. <http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoiceList-g191-cFamily> ”

***

Recently enjoyed good food (and good company) at Castaway Cafe, at the Maui Ka’anapali Villa. The fried scallop pupu (seasonal; $12.95) is generously portioned and comes with a creamy wasabi sauce you’ll be tempted to double-dip with. For my entree, I opted for one of the fish specials, choosing ono blackened with cajun spices ($23.95).

In the way that the ambiance leaves something to be desired, but is made up for by the cheerily spot-on service, I found the plating to betray the meal’s good taste. A gorgeous, thick ono steak was hidden under a (albeit tasty) pile of sweet potato strings, and the veggies (although perfectly blanched) were prepped as if for a brown bag lunch.

A few aesthetic tweaks might help justify the premium prices. Nonetheless, the experience was a good one. 808-661-9091; castawaycafe.com

Hula Grill's Chef Scott McGill Hosts a Beer Pairing Dinner to Kick Off Onion Fest

The onions growing on the slopes of Haleakala are so coveted they have a trademark to protect them from imposters. There are only a handful of places on the earth that grow a sweet onion, and Maui is one of them.

We celebrate our world famous produce with a celebration at Whaler’s Village once a year. This year’s blow out Onion party is kicked off with a five course dinner paired with Maui Brewing Co.’s beers and Hula Grill’s Barefoot Brew. I love the drama infused into Hula Grill Chef Scott McGill’s menu, the entree course will be featuring Lucifer’s Angel Ale served with beer braised lamb osso bucco, and grilled mahi with dungeness crab. The Winner of last year’s recipe contest, David Paul is also designing this menu. Even your dessert course features a beer, this time with ice cream floating in it.

Maui Onion & Beer Dinner featuring Maui Brewing Company beers

April 30, 2010, 6:30-9:00pm, $69.95 per person

Tray Passed Pupus

Paired with Bikini Blonde: Grilled Kurabuta Pork Belly, Kobe Beef Pastrami “Ruben”, Maui Onion Rings with guava ketchup

Pupu

Paired with Mana Wheat draft: Trio of Farm-Raised Hiramasa, Cured with edamame puree, Sashimi with soy-sesame, Seared with Cilantro crème fresh

Salad

Paired with Hula Honey Golden Ale: “Bacon & Eggs,” Anuhea Farms asparagus, Macadamia nut honey bacon, golden beets, 64 degree Launiupoko egg

Entrée

Paired with Lucifer’s Angel Ale: Beer Braised Lamb “Oso Bucco” on Celeriac puree, Peppered & Grilled Mahi with Dungeness crab and avocado

Dessert

Paired with Black Pearl: Maui Brewing Co. Root Beer Float with Tahitian vanilla ice cream, Kona Coffee Crème Brûlée, Maui-made Gelato

Celebrity Chef’s and Music on Ka’anapali Beach at the Onion Festival

Come back to Whaler’s Village the next day for the party, its an all day event starting at 9:30 am. Local chefs Roy Yamaguchi (@roysroy), D.K. Kodama, and David Paul and James McDonald will be doing demonstrations, and TV celeb chef Cutty Cutler (@cookingwithcutty) will be teaching kids and parents how to make fruit smoothies. Then watch folks compete in the raw Maui onion eating contest. I don’t know whether to cry or cheer for the winner. Music on the beach starts at 1pm with the Air Force Band of the Pacific, then Benoit Jazz Works, and Versatile.

Press Release Below:

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.

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.

Todd Carlos, Shaughn Helliar, Bill Terry, Peter Merriman, Ron LeClergue, Scott McGill, Ed Sowers, Bill Parsons

Duke’s Beach House

Honua Kai Resort

130 Kai Malina Parkway

Lahaina HI 96761

808-662-2900

This is the first restaurant media event where I left hungry. Its not that the team at the new Duke’s Beach House in Kaanapali didn’t try to feed me, there was plenty of foood. Like the scrumptous pupu crispy coconut shrimp with lilikoi dipping sauce, fried to perfection with moist shrimp and tart dipping sauce. Or their slow roasted Mango BBQ ribs featuring succulent baby back pork glazed with tangy sauce. But this was the TS Restaurant opening of the year. Conversation flowed as easy as the beer and I was determined to absorb it all.

The restaurant is gorgeous, lets just get that out of the way. Seating is practically on the ocean on the west side’s coveted North Beach, the sunsets here will be stunning. Stone tiled floors and Ohia logs grace the outdoor open air dining area that seats 245 people. Invoking the spirit of its namesake, photos of Duke Kahanamoku are found within, along with other cultural artworks like rare lei hulu peices, vintage handcrafted wood surfboards, and an outrigger canoe. Bill Terry, T S Restaurants Vice President Hawaii Operations says, “Duke Kahanamoku was all about sharing the aloha spirit and our new Maui restaurant will reflect his love for the Hawaiian culture.” Jessica Mills, Vice President of ARC Consultants, explains how they are crafting the shoreline fronting the restaurant and removing the kiawe trees for an amazing unimpeded view of the Auau channel and the islands of Lanai and Molokai.

Duke Kahanamoku would eat these BBQ Ribs

This restaurant is destined to follow in the footsteps of the many TS establishments before it, 12 in all, with Duke’s Beach House rounding up number 4 on Maui, joining Kimo’s, Leilani’s and Hula Grill. They are all known for their consistency in food quality and service, and easy going island tropical style and cuisine. In fact Duke’s Waikiki is possibly one of the busiest restaurants on Oahu and one of the top national restaurants. This Kaanapali Duke’s will be the fifth in their Duke’s series, rounding up Kauai, Oahu, Huntington Beach and Malibu.

Duke's Beach House General Manager Shaugn Helliar

If I have to blame someone for my hunger perhaps I will point the finger at Shaughn Helliar a new addition to the TS Restaurant team and general manager of Duke’s Beach House. His captivating story of how he went from Sydney Australia resident to Maui convert kept me from consuming much of the seared ahi crostini going around. Helliar’s enthusiasm for his new post will translate into huge success for the restaurant as he prepares for their public opening on December 21st. “The cuisine has a focus on fresh, sustainable seafood and premium steaks.” Shaughn adds, ”I look forward to providing the residents and visitors of maui with the Duke’s dining experience they know and love from our other locations, enhanced by a locally inspired menu.” Helliar’s uncanny instant fit with the TS team is a testament to his dedication to 20 years in the restaurant industry and the soft launch of this gorgeous new property marks his one year mark on Maui to the day. He says, “It will be the public that decides what to do with this place,” and adds that he loves his job because, “My team is serving people who want to come and eat. We can have fun here, its not brain surgery.”

The Duke’s Beach House restaurant is nestled in beachfront at the Honua Kai Ka’anapali’s newest resort accommodations “condotel” featuring 628 guest suites in an ownership resort. Ed Sowers, General Manager of Honua Kai said, “We have a commitment to creating an ambiance where visitors and owners can experience that connection to family, friends, sand, sea and aloha and Duke’s Beach House reflects that promise.”

Scott McGill

The executive chef behind the menu at Duke’s Beach House is none other than Scott McGill, who has spent 16 years with TS Restaurants. His primary residence on Maui and experience at Kimo’s, Hula Grill and Duke’s Waikiki means he can expand on his in depth knowledge of these menu’s successes and create a superb new menu for Maui that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Fresh island fish, local produce and certified Angus beef all play a role in the new Duke’s menu.

The chant and prayer at the Duke’s Beach House on December 15, 2009.

Not Duke’s Maui, but a very warm 15 year anniversary video of Duke’s Waikiki, featuring

Can you believe the high tech hand dryer in the ladies room? I have never seen a Dyson Airblade hand dryer before. Call me a hick. On second thought you better not.

Dyson hand blower

Duke’s Beach House

Honua Kai Resort

130 Kai Malina Parkway

Lahaina HI 96761

808-662-2900

Opens 12/21/09.

Hours:

BREAKFAST – 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM DAILY

LUNCH – 11:00 AM TO 3:00 PM DAILY

DINNER – 5:00 PM TO 10:00 PM DAILY

BAR – 11:00 AM TO 11:00 PM DAILY