ON THE TOWN . . . There will tons of food this week at Lahaina's Second Friday and most restaurants are offering kamaaina discounts. Just ask. Ono Gelato Co. will do desserts such as gluten-free baked goods and gelato-filled cannolis.
Kimo's will give you a free slice of hula pie with coupon (pick up at Lahaina Visitor Center in the Old Courthouse). Kobe Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar will lower prices on teppanyaki fare for residents.
Pioneer Inn will be jumping with its $5 pupu menu. Get $2 beef, chicken or pork tacos at Amigo's Authentic Mexican Food.
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Chef David Paul Johnson of David Paul’s Island Grill will resume his cooking class series Sunday with Spring Is In the Air at noon in his Front Street restaurant in Lahaina.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
There were plenty of winners in the culinary contests last weekend at the Maui County Agricultural Festival at Maui Tropical Plantation.
In the Judges Choice Award, taking first place were Farmer Bobby Pahia of Hoaloha Farms and his teammate Chef Sheldon Simeon of Star Noodle and Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop.
Farmer David Fitch of Malama Farms with Chef Marc McDowell of Makena Beach and Golf Resort had a one point difference over third-place winners of farmer Ian Cole of the Breadfruit Institute in Hana with Private Chef Riko Bartolome of Kapalua.
Jennifer Nguyen of A Saigon Cafe and farmer Jamie Shishido won Best Decorated Booth. "It was awesome - beautiful and a storyboard with health benefits," says event publicist Charlene Ka'uhane.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . The matchmaker in me is coming out now. That's because I know one of the best ways to meet women (at least the ones who like to cook) is during the ongoing In the Kitchen With David Paul series of classes that will resume on Sunday.
Beginning at noon sharp, the classes are for all levels of experience (in cooking, that is) and you get a gourmet feast with wines after. Cost is $150 per person.
"This Sunday, the theme is Spring is in the Air, and I'll teach you how to make a variety of what's fresh on Maui right now," says Chef-owner David Paul Johnson. "April 29, it will be Spices and Everything Nice. We'll focus on spices and herbs in cooking and include aphrodisiacs such as chile peppers."
The May 6 class will be Let's Do Brunch in honor of Mother's Day; and May 20 will be Food and Wine Pairings.
"We'll do even more classes in June and July, starting with the Thrill of the Grill June 10, just before Father's Day," says the seasoned chef.
Handcrafted Restaurants LLC, the parent company for Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea, announces that Chef Steven Hessenflow will head the kitchen of a second Monkeypod Kitchen outlet, scheduled to open its doors this fall at Oahu's world-renowned Ko'Olina Resort.
"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to work with Chef Peter Merriman, Bill Terry and Hawaii's farmers, ranchers and fishermen. To have the opportunity to give back to the community and to be involved with Handcrafted Restaurants and the newest Monkeypod Kitchen is very exciting," says Hessenflow.
Join Maui No Ka Oi Magazine for its annual 'Aipono Awards Gala as it toasts Maui's top restaurants and chefs at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali.
Along with a formal dinner and wine pairing during the awards ceremony, enjoy reception festivities that include the Chambers & Chambers wine experience, innovative pupu by Maui Culinary Academy and entertainment by Espresso, featuring Kelly Covington. Get special discounted room rates; proceeds benefit the Maui Culinary Academy. Call 242-8331.
Maui Country Club in Spreckelsville will set the stage for "Murder at the Juice Joint," the Maui Academy of Performing Arts' first-ever murder mystery fundraiser. Dress in 1920s attire, if you like, and partake in a lingo trivia game from that era.
Indulge in coconut shrimp, Asian-style chicken skewers, hummus and flat bread, smoked salmon spread, gorgonzola stuffed mushrooms, kalua pork sliders, assorted cheeses and fresh fruits. Desserts will be made by Catering From Soup to Nuts. Call 244-8760.
Friday, from 6 p.m. "until the clock strikes," there will be a gala going on at the Grand Wailea. The benefit for Imua Family Services will be an elegant affair with cocktails, shopping, and dinner by the resort's Executive Chef Eric Faivre and his culinary team. Called the Fantasia Ball, it will feature slow-roasted prime rib or satays, Hawaiian catch, salads, fruits, tortellini, desserts and coffee. Dance the night away and bid at auction. Call 244-7467.
