News and reviews of made on Maui products and Maui-based companies and success stories. Also featuring island shopping guides

Posts tagged ‘Restaurants’

Paia Truths and Rumors – August Edition!

iselle.maui.effects.sandbag.paia Once again, things are on the move in Paia.  Hurricane Iselle spared Paia and most of Maui, but as I was taking pictures just a few days after the storm passed by, there were definitely a lot of sandbags and boarded up windows still to be found.  Baldwin Avenue has the habit of turning into Baldwin River during heavy rains, and the shopkeepers were taking no chances.

On to the town gossip – Just today the Maui News shared that the owners of Mana Foods have confirmed that they are indeed opening a raw-food restaurant serving lunch and dinner called Maka Mana.

Ono Gelato has changed its name to Paia Gelato, and the location has merged with its sister shop, Hana Bay Picnic Lunch company.  According to the owners, Paia Gelato is still using the original gelato recipes, using fresh local fruits as well as high quality bases direct from Italy.

Paia Gelato is also a great little spot to pick up some made on Maui products, like these

The jewelry shop Oceania Maui   – entered the shop very briefly known as Makai Gallery (and Paia Pharmacy before that) – and is now called Oceania Maui Gallery & Jewelry Paia.

oceania.maui.new.location.makai.glass

According to the paper sign on the door, the old location of oceania maui will be the new location for Pakaloha Bikinis some time this month.

Another new (though long time in waiting) addition to Paia is the opening of the Da Vine Art wine tasting bar.paia.wine.tasting.bar

Also in that little shopping center, Tortillas has closed down, and is heading west – to the Old Lahaina Center near Foodland (by Ulalena)

Lots of construction going on – just next door to Milagros (anyone know what’s going in?), at the old tiny shop lot, and the former Nellie’s site.

A fun new trend in Paia is these chalkboard signs – and there appears to be some serious competition going on for the most artistic signs!

Also, check out the upcoming sale at Pearl, and grab a brownie at nearby Dazoo to celebrate your great savings.

and because i just like these pics: here’s a snapshot from San Lorenzo and the wall next to Nellie Bistro

\see you in Paia

 

Blogging Disclaimer: I am a paid representative for Dazoo, but the brownies are seriously good.  and gluten-free!

Wailea News and Upcoming Events

Each town on Maui has its day, but 2014 is turning out to be the Year of Wailea.

The swanky Andaz Maui at Wailea was just named one of the ‘Best New Hotels in the World’ – one of only 33 to make the 2014 Hot List by Conde Nast Traveler.

The restaurants in Wailea racked up a number of awards at the recent Maui no ka oi Magazine’s Aipono Awards, with Kaana Kitchen (at the Andaz) winning Best New Restaurant, Capische? awarded Most Romantic and Nick’s Fish Market earning Best Service.

Speaking of Capische?, The Market by Capische is now open at Wailea Gateway Center.  The Market has an extensive selection of wine, prepared foods, fresh produce, gourmet desserts, coffees and much more! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.  (scroll down to bottom for even more pics of this visually and gastronomically stunning gourmet deli!)

panties in paradise maui wailea hawaii Also coming soon to Wailea Gateway, Nadia Toraman, one of Maui’s most popular yoga instructors, will be opening a new yoga studio in May (at the current Lululemon, which is moving to Whaler’s Village). Wailea Gateway is home to two Maui Made favorites already, Otaheite and Sweet Paradise Chocolatier. We appreciate that these shops are truly geared towards both locals and visitors. Maui Zen Day Spa has closed their Wailea location (they are open in Lahaina).  Spa Maui Wailea has opened in its place!  A new lingerie shop, Panties in Paradise, is opening soon, and my Wailea insider promises even more exciting retailers to come!

As a sidebar, I was unable to find a current list of Wailea Gateway merchants, so if you are also wondering what is there – here’s the list:

Building A : Fabiani’s (with sister location in Kihei), Destination Resorts, Kai Kanani, Panties in Paradise, Sweet Paradise Chocolatier, Pita Paradise (also has sister location in Kihei), Old Republic Title, Wells Fargo, Coldwell Banker, and opening next month – Yoga Shala 

Building B: Postal and Office, Subway, Maui Memories, Otheite, Jere Fine Jewelers, The Market by Capische, and Monkeypod Kitchen.  

And if you are looking for retail space in this desirable location, there’s only one space left, a 1073sf on the second floor, as there’s already a lease pending on the last ground floor space! (click for more info

And speaking of awesome restaurants, returning this May is the popular Wailea Restaurant Week, happening May 25-31. Participating restaurants create a three course, pre-fixe menu for just $29*, $39* or $49* per person (*depending on the restaurant – beverages, tax and gratuity not included).  Some restaurants have enhanced this promotion with optional wine pairings.  Restaurant Week Wailea is also a fundraiser for the Maui Food Bank. This is a hugely popular event, go ahead and make your reservations NOW!   For an example menu – click to see what they are offering at Alan Wong’s Amasia at the Grand Wailea, the 2013 winner of the Aipono Best New Restaurant!  

Wailea is also soon to be abuzz with film lovers, celebrities and anyone looking for a great time! The 2014 Maui Film Festival takes place this year June 4-8, and the preliminary schedule and event passes are now available online, with the schedule of film premieres and honored celebrities soon to come!

And now for the exciting part: Photos from The Market by Capische?!

Eat like a local with Tour Da Food

When it comes to vacations, there are three kinds of people.  Some people go on vacation to relax, some like to explore, and some people just want to eat.  Fortunately for people that come to Maui, with a fascinating history of global cuisines and an abundance of fresh fruit, fish and other foods, Maui’s culinary options will keep your palate happy for the entire length of your stay.   And you haven’t really been to Maui without sampling a plate lunch, enjoying fresh poke, and you really can’t miss our famous shave ice.  With all the options, won’t you feel better knowing you’ve had the best?

Maui's Best Local Food Tour Activity

The Plate Lunch – The Signature Local Food in Hawaii –

If you are one of those foodie travelers, you’re second call after booking your flight should be to Bonnie Friedman.  A serious foodie herself, Bonnie established Tour Da Food in 2008 as the island’s first food tour and the only tour that focuses solely on ‘local food’.

Bonnie currently offers four tours – ‘Wailuku’, ‘Upcountry’, ‘Noodles, Dumplings & Dim Sum’ and perhaps Maui’s most unique tour, ‘GAS-tronomy’, a tour of four of Maui’s best local foods found in gas stations.  Every tour includes transportation from and back to the central meeting place; all food; a goodie bag; and a list of additional off-the-radar eating places.    And for foodies who would rather go it alone, Bonnie can provide a personalized list of recommendations through her website at Cuisine Confidential.

Eat Maui Local Food Guide

Explore Maui’s ‘hidden’ food treasures with Tour Da Food

Bonnie has built close personal and professional relationships with Maui’s chefs, farmers and food producers during her decades spent in various careers on Maui. She is herself a certified Pastry Cook, and has co-authored two cookbooks for Ten Speed Press.

Having just returned from her own foodie trip to Italy (which we jealously observed via Facebook!), she answered some of our questions about her unique activity :

maui's best shave ice tour

Shave Ice Caps off Each Tour

Made Made: How did you come up with this idea? 

Bonnie Friedman: I have to give credit to my friend/colleague Keli’i Brown, the PR director of the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau. He took a food tour of Chinatown in NYC in the mid-2000s. When he came back to Maui, he told me about it – VERY excitedly! – and said “You need to do this in Wailuku.” It took quite a while – about 18 months – to do all the research and plot out what I considered to be an excellent local food tour. I launched Tour da Food Maui in May 2008.

MM: What’s your most popular tour? 

BF: I think Wailuku is still probably the most popular tour with Upcountry a close second.

MM: Any favorite moments or experiences?   

BF:  For me, the best moments are connecting with visitors, especially first time visitors, and introducing them to real local food. And they all really seem to love the experience. Most rewarding is when my guests and I become friends. It’s happened several times. There’s a family I see every year when they visit Maui and a couple I have at least one meal with in NYC when I travel there.

 

Maui's Best Manapua...

There’s nothing like a Manapua – It’s worth the trip to Maui just in itself…

MM: Anything else you want to add? 

BF: A few words of my “local food philosophy” – we have some excellent fine dining in Hawai’i, no doubt about it. But for me, the one thing we have here that no other place in the world has is local food. I think we learn a great deal about a place and its culture through its food. That’s the experience I hope I give my guests.

Mahalo to Bonnie for making us hungry answering our questions, and don’t forget to check out her tour options on your next visit to Maui!

Shop Makawao Part 2 – Art Galleries and Restaurants

(click here to view part 1: Clothing Boutiques and an Apothecary)

According to the HVCB website: This charming town was once named one of the top 25 arts destinations in the United States. 

And, unlike Maui’s other art capital, Lahaina, most of the art you’ll find in Makawao is actually made on Maui, and you’re more than likely to meet the artist as well.  Here is a virtual tour/shopping guide to Makawao’s art galleries.

Art Galleries:

(In Alphabetical Order – click on the name to view the website, if applicable, and click on the shop link to see what’s available to purchase online!)

Hot Island Glass: 

See the amazing artwork of talented glassblowers Chris Richards and Chris Lowry at this combination gallery and studio.  On most days, visitors will find them there creating new pieces right before their eyes.  Set back a bit off Baldwin Ave., (near Makawao Steak House), make a point to check out this gallery.

Visit their online shop

Jordanne: 

If you’ve been to Lanai in the past decade, you may recall Jordanne’s artwork as the Artist-In-Residence for both Four Seasons Resorts from 2003-2012.  In 2012, she moved to Maui to focus on a new collection of work and Plein-Air shows across America.  Jordanne is known for her paintings of Hawaiian landscapes, plantation homes, bouquet arrangements and signature gold-leaf pineapple paintings.

Visit her online shop

Julie Galeeva:

The interesting thing about walking into the Julie Galeeva art gallery, right on the corner of Makawao Avenue and Baldwin, is the great variety of works and styles. There’s abstract, impressionist, realist, fantasy…  so I asked the guy painting away if this was all Julie’s work, “Yes, she can do anything,” he agreed.  He pointed to one corner, “But that’s mine, she lets me have that section… she’s my mom” he added.  Wow, two talented artists in this family!

Kirsten Bunney Gallery:

Originally from Australia, Kirsten Bunney has been living and working on Maui since 1987.  Kirsten combines pen and ink with gouache and watercolor to express the bright, tropical beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.  Kirsten’s unique sense of style and color has been developed from a mix of cross-cultural influences, particularly times spent living in Bali.

Maui Hands :

Now back where it started- in Makawao, Maui Hands represents over 300 fine artists, artisans, jewelers, woodworkers, glassblowers, potters and sculptors, all 100% local to the state of Hawaii.  There’s something in every price range, and don’t miss the jewelry counters.  Did we mention the jewelry? Maui Hands has three other locations – Paia, Lahaina and Kaanapali.

Visit their online shop 

Sherri Reeve:

If you’ve been around Maui at all, you know the artwork of Sherri Reeve.  If not, your next stop in Makawao will change all that.  Known for her vibrant and playful watercolors, Reeve opened her Makawao gallery in 1997, where she can often be found greeting her faithful fans and new followers.  Her shop is so colorful and cheerful that you just want to stay for a while.   Besides wall art, you can find Sherri’s designs on mugs, mousepads, playing cards, soap and more!

View her online shop 

Viewpoints:

Another must-see stop in Makawao is Viewpoints Gallery.  There is a constantly changing featured show at this gallery, with the current theme : “It’s all about Hawaii”, which runs June 28 – August 7, 2013, and features the iconic painters Betty Hay Freeland and Suzy Papanikolas.  Each artist in this gallery must also be a current resident of the island.

Zforrest:

This carefully curated gallery has only been open 4 months, but I hope it will be around for a long time.  Just a few of the fun pieces that are made on Maui are Wicked Ono bags, cyanotype on silk pillows and scarves by Gwen Arkin, and these cute journal earrings by Julia Spector.

And another gallery I didn’t get the chance to visit this time: Piero Resta

Food & Snacks:

To keep this from being the longest blog post ever (and it might be, anyway) – I’m just going to hit the highlights of food and beverage in Makawao – all this shopping is bound to make you hungry.

Best use of local ingredients: Market Fresh Bistro – open 9-3:30 (2 on Sunday), some days for dinner (call 572-4877 to confirm hours).

Best Donuts: Komoda’s- there’s no sign near the door of this hole in the wall, when you smell the deliciousness, you’ll know you are there.  (closed Wednesday and Sunday)

Best place to sit and enjoy colorful Makawao/catch up on all the local gossip, while enjoying a coffee: Casanova Deli’s outdoor porch (daytime)

Best Wood-fired Pizza: Casanova Restaurant (nighttime- although I do think they serve the pizza for lunch too, I’m just too busy sitting on the porch)

Best Chips & Salsa: Polli’s

Best on-the-run/take-out: Rodeo General Store

And don’t forget to check out Makawao every Third Friday for the evening Town Party

Casanova Makawao third Friday town party maui

What’s your favorite art gallery/food in Makawao?