Maui's Top 10 Holiday Treats!

‘Tis the season for lists – and here are the Top Ten Things I’m looking forward to most on Maui this holiday season. Big Waves, Whales, Restaurant Openings, Snow in Lahaina … Maui is a miracle of marvels this time of year.

1) The Annual Tree Lighting at the Ritz Carlton – Thursday, Dec. 2

Ritz Carlton Glows Glorious for the Holidays

Why? Start with the cheery festivities, joyful singing, happy faces of children, Elves climbing up the walls and into the building through the magic of technology, Santa’s anticipated arrival, hot chocolate and cookies. Plus, as kama`aina we get half price sushi at Kai from 5:30-6:30 pm!  An overnight stay at the lush hotelier is the best way I know for getting in the spirit – even better than Burl Ives singing “Frosty the Snowman.”

2) Japengo’s Coming to Town! In Time for Christmas!

Why? Hyatt Kaanapali GM Mike Jokovich tells me there will be a soft opening of the hip new sushi restaurant prior to Christmas, which means I can bring family and friends there to celebrate! The Japengo location in the La Jolla Hyatt really  impressed me when I dined there many years ago so I’m looking forward to enjoying equally stellar sushi in the Kaanapali ‘hood. I’m also eager to see the results of the 75 million dollar face lift of the new Japengo space.  I think that’s even more than Cher paid…

3) Girls in White Dresses with Blue Satin Sashes – Nutcracker Sweets! Dec. 5, 3-5 p.m.

Why? Because it just isn’t Christmas without Tchaikovsky and one hundred adorable keiki dancing around the Ulalena Stage making hearts melt faster than snow in Lahaina.  Cost is $20 adults; $17 children 12 and under, but the experience is truly priceless. I see visions of sugarplums already.

Read the complete list here!

Any suggestions?

Do you know an amazing restaurant worth reviewing? Have you found killer secret spots for Happy Hours, dining deals and great entertainment? Please let us know and maybe we'll get the chance to give it a great What's Cooking Maui restaurant review!

Feel free to leave us a comment with any and all suggestions! Aloha!

Mala Ocean Tavern in Lahaina

Mala Ocean Tavern
Prime Views

Every town has that perfect spot for weekend lunch; in Lahaina, that place is Mala Ocean Tavern. Opened in 2005, by Mark and Judy Ellman, right off the bat Mala’s was the undisputed best place to linger with friends on a long afternoon while sipping a refreshing drink.

Sharing a table on the open-air lanai is best; from there you can watch the sea turtles engage in their underwater paddling contests, moving close to shore, then back out to sea with the waxing and waning surf.  Order a custom muddled mojito, one of Mala’s specialties, and soon you’ll also be going with the flow, which is what dining with friends should be about. Also highly recommended is the Spanish style sangria, crafted of red wine, soda, fresh fruits and a secret ingredient as invigorating as it is delicious.

Start with something for everyone (you wouldn’t want to rush) such as the stir-fry Brussels sprouts, edamame guacamole or the Mediterranean Quartet (a platter of feta cheese, hummus, olives, and babaganoush served with the island’s tastiest grilled pita). Although you’ll be tempted by a fantastic selection of healthy, vegetarian, and unique flavor options (such as lamb raita or gado gado salad) don’t overlook the standard burger and fries. At Mala the burger is delicacy in a bun, a hand formed Kobe beef graced with caramelized onions and your choice of cheese. The accompanying fries are sprinkled with fairy dust in the form of truffle oil and taste-bud stimulating spices. Aloha Friday never tasted so good!

Click to read the rest of this restaurant review!

Pacific`O Screening “Ingredients” November 20, 2010

Save the Date, November 20, 2010,  for an open-air screening of the movie, “Ingredients,” a revelation of the impact what we eat has on the environment and our bodies.

The director, Robert Bates, will be on hand to schmooze and answer any questions you may have. This is also a chance for us to help with the funding of their next production by contributing a portion of our proceeds to the making of the “Hawaii Ingredients”. So plan to be there at Pacific `O Restaurant for a night of great food, drinks and a movie!

For more Maui dining news and events, click here!

Noble Chef Event Raises over $100,000 for Culinary Students!!

If you were fortunate enough to be there last Friday, October 29, 2010, you already know what a fantastic event the neighbor island guest Chefs and Students of MCA prepared for the occasion. Follow the link for a behind the scenes recap of the event with notes of thanks from the committee and comments from participants!

Get the latest in Maui news here!

Wailea Restaurant Week, November 7 -13, 2010!

RESTAURANT WEEK WAILEA RETURNS 
November 7 – 13, 2010

Amazing three course pre-fixe meals for
$29, $39 or $49 per person 
(beverage, tax and gratuity are not included)

17 Wailea Resort Restaurants will be participating
in this spectacular celebration of cuisine!

Click here for Full menu

Here's your chance to smack your lips on some of the island's classiest gourmet dining for the cost of going out to breakfast in paradise!

Back by popular demand, Wailea Resort is proud to announce the return of its very successful dinner promotion, “Restaurant Week Wailea”. This celebration of Wailea’s finest cuisine will take place at 17 participating resort restaurants throughout Wailea starting Sunday, November 7th, through Saturday, November 13th.

Read the full restaurant review here!

Have you scoped our Restaurant Guide? You should!

Check out WCM's comprehensive HI Restaurant guide for a full listing of Maui restaurants. You can sort by Features, Location and Cuisine type to quickly narrow your search for Maui, HI restaurants. Whether you want to find a family restaurant in Lahaina, late night dining in Kihei or a coffeehouse upcountry, use What's Cooking Maui's HI Restaurant Guide whenever you need a recommendation!