618257 Fri May 08 06:53:50 -0700 2009 30 25 Elsewhere In America 0 4665496 Did the opening happen last month as advertised? We are heading to Maui next month and I would love to try something new and delicious. I was hoping to get some firsthand information or see a copy of the menu. The website still says, "Coming Soon". Thanks! Fri May 08 06:53:50 -0700 2009 15064 Mimi 1 4667880 Have not heard. I was of the impression that it was imminent, but might have gotten bogus info. The "old" Lahaina Grill was good, but they did not offer much info on David Pau's endeavors. Please let us know. I'll be back in a few months. Mahalo, Hunt Fri May 08 21:06:34 -0700 2009 4665496 11329 Bill Hunt 2 4670714 http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090422/LIFE02/904220347/-1&template=taste Here is a really good article about the restaurant and David himself. He's a cool guy and I can't wait to get to Lahaina to try this new place. Glad to see he's "back" but then again, he never left. Sun May 10 09:19:55 -0700 2009 4667880 41725 manomin 3 4675248 Fantastic! I see by Cjanie's post below, that he's now open. Since our plans for the next trip were changed a bit, we'll back on Maui, much sooner than I ever anticipated. Will give his new place a go. I could easily see doing the old and the new, back-to-back. If that happens, I'll report and review. Mahalo, Hunt Mon May 11 19:11:45 -0700 2009 4670714 11329 Bill Hunt 1 4670877 They did open on May 6. We went in with another couple on May 7. The food was just amazing. Their price point is pretty impressive especially when you consider the quality of the food. My husband and I had the Ahi with Foie gras, it was so rich and yummy. Our friends had the short ribs and the heirloom pork, both were fabulous. I'd highly recommend this restaurant. We went to Merriman's up in Kapalua the next night for a birthday celebration, and it was good, too. Sun May 10 10:43:27 -0700 2009 4665496 291528 cjanie 2 4675253 Cjanie, I appreciate the report. Hope to get there in October. Mahalo, Hunt Mon May 11 19:12:18 -0700 2009 4670877 11329 Bill Hunt 2 4676053 Great to hear! We will try it next month and report back! Tue May 12 06:23:37 -0700 2009 4670877 15064 Mimi 1 4680072 Its been open for 5 days now. The website should be up soon. Wed May 13 10:20:40 -0700 2009 4665496 292337 ry7662 1 4690782 ...amazing? I disagree....but they have only been open nine days. They will get another try from us. Seasoning...lacking. And I'm not a salt hound. The Torchon just tasted like a slice of cold butter. I could only stand half of the tiny piece they served. A table in the patio actually had it removed from the check. (we at least paid for it) I was exited to see that they had pommes frites on the menu... Something so simple has to be spot on. Not soggy unfortunately. Merriman's made an attempt and failed. Again, they've been only open for nine days....they deserve another chance. I wish them all the luck especially in these trying times. Us transplants are yearning for a great restaurant we can all brag about. The Triple Berry Pie is better at Lahaina Grille. Sun May 17 00:28:19 -0700 2009 4665496 118603 musubi 1 4695503 The website is partially up today. www.davidpaulsislandgrill.com Mon May 18 17:05:54 -0700 2009 4665496 15064 Mimi 1 4701050 David Paul's Island Grill opened on May 6th and it's absolutely fantastic. Right now, open for dinner only Tuesday through Sunday. Late night menu Friday and Saturday. GORGEOUS restaurant, incredible food, legendary service. TRY IT! Wed May 20 11:56:11 -0700 2009 4665496 49245 mauigp 1 4705614 Was just on Maui late last month for our annual trip. Was hoping that David Paul's would be open, but not yet, will have to wait until next year. At any rate, went to Lahaina Grill as usual and it was consistent and good as usual, not earth-shattering. First go at Merriman's Kapalua, and IMHO it's the best on Maui (I like it better than Mama's Fish House) in a fantastic setting. But then my favorite restaurant in all of Hawaii by a wide margin is Merriman's in Waimea on the Big Island. Went to Sansei for the third time, dissapointed for the third time, way overhyped and inferior to at least 4 or 5 Japanese restaurants within even just a few miles of my home. Thu May 21 22:23:59 -0700 2009 4665496 277520 Paris Dreamin 2 4741583 We are in Maui annually in Jan/Feb and did Merriman's - very good. What is IMHO??? Thu Jun 04 06:58:34 -0700 2009 4705614 438365 winesnobs 1 4705692 Hey readers check out DP's background on his own web site ! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! http://www.davidpaulsislandgrill.com/maui-chef.htm an ex-JUVENILE ? Now he is trying to confuse and take advantage the maui market by using the old David Paul's name again. A man of real principle I say! He does not belong to the restaurant circle here. Something shady here.... Thu May 21 23:28:14 -0700 2009 4665496 310517 dspbob 2 4712272 Shady appears to be an understatement. Based on my quick research - same name, same exact logo, same menu item (Triple Berry Pie - although early reviews are the version at Lahaina Grill is better), "there's only one David Paul's" slogan. Wow - if you've got to copy everything at a proven winner to keep yourself alive, that's sad. I'll pass. Mon May 25 03:15:29 -0700 2009 4705692 322703 saywha 2 4713418 Wow. That's some really strange hostility you've got going there, "dspbob" and "saywha." Shocking that he would use the name "David Paul's" given that he is, well, David Paul. The logos are not the same, the menus are not the same, and there is only one David Paul's, isn't there? And the Triple Berry Pie is his creation. I think you will find the number of readers on this board who care that he was a juvenile offender at age 14 to be small indeed. "He does not belong to the restaurant circle here." Really? Really? Take it somewhere else. Mon May 25 13:41:54 -0700 2009 4705692 16423 mnadel 2 4720931 Um, he's using his name. He's allowed to keep it because, well, it's his name. It's what people call him. Lahaina Grill (f/k/a David Paul's Lahaina Grill), on the other hand, isn't allowed to use it. Had they wanted to do so, they could have negotiated it into the sale contract. They didn't. So there really is only one David Paul's. And FWIW, we're all ex-juveniles. With the possible exception of those who overuse capital letters. Think about it. I'm not much of a West Side guy, but hey - DP earned his stripes the hard way. If his new restaurant can deliver the goods, what's wrong with that? Wed May 27 22:16:31 -0700 2009 4705692 58743 alanbarnes 1 4714734 There seems to be a lot of confusion here about David Paul's and the Lahaina Grill. David Paul sold the Grill to Jurg Munch who is an outstanding restaurateur and a very friendly guy. I just can't say enough good things about what he has done with the Lahaina Grill. Some one mentioned that the Lahaina Grill did not offer "much info on David Paul". The new owner clearly had a no compete covenant in the purchase agreement from David Paul and had contractual rights to use his name for a number of years. In the last few years the "David Paul's" was dropped from the Lahaina Grill. Clearly they are not going to promote their competition and offer details on an ex-owners career. There is surely going to be some competition between the two but IMO The Lahaina Grill remains one of if not THE best dining option on Maui. There is a reason they have been voted the #1 restaurant on maui 16 years in a row. However I can't for the life of me imagine that any one should be surprised that David Paul would try to capitalize on the reputation that the Lahaina Grill has developed with his name(even though he was not involved in the vast majority of that success). Clearly the no compete covenant has expired and there is no legal reason the man should not use use own name representing his new endeavor. There may arguably be one of ethics if he incorporates some of the items from the Lahaina grill at his new restaurant. Lets hope he has more talent than that. Tue May 26 05:53:10 -0700 2009 4665496 253154 Fritter 2 4717437 I believe that it may have been me, who commented on the "no comment," regarding David Paul in relationship to the Lahaina Grill. I discussed this, though not at length, with the GM (or possibly the owner. Now, it had been some time, since we had last dined at that restaurant. At that time, I believe that Chef Paul was still associated with the restaurant, but cannot be certain. In the meantime, much had changed with the restaurant. However, it was quite a few years, and even under the same chef and owner, things can certainly change in that time frame. Now, I am not an attorney. I also have never seen the sales agreement between Chef Paul and the then/current owner. To the use of a menu, that was developed by Chef Pau, unless there is a legal agreement, then I cannot possibly imagine any conflict there. Still, this might depend on what documents were written with the sale. If all of the recipes were sold, then there could be a problem. However, this would be an issue for the courts to decide. As for a "hound," it should be about the food, the service and similar. As it looks like we'll be back this year, I hope to try both. If I'm so lucky, I'll review each. I'd also like to do Lahaina Grill on a night that they are not filled to capacity with a "special event." When finally seated, and the noise died down, the food and service were great. While not better than our lunch at Mama's FH, it was still very good. I just want to experience them on a better night. Hunt Tue May 26 20:43:48 -0700 2009 4714734 11329 Bill Hunt 3 4720920 Why is there such animosity? I agree with Bill, this should be about the food, service and ambiance. My husband and I went to David Paul's old Lahaina Grill when it had been open for three weeks and have continued to return there each year since. We were there when it was tiny, then expanded, expanded again, and then he sold it to Jurg. Over the years we've grown to know some of the staff and have enjoyed many memorable meals there. In fact we just went there a couple of weeks ago and it was great. We've also had the opportunity to go to David Paul's new Island Grill twice now. As I posted previously about our first visit with friends, the food was/is incredible. Just before we flew home to California, we went back with our friends once again as well as with our daughter and granddaughters (ages 7 and 13.) All of us loved our food. From appetizers, to entrees, to desserts it was quite simply delicious, and making seven people happy is no easy feat. Our daughter raved about the "Princess and the Pea" course consisting of sea scallops on pea cakes; our oldest granddaughter couldn't get enough of the lamb; my husband was in love with his ahi; our friends moaned with joy over their red curry shrimp; the littlest granddaughter applauded the Tiramisu (she is 7 and that's her favorite dessert.) Their menu does change somewhat daily. The night we went with the kids there was a special dessert of profiteroles with a sambuca flavored ice-cream and chocolate that my daughter is still talking about. She loves Mama's but wanted to go back to David Paul's Island Grill before we left. For everyone out there who is arguing over the two restaurants, I think it fair to point out Maui is big enough for another good restaurant. The thing is, David Paul did conceive of , build and develop Lahaina Grill's menu (including virtually all the dishes they currently serve) as well as the restaurant itself – that's why it was called "David Paul's" Lahaina Grill. Is it really surprising that he would have a winner with his new Island Grill? Wed May 27 22:02:36 -0700 2009 4717437 291528 cjanie 4 4727078 I am at a complete loss to understand the polarity with regards to the name, David Paul, and now to the two restaurants. Should it not be about the food. Few, if any of us, is privy to the details of any sale - name, location, recipes. That was a business arrangement, and if Maui ends up with two great restaurants, things should be good, right? Now, Mama's Fish House is a bit different, as it's been a fixture for some time. Still, there seems to be a highly polarized feeling about it on this board. That was my main motivation for dining there. I wanted to see first hand what the fuss (good and bad) was all about. I have to admit that I've only done one fabulous and leisurely lunch, but will move to that side of the island for a few nights, just to dine there again. I've re-read as many of the negative reviews, as I can find. Each one of these was the complete anthisis to what we encountered, as would be possible. Are there two Mama's Fish Houses? Did we go to the wrong one? I can understand things like an off night, confused orders, dishes that do not make it out of the kitchen with the rest, etc., but the degree of opposing attitudes leaves me puzzled. Is Maui an anti-vortex, or something like that? While it's not my favorite island, or my favorite island for food, it's still a wonderful place. The food is still great, though maybe not as diverse as O`ahu. Through unforeseen circumstances, we'll be heading back sooner, rather than later. We're looking forward to dining on that island again. I embrace the thought that I might get to dine with Chef Paul again. The same for the restaurant that he started, and the one that bore his name for so long. Bring it one. We're ready, though maybe not worthy. Aloha, Hunt Fri May 29 21:27:49 -0700 2009 4720920 11329 Bill Hunt 4 4727326 "Is it really surprising that he would have a winner with his new Island Grill?" David Paul has had some serious financial set backs in his previous ventures and has not been an owner in nearly ten years so that may be subject to interpretation. Perhaps this time around he will be more successful. Time will tell. FWIW I'm rooting for him. IMO any one who "looks down" on him is sorely misguided. He spent a fair amount of time and effort helping other troubled youth's. The restaurant business is full of those with a troubled past. This is far more the norm than the exception. David Paul did indeed conceive the Lahaina Grill. However he sold it in 1999/2000 so more than 50% of the awards the restaurant has earned have been under the ownership of Jurg Munch and a different chef. Sat May 30 04:33:31 -0700 2009 4720920 253154 Fritter 1 4737622 A group of six of us women, from San Diego ate there Saturday night.(May 30,2009) It was very good. We particularly liked the fact that you could order a 'small' (about half) or 'normal' portions. There is no salt on the table, because the food is perfectly seasoned. Although one of our guests who uses large amounts of salt requested a shaker, and they brought one to her. I had the lobster with butternut squash ravioli and it was excellent. Try it. Sally, La Mesa Tue Jun 02 19:54:45 -0700 2009 4665496 367547 imkatwalk 2 4737746 Thank you for taking time to post. As we're headed back a bit sooner, than is normal for us, we're hoping to get in and give it a try also. Appreciated, Hunt Tue Jun 02 20:47:37 -0700 2009 4737622 11329 Bill Hunt 1 4737845 We are headed to Maui next week and have a reservation to eat at David Paul's Island Grill to celebrate our 25th anniversary. I am so exicted that the menu has finally been posted and it looks fantastic! We are also having lunch at Mama's (for the 4th time) and I am considering lunch at The Hali'imaile General Store. I will report back. Tue Jun 02 21:42:39 -0700 2009 4665496 15064 Mimi 2 4755031 Please do. You have mentioned a few of my Maui favs, and one that I hope to add to the list in the near future. I would choose to read reviews of the real restaurants, rather than a bunch of info on personal histories, etc., that might not have any impact on the food being served. Sorry, but if I want a "behind the scenes look," I'll tune into E! and get that material. For me, it's all about the food and nothing more. Mahalo for your upcoming reviews, Hunt Mon Jun 08 19:50:24 -0700 2009 4737845 11329 Bill Hunt 3 4755124 I'm off to the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival this week and have only one night free for dinner. I think I'll go to Sansei and either do the Fred Scherrer (winemaker dinner) or just order off the menu. I plan on having a couple lunches at the Honolua General Store, well actually picking up the lunch and eating it in the villa we'll be staying in - you can't drink at the store unfortunately. I used to love the cheeseburgers at the Ritz Carlton so maybe that will be on the agenda as well. I am so looking forward to the "Psycho Pinot" seminar on Friday afternoon! Were we to have a car we would definitely go to David's. When at Kapalua we enjoy the shuttle and don't drive anywhere else. Mon Jun 08 20:26:42 -0700 2009 4755031 41725 manomin 4 4761653 When you have the time, please post your impressions on the festival, plus any other dining that you manage to work in. Travel safely, Hunt Wed Jun 10 17:57:00 -0700 2009 4755124 11329 Bill Hunt 5 4761839 I will. It's my 6th year to attend. I am looking forward to the cheese seminar and the Seafood Festival on Sunday. Friday is the Grand Tasting and the food is always good for that but the wine is the main event! I'll report back on my dining from the food at Honolua General Store as well, it is always good. Wed Jun 10 19:20:10 -0700 2009 4761653 41725 manomin 2 4927874 David Paul's is always a wonderful expiriance for me, I very much enjoy dining there, and the last time i went i was privialiged to be seated next to a hollywood celebrity and date (names withheld), in which we enjoyed a nice chat. Dont be suprised who may be seated next to you at DP's Place. Fri Aug 07 22:11:46 -0700 2009 4737845 1100046 PBL_china 3 4931436 I assume you know that this is a new restaurant. He has not had a place on Maui for several years. Sun Aug 09 16:13:18 -0700 2009 4927874 11541 DriverPhil