624318 Mon Jun 01 16:31:23 -0700 2009 6 25 Elsewhere In America 0 4733780 First, a big thanks to everyone on this list who posts all the good eats on Maui. Now, for my short review. I never did get to have a BBQ with my chef friend, however, I got a lot of recommendations from him, got to eat at his restaurant, and finally got to meet up with him. So, didn't need a "gift" after all really. But I should send him a thank you for lunch. I can't believe we didn't realize we were about a minute, if that, from Whaler's Village, so we ate out our hotel, what a waste of money and time. We ate at O'no at Westin Maui. Seriously, bad service, food was okay, but nothing special and way expensive. Oh yeah, ZIPPY's is on Maui now! So yes, I had to eat there. Come on, sometimes you just want some fast food. lol. And they have a bakery, so that made it that much more fun. Had to pick out some Nappy's and dobash and lilikoi for myself. KAI - in the Ritz Carlton Kapalua: I didn't get to eat here, but my chef friend said they have the best sushi out of Japan. Prices weren't too bad. Plate of fatty tuna was only $12 (we've paid $16 in CA by Chef Abe). We never got to eat there because 1. they're closed Tues/Wed (strange) and 2. only open after 5:30pm. Need to try that out one day. If anyone has had it, can you post and let me know what you thought. Thanks. Honokawai Okazuya in Napili area: ohmigod. that was soooooo good. Especially after being out in the sun all day, driving around. the food was soooo ono!!! I had the mahimahi fish and chips (the guy there suggested I eat that) and hubby had typical teri chicken. It was all so good though. Lots of food. I think I had the most expensive thing on the menu at around $14 bucks. Big menu, I couldn't decide, hence whatever he chose for me. :) Cafe O'Lei @ The Dunes at Maui Lani golf course: I believe others have recommended this place. The biggest thing I loved about it, was that there was NOTHING over $20 (heck, over $15). For an eatery, that serves that level/quality of food, AT a golf course IN Hawaii, I was astounded at the low prices. I had a mac nut crusted chicken on foccacia with basil aioli. Which included a Caesar salad and some funky greens in my sandwich. It was an artsy fartsy sandwich, but for $8, let's be real. Great price, even better food. My hubby had the kalua quesidilla. He said it was heavenly. And after playing a round on the links style course, sitting and looking out at the course, the mountains, the scenery in general and having a cheap but ono meal. What more could you ask for. (looks like it's not on the Cafe O'Lei website, but it is on The Dunes site) CJ's Deli & Diner in Kaanapali: This is where my chef friend wanted to eat. There were WAY too many things that looked good. Unfortunately for me, the item I ordered, the Mochiko Chicken, was out. So I stood there, not sure what to order. I was told we definiltey have to get back there for breakfast, but with so much golf, we didn't get the chance for ANY breakfast. Hubby had the Kalua Pork Hoagie, and although it was really tasty and good, he said he liked the Kalua Quesadilla better at Cafe O'Lei. So not sure what that means. I hate to say it, but I can't even recall what I ate that night. Either the food wasn't that great, or the company distracted me so much, I forgot. I just recall it being expensive. About $30 for two dishes and cokes. We never made it to Da Kitchen. I am so disappointed. Malasada search: Well, we tried Komoda's. Rained out for golf at Pukalani, were up there, sooo......first, do NOT, I repeat, do NOT buy their malasadas unless you want a churro. Granted, I'm sure that's not what they're known for, so I guess I'll have to go to Oahu for Leonard's since I can't find anything on Maui/Kauai. Mexican?: per my chef friend, who was born and raised in LA, he said that Fiesta Time in P'aia is the best mexican, on Maui, outside of LA. Take that for whatever it's worth, since DH and I had just eaten, we skipped on Fiesta Time. Banyan Tree at Ritz in Kapalua: Since we missed Kai, again, and didn't know what else to eat (duh, Sansei is RIGHT THERE!), we ended up at the Banyan Tree, NOT knowing that this place is EXPENSIVE. I thought Mama's was expensive, forget it, this place blows them out of the water for prices. Seriously, the cheapest entree on the menu was $38. Hubby wanted the steak, which I believe was $65. Anyhow, they had a 50/50 menu, so we went with that. 3 courses for $50. The other 50 or $50 is wine. Overall the food was actually really good. Lots of great flavors that meshed very nicely. I had the Maui onion soup which was nicely mild but flavorful. The organic chicken was a bit dry, but the sauce made up for it. Hubby loved his beet appetizer. He had the steak, it was smooth and melted in your mouth, but sadly, we both would've preferred a filet somewhere else. For myself, nothing was worth that money. I could have eaten so much better at Kai. sigh. I wouldn't recommend it, unless you have money to spend. I believe Bill reviewed it, and his bill for two people was $375. Way out of my price range for great food. I think there are so many other better places to eat for way less money. (Bill, if you read this, we too had Robert, except, we only saw him twice. And neither time was to do anything of any importance. I guess he knew we weren't buying an expensive meal.) Kumu at the Marriott Wailea: After golf at Makena, we decided to check out my friend's hotel where he's a chef. Gotta try his food. Needless to say, the only restaurant open was Kumu's, which is poolside. I didn't realize he oversees ALL the food places of the hotel, so that made it that more exciting. We were going to do a chef's table but plans kept falling through. Anyhow, we had some Jawaiian nachos with jerk chicken. The chicken had some great flavors, although, I think the chips were a bit heavy. Hubby had the recommended kalua sliders and said they were even better than Cafe O'Lei. I had the burger. Mmmm...that thing was sooo good. Didn't need anything to add to it. Just burger and bread and I was good. At that point, we were full, so we couldn't even try dessert. Next time I'm there, I'm definitely doing a chef's table. Yum. Prices were on the high side, but considering it's Wailea and a hotel, to be expected. Oh, and this was 100x better than Westin's Ono Grill. Ulupalakua Ranch in Kula (next to Tedeschi Winery): I heard I had to try the elk burger. But y'know what? The Maui beef burger was 100x better. It was super moist, super tasty, didn't need any dressings. Was better than my Kumu burger by a long shot (may need to tell my friend that). I'm not sure what it was, but that has got to be the best burger I have had (and trust me, I love my burgers). Cafe 808 in Kula: Let's talk local. Patio plastic chairs, folding chairs, all different kind of tables. Nothing matched at all. reminded me of when you grab all your extra "visitor" furniture and put it out. This place had the typical local menu. Tons of choices, cheap prices, what DO YOU get? I ended up getting the 808 plate. It had mahi mahi, spam, bbq beef and fried chicken. And of course mac salad and rice. the bbq beef was excellent, the fried chicken was okay, the spam was greasy, and the mahi mahi tasted like any ole fish. But for $6, who cares. Like I said, typical local food. Hubby had the beef stew. Minus a taste I couldn't pinpoint, and not a bad taste, it tasted EXACTLY like how my mom makes it. So he was happy. And yes, she makes it Hawaiian style. lol. Sometimes, Mom's make it best. Best for last... Hali'imaile General Store in Upcountry: Wow. Y'know, I wish I had gone here for my wedding dinner and not Mama's. This place was GREAT! Bev was there, she was helping us with buying shirts at the end (I got the phonetic one, lol). We started out with the famous crab pizza. Yum. Not overly creamy, but oh so delightful. Crust was soft, fluffy and didn't add, nor take away from the crab...which IMHO, is a good thing. We then had the Poke-tini. Oh yum. Excellent advice from our waitress....she brought us a plate and turned it over. Much easier to eat and you got to taste it all. The fish was melting in your mouth. I couldn't even describe the taste of the rest, I'd suggest looking at her menu and reading what was in it. I think it was the shiso that gave it it's unique taste, which I liked a lot. Hubby ended up having the Maui beef ribeye on bleu cheese mashed potatos. I had the mac nut mahi mahi. Hubby said the potatoes was like eating bleu cheese straight. So, for someone like him, who doesn't like bleu cheese THAT much, it kinda ruined it for him. However, if you love bleu cheese, a definite must try. My fish was moist, soft, tasty. And I don't even really like cooked fish (I try to eat what I can there, because I know its good). The purple potatoes were great, gave it a little different flavor. And the mango lilikoi butter sauce just added to the fish. I expected great food, but this was heaven. lol. For dessert we went with the chocolate mac nut pie. Sorry, I'm not a fan of pineapple upside-down cake. Oh jeez. All I can say is, what a way to end my Maui trip (we were heading for the airport right after this scrumptious meal). Honestly, I was trying to hit a lot of places you Chowhounds suggest, but jeez, I did NOT have enough time. When I'd see one place, I had just eaten at another, so I can't eat again. I enjoyed almost all my meals. I could only wish we had great places like this in LA. Or maybe it's the view I want. Even when I'm in OC at Mastro's, its nothing compared to being in Hawaii, even at Hali'imaile General Store with really no view. If you recall, I mentioned how expensive Banyan Tree was. Even with two appetizers, two entrees, and one dessert at Bev's...our bill was still less than Banyan Tree. And the food, IMHO, is a lot better. More creativity, versus frou frou. Like I said, a simple review of the places I went. I just wanted to say that I missed out on so many great places, but yet, I had to choose, golf or food. I chose golf and paid most of my money there. We were also too busy to get to Kihei and Lahaina (went once to both places for about an hour). Next time, I need more money and more time. :) Hope this helps out some Chowhounds. I know all the reviews, big and small, helped me out on my foodie journey of Maui. If anything, I would suggest Cafe O'Lei (cheap) at The Dunes and Hali'imaile General Store (expensive). Mon Jun 01 16:31:23 -0700 2009 68454 kelela92 1 4733801 Great report! I agree that the burger at Kumu is really really good! I have grown weary of staying at the Grand Wailea (too many kids) and we tried the Marriott in March. I enjoyed a couple lunches at Kumu, we had really friendly genuine service as well. I did not see that you went to Mala. Mala was quite good but the service was a bit rough around the edges. There is absolute truth in everything you said about Hailiimaile! What a wonderful spot. Well worth the drive, there doesn't need to be a view the restaurant itself is so pretty and tastefully done visually it's a treat in itself. I have only had lunch at the Banyan Tree and it was pretty good maybe they don't serve lunch anymore I don't remember! Mon Jun 01 16:40:09 -0700 2009 4733780 41725 manomin 2 4733925 When we went to the Marriott, Mala wasn't open yet (it was about 1ish or so). Only Kumu was open. But yes, very friendly service there. Our waitress was awesome. So, although my friend picked up our tab, unbeknownst to us, we did leave her a nice tip. Next time, I'll have to stay at the Marriott, friend did say he could get us rooms VERY cheap. :) Although, I wouldn't mind the Grand Wailea at least once. Ah, too rich for my blood. Lucky kids. I loved that Hali'imaile was only a 15 min drive from where we were staying that last night. On another board, someone suggested the Upcountry B&B in Kula. Short drive down the hill to Hali'imaile. The trip home, however, wasn't as fun (5 hour flight, and missing the food already). Mon Jun 01 17:20:02 -0700 2009 4733801 68454 kelela92 1 4765216 I AM reading, but just got back in town, so might be a tad late. "I believe Bill reviewed it, and his bill for two people was $375. Way out of my price range for great food. I think there are so many other better places to eat for way less money. (Bill, if you read this, we too had Robert, except, we only saw him twice. And neither time was to do anything of any importance. I guess he knew we weren't buying an expensive meal.) " I'm sorry that you did not get the opportunity to interact with Robert a bit more. My guess would be that since he's also the sommelier, he was splitting his duties, and that it had nothing to do with the meal that you were ordering. He did not strike me as that sort of person. Yes, they are expensive, but also remember that we had some fairly "heavy-hitting" wines with our meals. Was it the best of our trip? No. I think that lunch at Mama's was an even higher point. Were they good? Yes. Will be dine there again? We have them on the short list for our next trip in the Fall. At US$65 for the steak, I'd think that your husband had the Waygu. Do not have the menus handy, to check, but seem to recall that my main was Waygu, and was excellent. Not the best of my tenderloin list, but very good. I've got a tear in my eye, that we missed Bev Gannon on our last trip. It will teach me to read my e-mails much more closely, as they pointed out that they did not do lunch on Saturdays, the one day we had available. Gonna' rectify that next trip, even if it costs me a round of golf at Kapalua! A great big thank you for your post. Now, I owe you one for steering you to the Baynan Tree. Next time we're all there together, it's my treat - OK? Hunt Thu Jun 11 19:07:43 -0700 2009 4733780 11329 Bill Hunt 2 4787375 Bill, I didn't realize Robert was a sommelier, so that could explain why he wasn't really helping us out overly much. Don't get me wrong, staff was great. It just seemed strange that we had so many people helping us out. And it was the 50/50 wine/dinner night. With a lot of other wine things going on that night. That makes a lot more sense then. Bummer about missing Bev. I wanted to meet her and talk to her a bit. I thanked her for the great meal, told her she was the inspiration for my chef friend, etc. It was great seeing her there (heck, she was opening up blinds, setting up tables, etc it's nice to see owners do that and be around). As for steering us to Banyan Tree....no worries, you didn't really steer us there. We kinda ended up there since Kai was closed (again, augh!). Lastly, no reason to sacrifice Kapalua, I mean, golf you can do any day of the week! hehehe. Thanks to you (and many others) for all the great restaurants. Seriously, all I wanted to do was find all the good places and eat. Who cares about the beach, golf, etc.Okay, maybe saying golf was a bit extreme. lol. Fri Jun 19 08:46:53 -0700 2009 4765216 68454 kelela92 3 4789269 Ah the beach. We've been vacationing in Hawai`i since the very early '80s. I think that we've amassed about 45 mns. on a beach, other than hiking it, and have probably spent 20 mins. in a pool, including a non-spa hot tub. We are more into hiking, golf and dining, than most visitors to the Islands. Heck, I'm sitting by my pool, as I type this. If I want "pool," then it's 18' away. Now, since I'm in Phoenix, the "beach" is a bit down the road. OTOH, I grew up on one of those. Again, thanks for sharing. We hope to stop by Chef Gannon's on our next visit, and tell her "Hi!" from some of her many fans in AZ. Aloha, Hunt Fri Jun 19 21:29:02 -0700 2009 4787375 11329 Bill Hunt 3 4789275 Oops, forgot to get around to Robert, and now my last post is in the process of going to the server. Yes, he's the sommelier. On our night, other than an "early bird," there were no specials, and I was getting carried away with his wine list. I did feel sorry for some of the other diners, as he did spend a lot of time with us. There was more staff, that showed up from time to time, but he managed to find good reasons to stop by - maybe to sell us more Montrachet? More aloha, Hunt Fri Jun 19 21:32:00 -0700 2009 4787375 11329 Bill Hunt