When I was invited to sample the new fish menu at Hard Rock Cafe in Lahaina, I thought the best way to compare their fish dishes to all the other ones on Maui would be to bring a dining companion who doesn’t like fish. If Hard Rock can win over this seafood-averse diner, I thought, then they just might have something to brag about. The small “local fresh … [Read more...] about Hard Rock Cafe
Brunch time
The puréed berries are delicate enough to give Merriman’s Strawberry Mimosa some sweetness without weakening the bubbly sparkling wine. It wouldn’t be brunch if I skipped the traditional mimosa, and this tasty twist on a classic brunch item is just a precursor for the restaurant’s special holiday menu. I chose Chef Peter Merriman’s restaurant … [Read more...] about Brunch time
Strange Fruit
If you eat papaya in Hawaii, you’re probably eating a genetically modified food. Often called “Frankencrops,” more than 80 percent of Hawaiian papaya is tweaked using genetic and DNA science. Don’t be surprised if you didn’t know, because it looks and tastes like a papaya and genetically modified foods aren’t labeled as such. Therein lies one of the many controversies … [Read more...] about Strange Fruit
Ohana Tacos
My quest to find the ultimate comida de Mexicana has been a struggle. As a West Maui resident, I’m underwhelmed with resort-style food, chain restaurants and Pacific Rim overload. It wasn’t until a serendipitous evening stroll along Lower Honoapiilani Road that I found taco heaven in a four-wheeled, generator-powered white truck called Ohana Tacos. It was the same feeling … [Read more...] about Ohana Tacos
Chartering a course
The alarm starts to chirp at 5am. It’s still dark outside and even though every sense inside of John tells him to go back to sleep, he can’t. He stumbles into the shower and starts to mentally organize the day’s tasks, a routine more familiar to him than shampooing his hair. Kids. School. Work. Repeat. He must dress and eat breakfast before his kids wake up … [Read more...] about Chartering a course