BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Wok Star
Yeah, yeah, Wok Star has great noodles. I know you can get them in all sorts of configurations from dry mein to ramen, plus plenty of flavor varieties such as teriyaki or curry. But have you tried the peanut butter and bananas? It’s called a Jaffel. Just a pressed sandwich, really—peanut butter, honey and bananas on Hawaiian sweet bread—then cut into triangles and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Very simple, straightforward and impossibly delicious. Wok Star sells them, along with the tasty noodle dishes. Get one early in the day or late in the evening, it matters not; they’re open from 7am to midnight so its your choice. Just get one. 1913 S.Kihei Rd., 495-0066. [AP]
Runner up: Mai Tai Lounge
BEST RESTAURANT
Mama’s Fish House
Mama’s Fish House was the first restaurant on island to prepare fresh fish. Opening its doors on the North Shore in 1973, the restaurant boasts original Polynesian artifacts, unique flower arrangement and innovative local woodcarvings. Mama’s Fish House has an award-winning menu, and the food is amazing. All of this reputation and quality drive prices high, so the next time Mom and Dad want to take you out, let them know you’ll make the reservations at Mama’s. With its character and quality fresh fish dishes Maui Time readers have named Mama’s Fish House restaurant as one of Maui’s Best in one category or another since 2001. 799 Poho Pl., Paia, 579-8488. [LR]
Runner up: Mala
BEST DINING WITH A VIEW
Sarento’s on the Beach
If the election or any other mainland-centric hype-fest causes you to forget your own whereabouts, this place will remind you of how lucky you are to live on Maui. Competition is especially tough for this category, given the astonishing array of mindblowing landscapes on the island. From the patio at Sarento’s you have a sweeping view of the sparkling Pacific, Molokini, Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Maui’s coastline. Unless someone’s McCainesque mug is somehow blocking your view, there’s not a bad seat in the house. A killer wine list adds to the glow of a sunset viewed while dining at Sarento’s on the Beach. 2980 S. Kihei Rd. Kihei, 875-7555. [KB]
Runner up: Seawatch
BEST BAR
South Shore Tiki Lounge
Nestled in the heart of Kihei’s fabled Bar-muda Triangle, this place is the quintessential island boozer’s haven; a landslide victory for the retro-tropical set. Yet there is more to the place than blowfish lanterns and killer punchbowl Mai-tais. The surprisingly-not-too-sweet lychee-watermelon martini gets my vote, tasty and intoxicating. They also serve great housemade pizza, salads, and sausage sandwiches. The place gets pretty packed on weekends, and there is either live music or a DJ spinning out tunes every night. Bonus: their kama aina deal scores those of us who live here half off on food and drink from 11am to 4pm. Every single day. 1913 S Kihei Rd J, Kihei, 874-6444. [KB]
Runner up: Mulligans
BEST MALE BARTENDER
Renie Hamayelian, Tiki Lounge
I should probably disclose right now that I’ve had a major crush on Renie for about four years, but I promise I had nothing to do with the vote count. In fact, I’m pretty sure that hundreds, no thousands of Maui women have had the hots for Renie over the years. Alcohol does that to you. Scratch that, alcohol and a highly intelligent bartender who’s literate, articulate, rides a motorcycle, plays some pretty good poker and can pour a Guinness like a god does that to you. I have heard that there is a Mrs. Renie and I’d like to send out a congratulations on landing the best guy on the island, er, Best Male Bartender. I’ve heard that you totally deserve each other and hope that you’ll live happily ever after. Damn it, where’s my beer?! 1913 S Kihei Rd. J, Kihei, 874-6444. [SB]
Runner up: Dave, Milagros.
BEST LOCAL FOOD
Kujo
Kujo knows local food and locals know Kujo. Take my neighbor for example; he loves Kujo just as much as you do. According to him, they have phenomenal katsu, a good beef tomato, are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the owners are nice and friendly. He actually used the term “local fabulous.” Something has got to be said for a place that has a “buy three plate lunches get the fourth one free” deal. They are tucked away in Kahului industrial, but once you find them you will know why Maui Time voters put Kujo at the top of local food on the island. 385 Hoohana St., Kahului, 877-9080. [SB]
Runner up: Aloha Mixed Plate
BEST FEMALE BARTENDER
Lynsey Poole, Dog and Duck
Go to a bar and get a drink done right by plopping down on a bar stool in front of Lynsey Poole at Dog and Duck. Voted by Maui Time readers as the best female bartender, Lynsey Poole has got a talent for understanding her crowd of customers and getting their drinks to them fast. She is endowed with wonderful super bartender powers, making you feel at home while you’re bellied up at South Maui’s Irish Pub. Her friendly service is spot on with every cocktail and draft, no matter how much you bend her ear with your buzz on. 1913 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 875-9669. [LR]
Runner up: Amy Peterson, Dog and Duck
BEST SANDWICH
808 Deli
I’m going to give myself a major pat on the back right now and remind you all that I introduced you to the fantabulous 808 Deli a few weeks after it opened. I am so So SO happy that ya’ll agree that they really do have five star sandwiches. What’s your favorite one? Personally, I can’t choose. I think I may have to retry all of them to make an educated decision. 2511 S Kihei Rd., Kihei, 879-1111. [SB]
Runner up: Paia Fish Market
BEST PUPUS
Mala
Eclectic is one tried-and-true way of describing the menu here, but there seems to be a method to the way things come together at Mala. Take, for example, seared ahi bruschetta, which takes place on flax seed toast and involves edamame puree. The first-course menu here seems most comfortable speaking Greek, but throws in a few slang words from as far away as the Pacific Rim. Also intriguing is the extensive drink menu. My next mission is to see how well the hummus plate pairs with Mala’s handmade sangria. 1307 Front St. Lahaina, 667-9394. [KB]
Runner up: Pupu Lounge
BEST STEAK
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
I would sell my soul. I take that back. I would put my soul up as a timeshare if I would be guaranteed to be able to eat at Ruth’s Chris every night for all of eternity. It appears that most of our readers feel the same way. I don’t know what it is about Ruth’s Chris but the steak is supernaturally delicious. It’s not natural. I mean, yeah their steak is natural…In fact they use island beef, but a taste that good just can’t be for real. I’m thinking this restaurant may have already sold its soul. Food for thought. 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Kihei, 874-8880; 900 Front St, Lahaina, 661-8815. [SB]
Runner up: Outback
BEST MEXICAN FOOD
Las Piñatas
Las Piñatas is pretty much why I became an intern at Maui Time Weekly. Years ago, while enjoying a huge plate of delicious nachos, I stumbled across an issue. I also picked up a copy on another visit, while gorging myself on the scrumptious Kitchen Sink Burrito. From then on, I associated the euphoria I felt from my taste buds and the pleasant feeling of being full with this very publication. So there you have it: Las Piñatas is a fiesta for your mouth but beware! Your food high may cloud decision-making skills. At least it did for me. I love interning at Maui Time Weekly…just not as much as I love Las Piñatas. 395 Dairy Rd. J, Kahului, 877-8707. [YT]
Runner up: Amigo’s
BEST PLACE TO BUY WINE
Costco
With booze, I’ve always been impressed with quantity rather than quality. But at Costco, the corporate shopping co-op haven, you can have both. I’m just a sucker for the sight of their wine section, the fancy bottles in the wood crates, the cases upon cases of bottles, gleaming under the fluorescent lighting like pirate gold. Not only that, but they also have a great variety of wine, with interesting ratings and descriptions for wine know-it-alls. You voted smart, economical, and right on the nose with this one. In addition to being a good place to buy groceries, take the family out to dinner, go on a date (free appetizers) and watch free movies, Costco has been formally recognized as an excellent place to buy wine. Too bad your votes don’t get you a membership here too, cuz that will cost you extra. 540 Haleakala Hwy., Kahului, 871-8693. [YT]
Runner up: Mr. Wine
BEST DINNER
Mama’s Fish House
The fact that Mama’s Fish House prevails here is no surprise. I can tell you Maui Time foodies have your hearts set on Polynesian atmosphere, ocean front dining, fresh fish, nothing but the best for you. Everything on the menu is tastefully creative and almost-too-pretty-to-eat. Personally my favorites are the more simple dishes, like the grilled Portobello mushroom with sun dried tomato and our local Surfing Goat Dairy goat cheese. But you Maui Time reader order what ever you like, carte blanche, since you did all that tough voting and worked up your appetite for Best Dinner and all. 799 Poho Pl., Paia, 579-8488. [KB]
Runner up: Café O Lei
BEST PIZZA
Flatbread Company
Although some purists may call for a recount—citing evidence that flatbread is not technically a pizza—I say let the ruling stand. There’s fresh dough, creative toppings and sauce on a pie that’s cut into slices. I don’t care what they call it; it’s pizza. They cook it in a giant wood burning stove right there in the middle of the restaurant. The crust is always perfectly crunchy and thin which means I can eat twice as many slices before I get that glazed-over look in my eyes. 89 Hana Hwy., Paia, 579-8989. [JA]
Runner up: Vinny’s
BEST FISH SANDWICH
Paia Fish Market
Eating a fish sandwich is a quintessential north shore Maui casual dining experience, and Maui Time readers are together with me on this one. It has a great people watching corner, Hana Highway and Baldwin Avenue. You go in, order your food and sit on the communal picnic benches and either chat with familiar faces or make new friends. When your fish sandwich arrives, hot and delicious, you can either add one of the many hot sauces they have provided at your table or chow it down as is. They make it with their homemade coleslaw in the sandwich and it’s splendid. Prices are sensible, the fish fresh, plus you get to choose what kind goes in your sandwich, from mahi mahi to ahi to ono. Mahi is the best if you ask me, but you don’t have to take my word for it, because Maui Time readers voted and they know best. 100 Hana Hwy Paia, 579-8030. [JR]
Runner up: Alexander’s
BEST FINE DINING
Lahaina Grill
I know why the popular vote for Fine Dining goes to Lahaina Grill. Every year on my sister’s birthday we head to Lahaina Grill for our fine dining ritual. This is where we come to get away from kids, cooking and cleaning to be spoiled with impeccable service, filled with sumptuous food, and intoxicated on fancy liquor. The restaurant has an elegant Victorian vibe that brings out my inner 18th century decadence and diva. We get all gussied up and I eat fois gras and seared ahi with exotic gin and tonic, among other amazing food and drink pairings. A photographer may come around and shoot a few photos of our experience and email them to us. The chef may come out for a word or two. Or owner Jurg Munch could stop by our table and greet us. Our social experience is enriched as much as our culinary palate is satiated. We are absolutely fabulous for a few hours, then go home to the kids for our reality check. 127 Lahainaluna Rd, Lahaina, 667-5117. [JR]
Runner up: Spago
BEST FARMERS MARKET
Honokowai Farmers Market
All you folks on the west side have to look no further than the Honokowai Farmer’s Market to support your local farmers. According the votes, Maui Time readers who shop for fresh veggies and fruits like them here. If you have ever sliced open a fresh locally-grown papaya, juiced a fresh lemon over it and dove in with your spoon, you know the fresh fruit heaven Maui can provide. Don’t forget the sweet spiny pineapple, apple-banana, juicy mango or the harder to find guava and passion fruit. Most farmer’s markets on the island are only open a couple of days out of the week; after all, the farmers have to grow the food too! But you’ll find this one open Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 3636 Lower Honoapi’ilani Rd., Honokowai, 669-7004. [JR]
Runner Up: Swap Meet Kahului
LUAU/DINNER SHOW
Feast at Lele
Lele is the ancient name of Lahaina, and where the Royal family of Maui would sit and eat and entertain. It is not a coincidence that Maui Time readers would vote this Luau as one of Maui’s Best. It’s not just any luau. From their amazing ocean-front location (it’s like dining on the beach) to their five course Polynesian meal created and conceptualized by none other than Chef James McDonald to traditional hula from Samoa, Tahiti, New Zealand and of course, Hawaii, Feast at Lele captivates audiences. The food is tantalizingly remarkable and the romantic atmosphere is hot, hot, hot! 505 Front St, Lahaina, 667-5353. [LR]
Runner up: Old Lahaina Luau
BEST PLATE LUNCH
Aloha Mixed Plate
The readers of Maui Time got it right when they went to the ballots for Best Plate Lunch and checked off Aloha Mixed Plate. Aloha Mixed Plate has been a West Side fixture for years and finds success serving up some seriously delicious plate lunches that are well worth the Pali drive and won’t break the bank. The Hawaiian Plate is the supreme local treat here. Let me explain: generous portions imu prepared kalua pork and cabbage, poi, rice, lomi lomi salmon, macaroni salad, and haupia are all joined together at the mere cost of $8.95. Plus you get to enjoy all this food right on their ocean front deck overlooking the Mala Wharf. Tons of other plate lunches are found on the menu and come in mini, regular, and jumbo sizes, so no matter what type of appetite you show up with, know that you will leave fully satisfied. 285 Front St., Lahaina, 661-3322. [CB]
Runner up: L&L
(Edit Pick) BEST DISHWASHER
Scott Kilmer
What can I say, except the man knows how to clean a glass. Many a night I have watched this bartender stand behind the South Shore Tiki Lounge bar, loading and unloading the dishwasher, trying to understand the nuances of his trade. Never have I seen him break a glass! Not one! I have no idea how he does his job, but he does it with élan and a professionalism that is seldom seen on this island. South Shore Tiki Lounge, 1913 S. Kihei Rd., 874-6444. [AP]
BEST BREAKFAST
Stella Blues
You want the biggest, baddest omelet in the county of Maui? It’s at Stella Blues! Stella Blues offers everything you want for breakfast at a fair price. You can count on them for great service and the kitchen staff will amaze you with their ability to get your food out to you fast. Their spacious dining room will impress you. If I can recommend something to have with your breakfast it’s the Bloody Mary, garnished with three green olives and seasoned perfectly. With so many options opening up for the breakfast hour you can count on Maui Time voters to let you know what’s best, and its Stella Blues. 1279 S Kihei Rd #201, Kihei, 874-3779. [LR]
Runner up: Gazebo
BEST FISH TACOS
Jawz
You can’t go wrong wrapping a few edible items in a tortilla. Yet doing so in a way that attempts to please everyone results in something not unlike your average piece of environmental legislation: it will sorta-kinda do, I guess. Kihei’s Jawz is the more rogue-ish of fish taco joints. It started out as a roadside taco wagon outside Makena Beach, but now comprises the aforementioned mobile unit as well as a spot in Azeka Mauka. Mahi mahi tacos are huge here. Added bonuses of a stationary location include spirited beverages (and thus happy hour), and a salsa bar. Oh, and I checked it out: there are veggie options. 1279 S Kihei Rd., Kihei, 874-8226. [KB]
Runner up: Maui Taco
BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE
Hawaiian Moons
This time around, Hawaiian Moons beat out all other Maui natural foods titans to take the island’s top status as Best Health Food Store. So what kind of (soy-) beefing up does such an establishment do to accomplish this? As a long-time vegan I can vouch for this place, especially given their expansive supply of pesto sans Parmesan, and their vegan chocolate cake. But what stands out most here at Hawaiian Moons isn’t their hot food choices, or extensive salad bar, but the huge focus on locally made and grown products. Let’s all imagine an island where shipping costs for fresh produce and organic products don’t exist. Hawaiian Moons is taking us there one Kula strawberry at a time. 2411 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 875-4356. [KB]
Runner up: Down to Earth
BEST BUSINESS LUNCH
Café O’Lei
Never mix pleasure and business, right? Sure we’ve all heard this time and time again, but Cafe O’Lei’s diverse lunch menu forces us to bend the rules every once in a while. Their fabulous dishes help us to balance out the next flaky business encounter with an enjoyable, satisfying meal. What’s even better is that the prices are fair; you can order Blackened Mahi Mahi served with steamed rice and a salad for around nine bucks. A great selection of sandwiches and salads are also found on the menu, and the friendly atmosphere will leave you wishing that you were dragged out on a business lunch every day of the week. Maui Lani Golf Course, Kahului; 2433 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei; Market St., Wailuku. [CB]
Runner up: Koho’s
BEST BURRITO
Maui Tacos
I have only recently become infatuated with the Maui Taco burrito. But you Maui Time reader, you have held a long time romance with Maui Taco’s burrito, voting it to the top of the Maui Burrito charts since 2003. What’s not to love? You get a ginormous burrito, you can choose from any of their healthy grilled meats, beans and rice, and fresh veggies. Other options are spinach tortillas and homemade sauce. Its all so good and vegetarian friendly. Plus it comes with chips, as if you could even fit any more in your belly. Even better, you will find locations all around the island so no matter where you are, Maui Tacos is nearby. 840 Wainee Street, Lahaina, 661-8883; 275 Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului, 871-7726; 411 S. Kihei Road, Kihei, 879-5005. [JR]
Runner up: Jawz Taco
BEST VEGETARIAN
Mana Foods
Mana Foods is actually located on the site of my childhood church. Yes, it’s true. Today it’s all about organic produce, free-range meat and granola bars and yesterday (okay, twenty-some years ago) it was all about Jesus. Maybe that’s why Mana is so divine when it comes to the whole vegetarian scene. Their deli, hot food bar and salad bar are phenomenal. Here is where you come for the best teriyaki tofu ever. I just want to remind you readers about a little something though: Mana Foods isn’t only vegetarian. Nope, but that doesn’t take anything away from its healthy goodness. You’ll find everything here from seitan to grass fed beef , and its all high quality at a good price. 49 Baldwin Ave., Paia, 579-8078. [SB]
Runner up: Veg Out
BEST LUNCH
Da Kitchen
Just saying “Da Kitchen” makes me hungry. Mega hungry. Good thing Da Kitchen makes people full. So full that I’m thinking it might not be a bad idea for them to invest in one of those dolly things to wheel people from their seats to their cars when theypau eating. Everything is good at Da Kitchen, but my favorite is the kalua pig plate with mac salad and a side of poi. The hamburger steak plate is a close second. 2439 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 875-7782; 425 Koloa St #104, Kahului, 871-7782. [SB]
Runner up: Stella Blues
BEST COFFEE HOUSE
Kihei Caffe
The only thing that I love more than the great view for people watching at the Kihei Caffe is their coffee and boy do they have great coffee! We’re talking always hot, fresh and caffeinated. Kihei Caffe is (obviously, according to our readers) the best place on the island to sit with their cup-o-joe on a sunny morning and watch crazy pedestrians, dedicated joggers and people in bathing suits scoot around on South Kihei Rd. 1945 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 879-2230. [SB]
Runner up: Bad Ass Coffee
BEST CHINESE FOOD
Dragon Dragon
Mmm…Lemon Chicken. In my humble opinion, you readers are so right on with this vote. I love Dragon Dragon. I have so many memories there. Most are filled with lemon chicken, fired rice and that yummy garlic spinach dish, but some are filled with almond float and green tea ice cream too. One of the best things about Dragon Dragon is that the food always tastes so fresh, comes in large quantities and always arrives on your tale ridiculously quick. 70 E Kaahumanu Ave. #B12, Kahului, 893-1628. [SB]
Runner up: Panda Express
BEST SUSHI
Sansei
It seems like Sansei isn’t really fighting fair in this “Best Of” battle. I mean, there’s no way a place that offers 50 percent off sushi for late night eaters AND has a panko crusted ahi roll that comes with such an amazing sauce is going to lose this competition. Add endless possibilities to laugh at your friends when they sing karaoke and you pretty much have a slam-dunk. Doesn’t really seem fair, does it? 1881 S. Kihei Rd, Kihei, 879-0004; 115 Bay Dr #115, Lahaina, 669-6286. [JA]
Runner Up: Isana Restaurant
BEST CHEF
James McDonald
Visionary in the culinary industry, inspiration to his Maui Community College Culinary program roots, an artist with Hawaiian ingredients as his palette, Chef James McDonald can be proud of his win as Best Chef. Not busy enough with a trio of restaurants, Pacific’o, I’o, and the Feast at Lele in the 505 Front Street Center in Lahaina, Chef James honed in on starting the eight acre O’o farm in Kula, which he uses to supply his restaurants with fresh produce, fruits, herbs and aromatics. Arriving in Hawaii at the young age of 19, Chef James has worked hard to reach celeb chef status, using not just his good looks, but a strong sense of loyalty and a desire to contribute to the community with his knowledge of pacific rim cuisine and business sense. Pacific’o: 505 Front St # 14, Lahaina, 667-4341; I’o: 505 Front St #114, Lahaina, 661-8422. [JR]
Runner up: Danny Paquette
BEST BURGER
Cool Cat’s
When it comes to burgers, you readers aren’t looking for a change in leadership. You voted the big, beefy, delicious burgers at Cool Cat’s number one once again and I know why. It’s the basics. When you order a burger you get just that, quality meat on a fluffy bun with crunchy veggies and a pickle. If you want cheese, you order cheese. From this solid and classic foundation the menu branches with gourmet offerings that stay true to their burger namesake, and no burger hunger goes unsatiated. 658 Front St., Lahaina. 667-0908. [JA]
Runner up: Jonny’s Burger Joint
(Edit Pick) BEST PLACE FOR A NON-FIRST DATE
Melting Pot
The other night my girlfriends took me out for a belated birthday dinner at Melting Pot. It was the first time that we’d been there and it was totally worth the agonizing drive to Lahaina. It took us three luxurious hours to eat our dinner. It was awesome! There was plenty of time to talk and gossip about people we know and the strangers sitting next to us. The bottom line is, considering the time spent savoring the food there, a first date may be iffy. What if that person ends up sucking? But, if you actually know for a fact that you like your date, there’s no better restaurant. 325 Keawe St., Lahaina, 661-6181. [SB]
BEST ICE CREAM
Cold Stone Creamery
Like some politicians, I sometimes pay for pleasure. However, my self indulgence consists of mainly tipping teenagers so they grudgingly sing me reworked versions of show tunes while they mash choice toppings like fudge, strawberries and M&Ms into Cold Stone’s house-made ice creams. I guess Maui Time readers go for this kind of stuff too, since Cold Stone took it away at the polls for Best Ice Cream. I don’t need to tell you that some politicians should follow our lead. Ice cream at Cold Stone is pure creamy deliciousness. Not only will the servers serenade you, they serve up some of the most delicious ice cream concoctions designed by none other than yourself. You don’t even have to pay extra for that. Located island-wide. [YT]
Runner Up: Lapperts, Roselani
BEST PANCAKES
Tasty Crust
How can you resist the sign outside of Tasty Crust, proclaiming their pancakes to be world famous? If they’re good enough for the world, they’re good enough for me. If I could, I would put Tasty Crust’s pancakes in a category of their own: Delicious-Melt-In-Your-Mouth-Goodness. I wonder if the USDA would approve that…? Probably not. But that shouldn’t stop anyone from sampling these fluffy golden brown slices of heaven. Sure, those burnt on the outside/raw on the inside pancakes your kids made you Sunday morning may be thoughtful, but Tasty Crust’s pancakes will fill your tummy with flapjack bliss. 1770 Mill St., Wailuku, 244-0845. [YT]
Runner up: IHOP
BEST MAI TAI
Mai Tai Lounge
There are a couple of things that make this popular island drink superior at the Mai Tai Lounge. First, they use crushed ice. The greater surface area keeps the cocktail Arctic cold, which in turn slows the melting of the ice and keeps the drink less watery. Then there are the multiple fresh-squeezed juices that get blended in a martini shaker before they’re poured, instead of simply being mixed together in the glass. Of course, the whole thing gets topped off with delicious dark rum, but at the very end they add a splash of a very mysterious and mind boggling sweet liquid. 839 Front St., Lahaina, 661-5288. [JA]
Runner up: Mama’s Fish House
BEST SPAM MUSUBI
Minit Stop
Spam. Rice. Nori. What’s not to love? It absolutely baffles me that there are people on this island that refuse to accept the beauty, versatility and all out yummieness that Spam brings to almost any meal. Okay, maybe “beauty” was a stretch; but still! We all know that there’s good Spam Musubi and not-as-good Spam Musubi. The votes are in and you, our dedicated readers and specially prepared assorted meat connoisseurs have locked it in. The best Spam Musubi is at Minit Stop. Period. Located island-wide. [SB]
Runner up: 7 Eleven
BEST ITALIAN FOOD
Casanova
I am so happy that our readers chose Casanova as the Best Italian Food winner because it’s so true! I’ll start with the focaccia bread, dipped in balsamic and olive oil. Orgasmic. No, really it is. My favorite main dish is the fungi pasta with chicken. It’s pretty exquisite–loads of mushrooms, buttery noodles and garlic–all heaped on a plate with tender strips of chicken breast. Not to mention, most nights, Casanova offers great late night entertainment that’s perfect for dancing off those extra, delicious, totally worth it calories. 1188 Makawao Ave., Makawao, 572-0220. [SB]
Runner up: Penne Pasta
BEST SAIMIN
Sam Sato’s
I could use saimin as a metaphor to describe Maui. Like saimin, Maui takes bits and pieces of different cultures and ethnicities and puts them together to create something wonderful. This phenomenon is something unique to Hawaii. Suffice it to say that the best bowl of something wonderful can be found at Sam Sato’s. Maui Time readers know how good it is and cast their vote for Sam Sato’s. Here the staff will greet you, ask about how your family is doing and then serve you the best bowl of saimin this side of the Pacific. At Sam Sato’s the broth is hot, the noodles are long and the meat doesn’t come from a can. 1750 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku, 244-7124. [YT]
Runner up: Hanafuda
BEST FISH AND CHIPS
Alexander’s
Whenever we think of fish and chips, Alexander’s immediately pops into our minds. Why? Because the fish is deep-fried in a tempura-like, beer batter containing yummy herbs that ultimately results in a delectable creation. On top of that, they don’t mess around with their sauces. The tarter sauce served on the side is the traditional type, the way that any seafood lover’s condiments are supposed to be. Crisp french fries simply add to this wondrous meal, making it the obvious choice for the best fish and chips on Maui. 840 Wainee Street, Lahaina; Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, Kahului; 1913 S. Kihei Rd. [CB]
Runner up: Paia Fish Market
BEST SMOOTHIE
Jamba Juice
A good smoothie should be a simple affair—just toss some fruit and ice into a blender and hit frappe, right? Well, apparently it’s not so simple, because not everyone gets it right. One place that does is Jamba Juice, another major chain that’s managed to win over wary locals with its tastily refreshing concoctions. Pineapple, strawberry, mango, orange, blueberry—whatever your fruit of choice may be, they’ll whip it, plus a few of its friends, into a blast of perfect-for-a-hot-afternoon-pick-me-up goodness. Located island-wide. [JS]
Runner Up: Take Home Maui
BEST CHEAP FOOD
Pukalani Superette
The assorted bento lunches at Pukalani Superette are so affordable you can feed a family of four for under ten bucks. Take their roast pork, a generous serving of gravy over home made roasted and seasoned pork, plus a side of rice, and perhaps a side dish of wontons, sounds like dinner to me. Everything is packaged fresh, with varying amounts in each and sold at different prices to fit any appetite and budget. Did you know this already reasonable establishment also offers a web deal of the week program? This week it was ten percent off everything in the store, except tobacco and liquor and other sale products. Plus they have the best local produce around. Local market looking out for their local clientele. It gets easier by the minute to save a buck here. 15 Makawao Avenue, Pukalani, 572-7733. [JR]
Runner up: Costco
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