Wendy Augustine, a bartender at Hali‘imaile General Store, knows Mai Tais. She knows them so well, in fact, that this weekend her special Mai Tai blend won the coveted title of World’s Best Mai Tai, making her the first ever Maui bartender to win such a victory. The Mai Tai is Hawaii’s signature drink. This is despite the fact that the Mai Tai isn’t really Hawaiian or even … [Read more...] about Mai Tai Festival Says Wendy Augustine Of Haliimaile General Store Makes The Best Mai Tai In The World
PINEAPPLE
Pineapple Grill Celebrates Seventh Birthday and New Executive Chef Isaac Bancaco
It was a Friday, and while there wasn’t a formal special occasion, I arrived early. I wanted quality time with the Pineapple Grill rock stars. I wasn’t disappointed, and found new Executive Chef Isaac Bancaco gearing up for the usual Friday crowd. They apparently do swift business from the 5:30pm seating straight through to 10pm. Chris Kaiwi, the restaurant’s managing partner, … [Read more...] about Pineapple Grill Celebrates Seventh Birthday and New Executive Chef Isaac Bancaco
Judging the Mai Tai Mix Off at the Royal Lahaina with Sammy Hagar
Small pot distilled liquors, fresh fruit forward juices and dark boozy floats are a mixologist’s wet dream. Add 10 grand to that and you have a throwdown of the modern Mai Tai, all of it fueled by Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum at the Royal Lahaina Resort. Eleven Maui bartenders rumbled last Wednesday for a chance at one of the 30 spots in the annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival … [Read more...] about Judging the Mai Tai Mix Off at the Royal Lahaina with Sammy Hagar
Blue Lagoon-Tropical Lahaina Seafood Grotto in the Wharf, Lahaina Maui Restaurant Review
The Wharf Center in Lahaina Town was once the newest retail structure by the harbor. As kids we loved the triple decker maze it offered and the "basement" level fun factory. This little retail and theater center was built without a centralized food court, but food it definitely has. My most recent food exploration was at Blue Lagoon in the Wharf's ground floor (it's actually … [Read more...] about Blue Lagoon-Tropical Lahaina Seafood Grotto in the Wharf, Lahaina Maui Restaurant Review