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July 13, 2006
BEST SAIMIN
Hanafuda Saimin
With locations in Kihei and Kahului, Hanafuda makes it twice as easy
to get your delicious bowl of saimin. The steaming bowl of clear broth,
fine homemade noodles, fish cake and green onions is terrific for
hangovers and colds, but just as good and healthy for you when you're
at the top of your game. In Kihei, Hanafuda is open until 3 a.m. so
getting that yummy but sobering late night saimin meal is all you,
baby. 1279 S. Kihei Rd., 879-9033; 199 S. Dairy Rd., Kahului, 877-9033.
Runner-up: House of Saimin, Old Lahaina Center, 667-7572. (JR)
BEST DINNER
Roy's
One of my favorite things to do in life is indulge in good food and
drink. Roy's is the perfect place to saunter in and luxuriate over a
glass of wine and spinach salad sprinkled with goat cheese and candied
nuts. Sometimes I might even sample a bit of their (in)famous chocolate
souffle. I find when the food is really good, I will take the time to
enjoy every bite. You know, I could chew on Roy's dishes every night.
303 Pi'ikea Ave., Kihei, 891-1120; 4405 Honoapi'ilani Hwy, Kahana,
669-6999.
Runner-up: Outback Steakhouse, 4405 Honoapi'ilani Hwy., Kahana, 665-1822; 281 Pikea Ave., Kihei, 879-8400. (HK)
EDIT PICK:
BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT
Lahaina Store Grille & Oyster Bar
What could be more romantic then shooting oysters while enjoying a
gorgeous rooftop sunset view of Lahaina Town while consuming fabulous
food and wine? Lahaina Store Grille & Oyster Bar is one of
Lahaina's newest restaurants. Its multi-leveled fabulousness is
situated in the historic Front St. location where the sailors and
merchants that frequented Lahaina used to rub elbows. 744 Front St.,
Lahaina, 661-9090. (JR)
BEST SPAM MUSUBI
Minit Stop
Someone once told me that a Spam Musubi in Hawai'i is the local
version of a New York hot dog. So while the Big Apple has hot dog
stands and carts, the Valley Isle has Minit Stop. With its several
locations on the island, Minit Stop will satisfy your craving for spam
in a jiff. Located island-wide.
Runner-up: 7-Eleven, located island-wide. (KH)
BEST LOCAL FOOD
Da Kitchen
Generous portions and a heart-clogging menu create Da Kitchen's
reputation. Visitors who want a quick route to authentic Hawaiian
tastes yet prices from back home, should head straight towards this
forever favorite. The only downfall is the sometimes cramped setting.
At least customers leave with enough food for two meals. Each lunch
plate is served with two scoops of rice and potato mac or green salad.
Omelets come with rice or home fries. Rainbow Mall, 2439 S. Kihei Road,
875-7782.
Runner-up: L&L Drive-Inn, located island-wide. (DR-R)
EDIT PICK:
BEST PLACE TO HEAR WOMEN SAY, "OH—IT'S SO BIG! HOW DO I FIT MY MOUTH AROUND IT?"
Blu
Blu's hamburger is monstrous. A thick patty of grilled, top-quality
Kobe beef with the requisite cheddar cheese and tomato is then topped
to vertically impossible proportions with Gorgonzola aioli and a
mountain of crispy Maui onions. But don't be intimidated, ladies.
Simply mash your bun together and open wide. The taste definitely lives
up to its impressive girth. 839 Front St., Lahaina, 661-9491. (SC)
BEST FARMERS MARKET
Kahului Swap Meet
When it comes to the freshest of fresh fruits and veggies, super
markets just can't cut it. Farmers Markets are the way to go. With the
most selection and its central location, the Kahului Swap Meet is
certainly the best.
Runner-up: Honokowai Farmers Market. (KH)
BEST COFFEE HOUSE
Starbucks
This world-famous coffee purveyor has taught us that a great morning
starts with a rhythmic refrain of exotic cafe jargon and a cup of
expensive coffee made exactly how you like it. The addiction only grows
once you discover the comfiness of their couches. Starbucks may be the
quintessential American corporation with sights to take over the
universe, but they also help out the Maui community in areas like AIDS
research and awareness, children's literacy and the environment.
Located around the corner from everything.
Runner-up: Bad Ass Coffee Company. 201 Dairy Rd., Kahului, 879-1950; 665 Front St., Lahaina, 661-4130. (GG)
EDIT PICK:
BEST ONION RINGS
Main St. Bistro
These are onion rings made the way God intended—ultra thin, mere
shavings really, with the barest breading and served in a loaf that you
attack with a fork. Half order or full, they come with a cup of
insanely delicious chipotle ketchup that is so good you'll love it more
than your pet. 2051 Main St., Wailuku, 244-6816. (AP)
BEST STEAK
Outback Steak House
My wife and I frequent the Kahana Outback and have never been
disappointed in the food or friendly service. They have great prime
rib, porterhouse and rib eye steaks. They'll even prepare a steak
"Hawaiian style," with a delicious teriyaki glaze. That said, ARE YOU
OUT OF YOUR TREES, PEOPLE? Ruth's Chris rates a mere second place to
you? All right, you might have to save for a week to afford it, but
it's worth it. Their filet mignon is as big as your face and tastes
like meaty heaven. Caveman-meaty heaven, really. Nothing on earth
compares. Even Outback, I'm afraid. 4405 Honoapi'ilani Hwy., Kahana,
665-1822; 281 Pikea Ave., Kihei, 879-8400.
Runner-Up: Ruth's Chris Steakhouses. 900 Front St., Lahaina. 661-8815; 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 874-8880. (CN)
EDIT PICK:
BEST PLOY TO GET INTO BEST OF MAUI
Capische?
Hey, when someone suddenly shows up at the office with a plate of
delicious pastries and offers them to your staff for free, things
happen. We're not made of stone, after all. The rest of you who sell
rich, fattening and wonderful things are advised to take note for next
year. Wailea Diamond Resort, 879-2224. (AP)
BEST PIZZA
BJ's Chicago Pizzeria
Finally—a BJ that both gents AND ladies can enjoy. At BJ's Chicago
Pizzeria in Lahaina, the live music entertains your ears, the sunset
dazzles your eyes and the sizzling, freshly made deep-dish pizza topped
with chunky tomatoes and set on a pedestal will tantalize your taste
buds. BJ's narrowly beat out reigning champion Shaka Pizza this year,
but there's no need to fret. All it means is that we can have a great
slice of pizza on either side of the island. 730 Front St., Lahaina,
661-0700.
Runner-up: Shaka Sandwich & Pizza, 1770 S. Kihei Rd., 874-0331. (GG)
BEST RESTAURANT
Stella Blues
It's no surprise that Stella Blues is the winner for best
restaurant, considering its diverse and impressive menu. Reasonably
priced breakfasts and lunches are but a warm-up for their
something-for-everyone dinners. You can pair all sorts of salads,
pizzas, pastas, meat and vegetarian selections with something from the
impressive wine list or one of 10 martinis. The pleasure doesn't
stop—the dessert menu features the diabetic coma-inducing Holy Trinity:
chocolate mousse cake, mud pie and Bananas Foster. Azeka II Shopping
Center, 1279 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei. 874-3779.
Runner-Up: Manana Garage, 33 Lono Ave., Kahului, 873-0220. (CN)
EDIT PICK:
BEST SECRET SAUCE
Zuihao
Here's the deal: You go to Zuihao, the new
kinda-but-not-really-high-end Chinese place in Lahaina, but instead of
sitting in one of their many tables or booths, you head to the bar.
Then when you order your appetizers and/or entrees and the bartender
starts lining up the various oils and shoyu for you, you ask for some
of that "secret bar sauce." Then the bartender will smile and will,
using a small bottle carefully stashed away beneath the bar, pour you a
small cup of the most delicious sauce imaginable. No one will say on or
off the record what's in it, but it's so good one employee insisted he
would "pour it on my Cheerios if I could." 900 Front St., Lahaina,
667-9020. (AP)
BEST BAR
Tiki Lounge
Man, if only I were at Tiki Lounge right now, feeling the warm sun
setting behind me as I listen to their pau hana entertainment and suck
down one of their giant tiki Mai Tais, instead of being cooped up in
the office writing about it… It's no wonder this place goes off in the
evening with their huge lanai seating, cute little bar and the
friendliest bartenders in town. Plus they have great food to go with
your drinks. Nothing could be better, but you must be 21 to enjoy. 1913
S. Kihei Rd., 874-6444.
Runner-up: Mulligan's on the Blue, 100 Kaukahi St., Wailea, 874-1131. (JR)
BEST CHINESE FOOD
Dragon Dragon
It's always a pleasant surprise when the "little guy" wins a
category. This one was a real dogfight between working class Dragon
Dragon in Kahului and Wailea's decidedly more upscale Fire Dragon. My
guess is that Dragon Dragon took it on the strength of their Mongolian
beef, shark fin soup and their old school, lazy Susan-style revolving
tabletops. Oh, and by the way, tabulating the hundreds of Best of Maui
ballots has given me the skill to type the word "dragon" faster than
any man alive. Maui Mall, 70 E. Ka'ahumanu Ave., Kahului, 893-1628.
Runner-Up: Fire Dragon Bistro, located at The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., 879-6088. (CN)
BEST MEXICAN FOOD
Las Pinatas
"Duh!" I said to the guy behind the counter when he asked what I
wanted. What a silly question—the Kitchen Sink Burrito, loaded with
everything that's good in the world is the obvious choice. But then he
fired back an even louder "duh" when I asked for a virgin Pina Colada.
Happy hour is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for you old people, but the
atmosphere is fine for the little kids. 395 Dairy Road, Kahului,
877-8707.
Runner-up: Fiesta Time, 1132 Lower Main Street, Wailuku, 249-8463. (DR-R)
BEST FISH TACOS
Jawz Fish Tacos
I love Jawz Fish Tacos. There have been many an evening when I
stopped at Jawz to get one of their giant, delectable fish tacos to
take home and enjoy while I'm watching Family Guy. What better way to
spend an evening than watching comedy while burying your face in a fish
taco? 1279 S. Kihei Rd., 874-8226.
Runner-up: Maui Tacos, located island-wide. (HK)
BEST CHEF
Tie: Phil DeMott/Matteo Mistura
I wonder if chefs DeMott and Mistura will celebrate their victory
together with white truffle shavings and a rare Napa Valley wine, like
the chefs on Bravo's Top Chef. Maybe they'll pass on the cuisine and
skip right to the groupies. Everyone loves a man who can cook,
especially as well as these two. Let's just hope they hold in their
tears better than Chef's misty boy Dave when the announcement is made.
Chef DeMott's delectables can be found at the brand new Philly's Blue
Plate Diner at Azeka Shopping Center, 1280 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei,
891-2595. You can enjoy Chef Mistura's masterpieces at Matteo's
Pizzeria, 100 Wailea Ike, Wailea, 874-1234.
Runner-Up: Mark Ellman of Mala, Penne Pasta and Maui Tacos fame. (CN)
EDIT PICK:
BEST USE OF CINNAMON ON LEGUMES
Baked beans at Pulehu BBQ
They are the best in all the land. Nobody does that ultimate combo
of sweet and savory better than Pulehu, with their whole pinto beans
smothered in a molasses and cinnamony barbeque sauce. I could have
these beans with ice cream, but they're the perfect accompaniment to
Pulehu's also scrumptious ribs, chicken and pulled pork sandwiches.
1500 Lower Main St., Wailuku, 244-4049. (SC)
BEST LUAU
Old Lahaina Luau
Of the many luaus on Maui, the Old Lahaina Luau stands out above the
rest because of their dedication to service. The moment you arrive
you're lei'd with fresh orchids, offered a Mai Tai and then you are led
to your table by the very attractive staff. Once seated and acquainted
with your table it's time for food and more drinks. Typical luau
staples are arranged beautifully on the buffet. The show begins after
dinner; the servers are very friendly and treat everyone like a local.
The compound is specially designed to make you feel as if you've taken
a trip back in time, and the show supports that feeling. 1251 Front
St., Lahaina, (800) 248-5828.
Runner-up: Feast at Lele, 505 Front St., Lahaina, (866) 244-5353. (KH)
EDIT PICK:
BEST SOUP AND SANDWICH
Maui Bake Shop
Located in the old Yokouchi Bakery in Wailuku Town, the Maui Bake
Shop offers lots of treats and snacks, but it's as a lunch cafe that
this place really shines. Their sandwiches are simple but
satisfying—who would have thought you could get such soft, delicious
bread at a bakery? The soup changes every day, but hold out for the
split pea. 2092 Vineyard, Wailuku, 242-0064. (AP)
BEST FEMALE BARTENDER
Misty of LuLu's
She's been bartending for nine years, but two-and-a-half of those
years have been at LuLu's, which, given the popularity and size of the
crowd on certain nights, could feasibly be measured in dog years.
Misty, originally from Washington and former bartendress at the now
defunct Margarita's in Sugar Beach, is your favorite female bartender
and it's easy to see why. She's attractive, knowledgeable, and will
stop to smile and shake your hand in even the busiest of her bar
moments. LuLu's, 1941 S. Kihei Rd., 879-9944.
Runner-up: Kristin from Hard Rock Cafe, 900 Front St., Lahaina, 667-7400. (SC)
EDIT PICK:
BEST CLUB SANDWICH
Cafe Brooklyn
You start with thick slices of homemade whole grain wheat bread,
then spread on some mayo and add free-range turkey, bacon, avocado,
lettuce and tomato. You won't find a better triple-layer club anywhere
but Cafe Brooklyn, where healthy lunch is invented on Main Street
everyday. It comes with coleslaw or pasta salad. 2010 Main St.,
Wailuku, 244-5950. (JR)
BEST SMOOTHIE
Jamba Juice
You know what's really fun to do at Jamba Juice? Give them a
colorful and unique name when you order. They might not want to call
out "Blake the Enforcer," but doesn't it make you feel good to hear it?
Everyone will watch as you claim your smoothie and know that you are a
REAL man. But just pray that they don't say what smoothie you ordered.
It sucks all of the manliness from the name when it's followed with
"Strawberry Paradise with an energy boost." Located island-wide.
Runner-up (tie): Cafe Del Ray, 381A BaldwinAve., Paia, 579-9990/Planet Smoothie, 5095 Napilihau St., Napili, 669-8447. (HK)
BEST BURRITO
Maui Tacos
"Oh, Lahaina Chicken burrito, where have you been all my life?" I
recently overheard a young male tourist proclaim this at the Maui Tacos
Kihei location as I was enjoying an equally orgasmic Paia vegetarian
burrito. With plenty of selection and no way to go wrong, Maui Tacos is
always there with the best burritos made to order. Plus, their
guacamole rocks. Located island-wide.
Runner-up: Las Pinatas, 395 Dairy Rd., Kahului, 877-8707. (GG)
EDIT PICK:
BEST NEW MEXICAN FOOD
Amigo's in Kahului
Who would've thought that one country south of the United States
would've created such a food craze. Let's face it—Americans are crazy
about Mexican food. In fact, it's rare that you can find a town in the
U.S. that doesn't sell a decent taco plate with rice and beans. Kahului
is no different. Amigo's offers all the usual enchiladas, tacos and
burritos, fixings and side dishes you've come to know and love. It's
cheap and it's good. 333 Dairy Rd. Kahului, 872-9525. (JR)
BEST SANDWICH
Subway
Who wouldn't want to eat fresh at this sandwich place? This
shouldn't just be the best sandwich of Maui; it should be All-American.
All the more comfort comes from watching your sandwich be made, giving
hope to the fast food industry. No one else beats their specials on
12-inch sandwiches. So take your significant other and share a
sandwich, drink and full stomach. There will be no need to split the
check. Located island-wide.
Runner-up: Joy's Place, 1993 S. Kihei Rd., 879-9258 (DR-R)
BEST ITALIAN FOOD
Casanova
Great pasta, delicious pizza, an atmosphere dripping with Old World
romance—what more do you want? The hottest nightclub on the island
every Wednesday night? I think that can be arranged. 1188 Makawao Ave.,
572-0220.
Runner-Up: Bada Bing, 1945 S. Kihei Rd., 875-0188. (AP)
EDIT PICK:
BEST BAR TO TAKE FIDO OUT FOR A WALK
Kahale's Beach Club
So the wife/hubby is nagging you to take the ol' pooch out for a
walk. No problem, you say. Just grab your leash and head to Kahale's,
where not only can you enjoy a frosty beverage at rock-bottom prices
but your canine pal will also be treated with warmth, respect and
doggie biscuits. Plus, Kahale's happy hour lasts all day long. Live
music, friendly patrons, cheap drinks and food from the AutoFry. And
they'll keep that water bowl filled for Fido. Hell, you'll be going for
doggie "walks" every day! 36 Keala Pl., Kihei, 875-7711. (SC)
BEST PUPUS
Tiffany's Bar and Grill
As a new arrival to Hawai'i and a Puerto Rican, looking at the word
pupus confused me. "What the hell are 'pupus'?" I asked myself.
Considering I get a red line from spell check and no results from the
web site Wikipedia when I search it, I was pretty scared to try it. But
I went to Tiffany's and was pleasantly surprised. Pupus are good, and
they do them well. 1424 L. Main Street, Wailuku, 249-0052.
Runner-up: Sansei, 115 Bay Drive, Kapalua, 669-6286. (DR-R)
CHEAP FOOD
Aloha Mixed Plate
Good plate lunches with mahi, chicken and all the rest, served at
very reasonable prices on an outdoor, ocean-view patio. Works for me.
1285 Front Street, Lahaina, 661-3322.
Runner-up: Da Kitchen, Kahului, 871-7782; 2439 S. Kihei Road, 875-7782. (AP)
BEST FINE DINING
Mama's Fish House
How could Mama's not win this award? From the food (phenomenal) to
the setting (breathtaking) to the service (consistently solid), Mama's
is everyone's favorite for that special occasion. First Bonus: If you
eat too much and can't make it back to the complimentary valet service,
you can always get a room at the unique and stylish Mama's Fish House
Inn. Second Bonus: The men's room features vintage newspapers
chronicling the impact of World War II on Maui. 799 Poho Pl., Kuau,
579-8488.
Runner-Up: Spago, 3900 Wailea Alanui, 874-8000. (CN)
EDIT PICK
BEST LATE-NIGHT BAR FOR THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Blue Lagoon
Hanging out in Lahaina can sometimes feel like you've stepped onto
the set of MTV's Laguna Beach. Fresh-faced young hotties surf, play and
work together, creating romantic dramas and tragic comedies throughout
the endless summer of Maui's Westside. And the ultimate place to
witness this mingling and mayhem of tan and beautiful kids is the
below-street level oasis known as the Blue Lagoon. There, the bar crowd
fills to capacity every night, as bartenders scurry to pour shots of
tequila and Jagermeister by the Xterra-load. Open nightly 'til 2 a.m.
Wharf Cinema Center, lower level, Lahaina, 661-8141. (SC)
BEST PANCAKES
Tasty Crust
The hotcakes at Tasty Crust have been a local favorite forever.
They're just the right amount of fluffy and sweet topped with buttery
and sticky to hit the spot every time. In fact, the hotcakes are so
good that they've transcended the classification of strictly a
breakfast food. You can get hotcakes at Tasty Crust anytime they're
open if you have a few bucks to spare. 1770 Mill St., Wailuku,
244-0845.
Runner-up: International House of Pancakes, Maui Mall, Kahului, 871-4000. (GG)
BEST PLATE LUNCH
L&L Drive-Inn
On an island sporting Local Food and Honokowai Okazuya in Lahaina,
you go and vote for Hawai'i's answer to Der Weinerschnitzel. Whatever,
brah. Located island-wide.
Runner-up: Honokowai Okazuya, 3600 Lower Honoapi'ilani Rd., Lahaina, 665-0512 (AP)
BEST MALE BARTENDER
(Tie) Chad of Longhi's Wailea/Andrew of Jack's Terrace
Chad's been at Longhi's in Wailea for four years. But if he looks
familiar, you might also recognize him from his stints at KKO, Bada
Bing, or any number of establishments over the years he's been charming
the ladies with his drink-slinging techniques. A self-proclaimed
barfly, Chad also hosts Longhi's popular weekday late-night happy hour
crowd of restaurant and resort workers. When not waxing philosophic
about his great love for the community spirit of the South Shore and
the familial love he has for his anti-corporate job, Chad loves to
surf, scuba and attend Burning Man. Andrew is your other voted
favorite, and works one of Lahaina's newest additions to the bar front,
on Friday and Saturday nights. Jack's Terrace Restaurant & Bar, 843
Waine'e St., Lahaina, 667-9616; Longhi's, The Shops at Wailea, 3750
Wailea Alanui Dr., 891-8883.
Runner-up: Renny from the Tiki Lounge, 1913 S. Kihei Rd., 874-6444. (SC)
BEST LUNCH
Makena Grill
When going to Big Beach, it may at first be desperation that drives
you to this vendor, because there's nothing else in sight and you seem
really, Really, REALLY far from Kihei. But you will find yourself
coming back to Big Beach not just for its natural beauty but for the
good lunch you will find. Oh, and the cost is great considering you
can't find much food elsewhere. Located across from Big Beach.
Runner-up: Manana Garage, 33 Lono Avenue, Kahului, 873-0220 (DR-R)
BEST BURGER
Cool Cat Cafe
Because Cool Cat Cafe offers something like 17,256 different
hamburgers, I'm not sure exactly which one was your favorite. So I'm
just going to assume that you're all exactly like me, in that you're
all about the Duke: a bacon, cheddar, onion ring and barbeque sauce
monster that I think appears on page 11 of their gargantuan menu. 658
Front St., Lahaina, 667-0908.
Runner-Up: Jonny's Burger Joint, 2291 Kaanapali Pkwy., 661-4500. (CN)
BEST FISH & CHIPS
Alexander's
The reason Alexander's fish & chips are so popular is because
they give you options. You can get the traditional fish & chips
with your choice of fish and crispy fries or you can go local style and
get it with rice. Now to be technical, fish & rice is not fish
& chips, but the choice allows you to have it the way you like it,
and that's always the best. 1913 S. Kihei Rd., 874-0788; Queen
Ka'ahumanu Center, Kahului, 877-5556.
Runner-up: Paia Fish Market, 2 Baldwin Ave, Paia, 579-8030. (KH)
BEST DINING WITH A VIEW
The SeaWatch
The SeaWatch boasts amazing views of Makena, Wailea, Kihei, the West
Maui Mountains, Kaho'olawe, Molokini and Lanai. With so much to look
at, it's understandably made quite an impression on our readers. Of
course, the view only gets better when there's a plate of food and
perhaps a glass of wine in front of you, so don't be coy with your
server. 100 Wailea Golf Club Dr., 875-8080.
Runner-up: Sarento's on the Beach, 2980 S. Kihei Rd., 875-7555. (JR)
BEST SUSHI
Sansei
Sansei has occupied a special place in my heart ever since that
first time I went to their Kihei location. My friend from out of town,
my roommate and I all stopped by to catch the kama'aina discount early
one Sunday evening. My friends couldn't get over the delicious mango
crab hand roll, but I had already discovered my most favorite roll
ever: the Paia Maki. Oh, and then Calista Flockhart sat next to us.
Yes, THE Calista Flockhart. See, "normal" people—I have no problem
referring to myself as normal—as well as the rich and famous love
Sansei. 115 Bay Dr., Kapalua, 669-6286; 1881 S. Kihei Rd., 879-0004.
Runner-up: Sushi Go, Queen Ka'ahumanu Center, Kahului, 877-8744. (HK)
BEST MAI TAI
Tiki Bar at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel
The original Mai Tai, thought to have been invented in 1944,
consisted of 17-year-old rum, fresh lime juice, orange Curacao, rock
candy and Orgeat syrups. These days, on Maui, that recipe has evolved
into a concoction that includes both light and dark rums, pineapple,
orange and passion juices and a dash of grenadine. And you've decreed
that the best place for this debatably tasty cocktail is at the Tiki
Bar, where you're most likely to be in the midst of equal amounts of
tourists and locals. And with the Tiki Bar's friendly bar staff, the
proximity to beautiful Ka'anapali Beach as well as KBH's poolside and
delicious snack shop, you'd probably think stale cola tastes good. 2525
Ka'anapali Parkway, Ka'anapali, 661-0011.
Runner-up: Mama's Fish House, 799 Poho Pl, Kuau, 579-8488. (SC)
BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE
Mana Foods
Appropriately located in organic, hemp-loving Paia, Mana Foods is
the place to go for a great variety of health food—even if you're not a
hardcore vegan… yet. They offer a delicious selection of fresh produce,
breads, hot foods, local fish, PC meat and other foodstuffs, all
guaranteed to be free of yucky things you can't pronounce. They even
carry a full line of nutritional supplements and vitamins to keep you
full of mana. The only bummer: you might have to squeeze to get by that
slightly sweaty, shirtless surfer in one of the cramped aisles. Oh
well. 49 Baldwin Ave., Paia, 579-8078.
Runner-up: Down to Earth, 305 Dairy Rd., Kahului, 877-2661; 1169 Makawao Ave., Makawao, 572-1488. (GG)
EDIT PICK:
BEST LATE-NIGHT PUPUS THAT DOESN'T INVOLVE SUCKING EXHAUST
Mulligan's on the Blue
It's 11 p.m. and you're starving. Most restaurants on Maui close
their kitchens by 9 p.m. so what do you do? You've been drinking, so
Jack-in-the-Box is an immediate option. But those late-night long lines
and memories of morning-after stomach rot makes you re-consider. If
you're on the South Shore, you're in luck. Mulligan's offers a
surprising selection of pupus until midnight, plus if you buy two you
get one free (10 p.m. to midnight). Choose from Maryland-style crab
cakes with chili aioli, spinach and artichoke dip, seared ahi,
calamari, spring rolls or Irish potato cakes with corned beef, feta
cheese and a yogurt rosemary sauce. Your stomach will thank you in the
morning. 100 Kaukahi St., Wailea, 874-1131. (SC)
BEST BUSINESS LUNCH
Manana Garage
If you want your business deal to go your way, our readers say the
power lunch at Manana Garage packs the best punch. With their clever
decor and delicious South American menu, it's not hard to see why lunch
is so popular here. Their chips and salsa, corn bread and Margaritas
are the best, so you could do worse than buttering up your clients at
Manana Garage. 33 Lono Ave., Kahului, 873-0220.
Runner-up: Marco's Grill & Deli, 444 Hana Hwy, Kahului, 877-4446; 1445 S. Kihei Rd., 874-4041. (JR)
EDIT PICK:
BEST DIVE BAR
Life's a Beach
Really, Life's a Beach is the island's best dive for too many
reasons to list. It's dark, dank, smells of cigarette smoke and has a
menu packed with cheap food. What more do you want? Far more miscreant
youngsters on the prowl find their way into the joint than the
world-weary oldsters you normally find in a dive, but it's hardly fair
to blame Life's a Beach for that, baby! 1913 S. Kihei Rd., 891-8010.
(AP)
BEST PLACE TO BUY WINE
Mr. Wine
I like Mr. Wine a lot. Although I'm from Napa, California, I know
about as much about wine as I do Lithuania's gross national product.
Despite my ignorance, I never feel like a mental midget when I stop by
Mr. Wine for a bottle. It's a successful, independent business loved by
locals and visitors alike. They also stock plenty of rare beers and
other goodies. 808 Waine'e St., Lahaina, 661-5551.
Runner-Up: Long's Drugs, located island-wide. (CN)
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Jack's Terrace Bar and Grill
Visitng the island's "Best New Restaurant" was quite a trip for me,
since I'm a South Maui girl with no car. During the bus ride to
Lahaina, I thought, "If these [expletive deleted] readers are
[expletive deleted] wrong, they will [expletive deleted] wish they were
[expletive deleted] dead." Lucky for me (and you), you voted wisely.
It's conveniently open from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and has a very thick
menu. Where else can you chose from nine hamburgers, a salad bar and 23
other lunch entrees? 842 Wainee St., Lahaina, 667-9616.
Runner-up: Fire Dragon Bistro, The Shops of Wailea, 879-6088. (DR-R)
BEST FISH SANDWICH
Paia Fish Market
I think next year we should just rename this the "Paia Fish Market
Award," though to be completely correct, the Market calls their fish
sandwich a "burger." There are several fish options—all slathered in
tasty coleslaw—including Ahi, my favorite fish, but I usually just go
with the Mahi, if only because I never knew before that it was possible
for Mahi to taste this good. 2 Baldwin Ave., Paia, 579-8030.
Runner Up: Alexander's Fish & Chips, 1913 S. Kihei Rd., 874-0788; 275 Ka'ahumanu Ave., Kahului, 877-5556. (CN)
EDIT PICKS:
BEST LATE-NIGHT BAR WITH A SEXY CROWD THAT DOESN'T MAKE YOU FEEL OLD
Bocalino Bistro & Bar
If you like to have an occasional cocktail out on the town, chances
are you've been in some bar filled with the young, gelled and
implanted. And if you're over 25 years old, there's something about
seeing g-strings peeking out the back of low-rise jeans that can make
you either feel old (if you're a woman) or lecherous (if you're a guy
who knows better). But that's less likely to happen at Bocalino, with
its seductive lighting, smooth live grooves and selection of fine
liquors that welcome the evening's more sophisticated imbibers with
style and class. By "sophisticated," I don't necessarily mean
"old"—those low rise jeans may pop in on occasion, albeit sans visible
thong-age. And with a late-night menu served until 1 a.m., you could go
all night, baby. Yeah, Bocalino's is the Viagra of the South Shore!
1279 S. Kihei Rd., 874-9299. (SC)
BEST ICE CREAM
Tie: Cold Stone Creamery/Lappert's
Like it? Love it? You guys gotta have Cold Stone's ice cream and the
dozens of mix-ins they double dare you to choose from. As complex as
you can handle it, Cold Stone is a playground for the sweet-toothed. On
the other side of the desert disposition spectrum are the silky smooth
treats from Lappert's. They call their ice cream "premium," which
really just means that it's pricey and meant for tourists. But if an
especially forceful craving strikes, you can just do what I do and
sample-whore it. Cold Stone Creamery, 291 Pi'ikea Ave. Ste. 121, Kihei,
875-8811; Lappert's Ice Cream, Shops at Wailea, 879-1711; 2463 S. Kihei
Rd., 879-0189; 693 Front St., Lahaina, 661-3310.
Runner-up: Roselani, located at grocery stores island-wide. (GG)
BEST BREAKFAST
Gazebo
Gazebo offers the best macadamia nut pancakes, or the best macadamia
nut anything for that matter. This little gazebo situated on Napili Bay
is only open for breakfast and lunch (7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and tables
are limited, yet waiting for a table can be comfortable. As a part-time
hostess myself, I can appreciate a restaurant that keeps me acquainted
with a cup of coffee while I wait. 5315 L. Honoapi'ilani Road, Napili
Shores, 669-8061.
Runner-up: Kihei Caffe, 1945 S. Kihei Rd., 879-2230. (DR-R)
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