Source: Maui Time, Maui News, Best of Maui, Maui Activities

Food%20%26%20Drink
Maui Film Festival Foodie Events

by Jen Russo

June 10, 2010

There’s more to film festivals than merely watching movies. Festivals like Cannes, Telluride and Tribeca have virtual worlds revolving around them, and ours is no different. In addition to celluloid creations, the Maui Film Festival plays host to some of the most elaborate and well-attended Maui foodie parties on the island, parties created specifically for the festival-goers.

Wailea provides the perfect backdrop for these social affairs; it’s both gorgeous and posh, boasting South Maui’s prestigous resorts and some of the island’s most upscale dining establishments. The MFF’s official beer is Stella Artois, and you’ll see it served thoughout.

The big kickoff is held on Wednesday, with the Opening Twilight Reception. All the celebs and dignitaries swirl around, enjoying the seven-station live cooking featuring fresh local ingredients at Capische? where Executive Chef Brian Etheredge and his team show off their impeccable talent.

The festival’s next two events, held on Friday and Saturday, are divine culinary experiences. First find chocolate nirvana at Taste of Chocolate, the only event of its kind on Maui. The Four Seasons’ Ocean Terrace Lawn is transformed into a haven of exotic chocolate fantasy. Dip, grind and devour your way through chocolate creme chiboust, liquid nitrogen chocolate sorbet, chocolate mousse and peanut butter and chocolate cake, set to the backdrop of live music by INDIO.

On Saturday, wile away the warm afternoon and watch the spectacular sunset from the birds-eye perch on the greens at the Wailea Gold and Emerald golf courses, while enjoying a showcase of the flavors of Wailea along with specialty wines from Southern Wine and Spirits and martinis by Ocean vodka. Eight stations representing the culinary prowess of Wailea’s Matteo’s, Mulligan’s on the Blue, Duo, Spago, Mala Wailea, Joe’s, Gannon’s, Nick’s Fishmarket, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a and Capische? will be manned by the executive chefs and their staff. It’s like going to dinner and getting to order from ten different restaurants—come ready to taste! DJ Ged will be spinning.



SPECIAL EVENTS

Opening Night Twilight Reception At Capische?

WHEN: Wednesday, June 16,5:30-7:30pm

WHERE: Capische? at Hotel Wailea

Capische? owner and award winning chef Brian Etheredge will wow attendees with truly unique, inventive and delicious selections complimented by refreshing Stella Artois beer, the Official Beer of the 2010 Maui Film Festival, Ocean vodka cocktails and Hawaiian Springs Water, the official water of the 2010 Maui Film Festival. Feel the romance while enjoying the spectacular sunset view. Live music special surprise, $120 Advance, $150 as of June 16, if available. Includes admission to Wednesday Celestial Cinema.



Starry Night Moondance

WHEN: Wednesday, June 16, 10pm-1am

WHERE: Tommy Bahama Tropical Cafe at Shops at Wailea

Known as the festival’s hottest dance party, attendees will enjoy appetizers from the kitchen of Tommy Bahama’s Topical Café, complemented by libations courtesy of Tommy Bahama Rum and Stella Artois and hydrated by Hawaiian Springs Water. Dance Music by DJ Mattnifique. $60 Advance, $75 as of June 16, if available. You must be over 21 to attend this event.



Taste Of Chocolate At Four Seasons Resort Maui At Wailea

WHEN: Friday, June 18, 10pm-Midnight

WHERE: Ocean Terrace Lawn at Four Seasons Maui

Maui Film Festival’s over-the-top event for chocolate lovers. Attendees will enjoy many decadent chocolate treats including liquid nitrogen chocolate sorbet, baked chocolate mousse, chocolate olive panini and white chocolate Grand Marnier cheesecake, while they discover the sweet side of the island. Live Music by INDIO. $120 advance, $150 as of June 16, if available. Includes admission to Friday Celestial Cinema



Taste Of Wailea - Wailea Gold & Emerald Golf Course

Presented by the Culinary Artists of Wailea

WHEN: Saturday, June 19, 4:30-7pm

WHERE: Wailea Gold & Emerald Golf Courses

The crown jewel of Maui Film Festival’s culinary arts celebrations, Taste of Wailea will be presented by Wailea resorts’ most celebrated chefs and restaurants, complemented by an engagingly robust and delicate assortment of fine wines, refreshing Stella Artois on draft, exotic Maui-tinis from Ocean Vodka and Hawaiian Springs Water. $95 advance, $120 at the door if available. Ticket price includes admission to Saturday Celestial Cinema. Due to liquor laws, no one under 21 years of age will be admitted to this event. Free shuttles from all Wailea resort hotels and Wailea special event parking area.



For menus and more info, visit MauiTime’s food blog: www.mauidish.com