|
Seawatch
 “Fine dining under the Wailea Sun and Stars”—a fitting slogan for this enticing vista that meanders on to the sea where the colors of Maui rage in tropical spendor as the suns sets every evening over the Pacific. By day, these vistas are green, lush and sun-kissed, while you relax in Seawatch’s verandah-style open-air restaurant. It is not wonder this young restaurant (born in 1994) has won honors such as Restaurant of Distinction, and Best Ambience. We arrived from cool Upcountry Maui to warm and luscious late afternoon Wailea, in time for the famous sunset. I don’t usually talk about the dessert first, but that’s what stands out most about our delicious meal. It was Kataifi Banana Foster made with fresh Hawaiian banana, rolled in mango chutney, wrapped in Kataifi filo dough, and served with vanilla bean ice cream and this homemade caramel sauce to die for! That said, let’s talk about our meal. First off, Norman Schuhardt, the GM at the Sea Watch took such fine care of us and took the time to tell us all kinds of stories about life at the restaurant, that we felt we were friends for life—and plan to invite him up for East Indian food at our house next time we have an Indian dinner party. So, we began with melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, then Brie and macadamia nut chutney. Norm delivered icy cold glasses of Sauvignon Blanc to clear the pallet and the Hess Chardonnay to accompany these appetizers. Perfect. Moving on to yet another appetizer —because the entire staff agreed we had to try at these three or four before heading into the main course —we let them bring us their home made round sourdough bread and some goat cheese with lavender, beets and pears. Sound exotic? It is! Yet all these flavors do very well together. An Opakapaka with citrus sauce was excellent and somewhat light after so many appetizers. My company chose the rack of lamb (always his favorite—he judges a good restaurant by how well they do the rack). It did not disappoint him. Perfectly seasoned and tenderly medium-rare in preparation. We will always go back for sunset, dessert, wine and a chance to share some laughter and stories with Norman. Reservations:808.875.8080 100 Wailea Golf Club Drive Wailea, Maui, Hawaii 96753 www.seawatchrestaurant.com |
The Greek Bistro  What can we tell you about the Greek Bistro that can come close to describing how we feel about the place, the people, the food, and the trip to Greece? When we’re on the South Shore on a Sunday in the blazing afternoon sun, swimming in water that is cool but never cold, and getting hungry around 5ish, before the sun sets but after we’re cooked, we head to The Greek Bistro. Dorothy always greets us, we have her pop open an ice cold bottle of retsina, and bring on the tzatziki or tziki and pita bread. After a quick start, we move to other antipastos like stuffed dolma, olives and feta and vine-ripened tomatoes. Then some Spanakopita and a lamb stew. More tziki and some humus and more good homemade pita bread. After all, Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, began some 2500 years ago and controlled most of the land bordering the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Where else would anyone expect to find the incredible tantalizing cuisine as fresh and fragrant, served with warmth and vitality, than a GREEK RESTAURANT, owned and operated by Greek people? That would be Dorothy’s husband, Johnny, right out of Athens, full of Grecian hoopla! His food and his place are a must. They are for us. If you are a foodie, and you love olive oil, you’ll find this to be one of your new, favorite places to frequent on Maui. The Greek Bistro 2511 South Kihei Road Kihei, Maui, Hawaii 96753 Reservations: 808.879.9330 |
The Waterfront It is just what you’re after for a Maui dining experience. Begin with lanai seating overlooking lovely Maalaea Harbor. Look out over the lovely rigs and the old stone jetty: this marina is still small-island style. Sunset turns everything a pure golden wash and drops into the ocean, leaving room for candlelight at your table and the torches along the water’s edge, to share their magic while you enjoy your dinner. Ours began with a service that touts elegant confidence. Perhaps that it is because the Smith family, Bob, Rick, Gary and “Mom” carry on family tradition: “With over 50 years of combined restaurant experience, the Waterfront is the achievement of a family's commitment to excellence.” However the combination of talents and fresh foods have come together, it is noteworthy that the Waterfront is a stunning example of gorgeous dining on Maui, and why we call this restaurant one of our “picks” this year, and every year, in our family. The wine list, extensive and well designed for the menu and for any discerning palate, was a joy to peruse. We chose a Paul Hobbs Pinot, 2005, Russian River to begin the evening. It was perfect with our first course, their signature lobster soup. They were kind enough to split it in two bowls for us. Much appreciated. We knew there was much more to come and wanted to save room. Next, the classic Caesar, prepared tableside, absolutely the way you expect it, anchovies and all. The menu is extensive, including lamb, beef, vegetarian dishes, and of course, fish. Their fish is superior and prepared one of six ways, all to perfection. I had the Hawaiian Salsa preparation while my date had roasted rack of lamb. Everything cooked to perfection. We rounded out our meal with a Tahitian vanilla bean crème brulee, a cup of richly brewed island coffee, then walked out onto the grass beyond and listened to the gentle lapping of Maalaea Bay’s waves against the stone walls. Lovely all the way around. The Maalaea Waterfront Restaurant 50 Hauoli Street Maalaea, Maui, Hawaii 96793 Reservations: 808.244.9028 |
||||
Index
Welcome
Aloha Cowboy
Breathing Lessons
Flatbread
Healers
Maui Humane Society
Ram Dass
Restaurant Reviews
Sugar Sugar
BACK TO HOME PAGE
The Guardian Magazine 2008-2009