Date of Visit: 2-6-10 @2:00pm
The Skinny:LuLu’s is a new restaurant located at the Cannery Mall in Lahaina. It is related to LuLu’s in Kihei but has different owners. The place was very quiet, in part to the economic downturn on Maui and lunch was pretty much over. I sat at the bar and ordered their Hog BBQ Sandwich with garlic fries and a Hapa pitcher of ale. The service was friendly and quick and my sandwich came right after my pitcher hit the bar. The pork was done just right with enough to overflow the bun and make it satisfyingly sloppy. The fries were hot out of the fryer and really well done. With the ale my lunch really hit the spot!
The Best Thing: A good lunch with a smile
The Worst Thing:It sure is dead at the Cannery Mall
My Recommendation: Go for It!

Date of Visit: 12-13-9 @1:00pm
The Skinny: Tanaka is a Japanese teppanyaki eatery on the top floor at Ala Moana Center. If you don’t know what teppanyaki is just think of Benihana’s where steak, seafood, and veggies are cooked on an iron griddle by a chef who just cant stand still while flinging knives and food everywhere. It’s a show that makes eating a fun, shared experience. Unfortunately, Tanaka’s food quality and show was lacking any real excitement. We were seated in the corner grill-table with four other people and picked from the slightly sticky menu. I chose the sirloin which was the top lunch menu item at $18.50. It is served with miso soup, pickled Japanese vegetables, two dipping sauces, and steamed rice. The chef was a local boy and went through his uninspired routine for probably the 1,000th time. Maybe it would have been more fun if the lighting was better. So how was the food? Average quality and small portions. I got some grilled onions, a few (like 4) shrimp, and a cup of green tea. I think my total weight of my sirloin was 5 ounces. Oh, and the two dipping sauces tasted like they came out of the bottle.
The Best Thing: wait, I’m still thinking..
The Worst Thing: After sitting there for 5 minutes I wanted to leave.
My Recommendation: You can do so much better elsewhere.

Date of Visit: 12-6-9 @1:15pm
The Skinny: Went to the Ma’alaea Grill for lunch only to find it has closed down. The “For Lease” sign was like a nail in my heart… or at lease my stomach.
The Best Thing: Great memories
The Worst Thing: it’s GONE! I didn’t see it coming.
My Recommendation: When you find a great place… patronize it!

Date of Visit: 8-1-9 @1:00pm
The Skinny: This new little bistro is tucked away in a small plaza behind the Viewpoints Gallery on Baldwin Avenue. It occupies the old “Cafe del Sol” restaurant location with little change to the interior or exterior seating. They are open for lunch everyday and dinner Thursday through Saturday. The lunch menu has a nice selection of sandwiches, salads, special entrees, and non-alcoholic drinks. I ordered the Pan Roasted Blue Crab Cake. It was served with very local Makawao oyster mushrooms , fresh Kula corn, Aina Lani Farm ramps (wild leek) and kaffir lime with fresh local baby greens and an organic black pepper vinaigrette. My drink was a black iced tea. I found my entrée expertly prepared with all the ingredients working harmoniously with the satisfying crab cake. A realy nice lunch for a warm Maui day.
The Best Thing: Makawao can always use a good place to eat. I’m glad they are there!
The Worst Thing: Can be hard to find
My Recommendation: Try it and let me know what you think!

My 1st review of Sammy’s is here:Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill – Kahului Airport

Date of Visit: 7-19 @ 5:00pm
The Skinny: OK, I went back to Sammy’s while waiting for my flight to Honolulu. I ordered the same “Wabo” Cheddar Cheese Burger with fries that I had back in September and was greatly disappointed. The fries were stone cold! They must have been sitting on the plate for 20 minutes or more. I told my waitress they were cold and she asked if I wanted a new order, which I replied “yes please”. Thinking she would take my plate and return with another fresh order I was disappointed that she just went to the kitchen and left my cold fries on my plate. She came back after my burger was eaten with a small bowl with fries. It was half the serving size of the cold ones still on my plate and their taste was nothing like the ones I raved about in my first review of Sammy’s. They were bland, bland, bland, without the garlic cloves that made them so tasty some ten months ago.
The Best Thing: The Beer
The Worst Thing: Dashed expectations. I expect consistancy, not a roll of the dice when I eat.
My Recommendation: Dump the short order cook, quickly.

Do you want a dining experience to remember? Here is a list that won’t disappoint you. They all feature a wonderful ambiance, 1st class service with delightfully delectable dishes!
· Nicks Fishmarket at the Fairmont Kealani, Wailea
· The Banyan Tree at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
· Spago at the Maui Four Seasons Resort, Wailea
· Mama’s Fishhouse, Paia

Date of Visit: 5-12-9 @11:30am
The Skinny: Billed as “Oahu’s most elegantly modern Chinese restaurant” The Mandalay proved to be a leader in bland and uninspiring Chinese food. I went with a group of 16 for a business luncheon on the 2nd floor of their nice looking restaurant on Alakea Street. Unfortunately they didn’t seem to be ready for us even though our menu was pre-ordered. We started with a piece of dim sum and steamed dumplings in rice-flour wrappers. All I wanted to know was where was the taste? These appetizers really needed some sort of sauce besides soy to complement their ingredients. Next we were served a shrimp with caramelized walnuts. This dish was fairly good but the shrimp coating had a slight mayonnaise taste which is only good for the first few that you eat. Next we were served a plate of large mushroom caps with greens. This plate may have looked good but it was all very bland. The greens were not cut into bite size pieces which made a difficult eating assignment for those with chop sticks. That dish was followed by a string noodle-shrimp-veggie concoction and rough cut roasted chicken pieces (with bones). I expected the chicken to have a good BBQ flavor but it was out to lunch, no-where to be found. Come-on kids, what else can you screw up? The Duck?? You guessed it! The meal ended with small custards in a undercooked pie crust. I’m sure glad I didn’t have to pick up the tab on this one.
The Best Thing: Clean linens
The Worst Thing: Bland food on a wobbly table
My Recommendation: Get a chef with taste buds!

Date of Visit: 4-4-9 @12:00pm
The Skinny: The Rodeo General Store has been an icon on Baldwin Avenue for 30 years. For 29 years it was just a semi-grocery store. Then the management changed and it had a badly needed make-over. They now have the best Deli in Makawao. This place ain’t a New York style deli… it’s a Maui deli with a great selection of wine and local fair. Today I had a Chicken Salad sandwich on fresh Chibatta bread (not the chewy hockey pucks they sell at Costco). I had my sandwich with ripe Maui tomato slices with lettuce but no sprouts. Pee-Wee Herman said sprouts taste like hair, and I agree! The Chicken is cooked tender and cubed with finely diced celery, herbs with a slight hint of curry making this sandwich hard to beat. In fact, the Chicken Salad is incredible just by itself.
The Best Thing: Makawao really needed a place like this. I know, I lived there!
The Worst Thing: All orders are to go. No tables here.
My Recommendation: Fill up your basket here for a fun up-country picnic.

Date of Visit: 4-3-9 @12:00pm
The Skinny: Do you remember when it was so cool to get a Hard Rock tee-shirt? “You’re going to New York? You got to go to Hard Rock and get me a tee-shirt!” Well I had collected a few from my visits to Hollywood, Tokyo, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Newport Beach. But the funny thing is I never remembered the food! I wonder why? My wife says “They have a great salad that I want again.” So I found myself talked into a return to the heavy metal palace of Lahaina. I was feeling a bit adventurous and ordered their S.O.B. Burger with fries (as far as I can tell S.O.B. stands for served on bun). The Burger patty is 10 ounces of Angus beef cooked medium-well with grilled onions, guacamole, Monterey Jack Cheese with a dollop of Chipotle Pepper sauce on top. It is served with red onion, tomato, lettuce, and pickles on the side. I added everything except the tomato slice since I determined the sandwich would become impossible to hold with all the slippery ingredients. So how did it taste? It was OK. I found the spice from the Chipotle to be just right but overall the 9 different parts of the burger became indistinguishable in the mouth. It might have been better with the tomato and without the grilled onions and guacamole. I don’t know. As for the fries, they were overcooked. I didn’t finish them. As for my wife’s salad, the Honey Citrus Grilled Chicken Salad was found to be less tasty than remembered. This was in part to the high volume of romaine hearts to leafy greens, which as you all know makes a salad bitter. Upon hearing this, the friendly assistant manager took it off the bill, which was most commendable. Also of note there is a 20% Kama`aina discount, even on their tee-shirts. That Rocks!
The Best Thing: The staff was so nice!
The Worst Thing: No matter where you go Hard Rock’s all look and taste the same.
My Recommendation: Sorry, been there, done that

Date of Visit: 4-2-9 @7:00pm
The Skinny: Cafe Mambo, located on Baldwin Avenue in Paia town is a unique blend of Spanish, Moroccan and local island cuisine. It is an informal place with some very cool artwork, small wooden tables and big windows looking out to the vibrant Paia street scene. Their menu includes Tapas, Fajitas, Tangines, Paella, salads, and 100% Maui beef burgers. Tonight I went for the Crispy Kalua Duck Fajitas. That’s right, Duck Fajitas! The duck is cooked with an orange, soy, and honey glaze and served shredded in a hot Fajitas pan. It comes with flour tortillas and a condiment plate that includes homemade salsa, avocado, sour cream, black beans, feta cheese, jalapenos, and a mini salad with dressing. The orange, soy, and honey glaze on the lean duck was simply outstanding. It balanced so well with the various condiments and fresh tortillas. Served with a glass of crisp Chardonnay it proved to be a most satisfying meal.
The Best Thing: The menu is never boring
The Worst Thing: Parking in Paia
My Recommendation: A great place to get a taste of exotic cuisine in a casual environment

Date of Visit: 3-2-9 @12:00pm
The Skinny: Right on the border of Chinatown on Bethel Street is Soul de Cuba Café. As far as I can tell it’s the only Cuban restaurant on Oahu. The interior is small but festive with old family photos and some incredible artwork on the very high walls. This was my second visit for lunch. The first time I was as a walk-up and found we had to wait about 20 minutes to be seated. This time I made reservations so my guest and I were seated immediately. The dining area is very small so I advise not bringing more than 4 people. I ordered and iced tea and “Pollo Soul de Cuba” which means “Soul Chicken of Cuba”. It is a breaded and marinated chicken breast lightly fried with a salsa of Mango, Guava, Pineapple, Black Beans and Rum. It was served with generous portions of a Simple White Rice (Arroz Blanco) and Black Beans (Feijoles Negros). You also get a very small portion of plantains (Platanos) with a drizzle of sauce. I found the combination tasty and filling too. One has to remember that the taste of Cuban food is subtle, not spicy. I did find myself wanting more overall flavor and more Plantains on the plate. Overall, Soul de Cuba Café is a nice change of pace from all the other “Pacific-fusion-Chinese-plate lunch” places in the area.
The Best Thing: It’s like a little trip to Cuba
The Worst Thing: Very small portion of Plantains with all the entrees.
My Recommendation: A cool place to find the taste of Cuba in Hawai’i

Date of Visit: 3-2-9 @12:00pm
The Skinny: I am always in search of a great hot dog. Sharing this need with a co- worker I was told about a Chicago style hot dog stand that is a must for any real fan of the frank. So the other day three of us jumped on a city bus and headed to Coral Street in Kaka’ako to eat at Hank’s Haute Dogs. Haute Dogs? It’s not only a play on words, but also describes the variety one can have at this dog only establishment. I ordered their signature Chicago Dog with mustard, onion, dill pickle spear, and Very, Very Green Relish. I also ordered their Lilikoi Punch which was very refreshing while waiting with my friends for our dogs. Mind-you I have been to Chicago a few times but I have never had a real Chicago dog with Green Relish. With anticipation I took my first bite and “Snap” went the casing. For those who don’t know that is a good thing! The dog was very good and along with the fresh bun and toppings was satisfying indeed. In fact I went back and ordered another. Oh, and the Green Relish was Killer. I was one happy boy!
The Best Thing: With all the varieties offered you can have a different dog each time you visit.
The Worst Thing: The location
My Recommendation: If you need a dam good hot dog, this is the place!

Date of Visit: 2-28-9 @7:15pm
The Skinny: Ma’alaea Grill is located in the Ma’alaea Harbor shops by the Pacific Ocean Center. I have found it a great place to have dinner when you’re heading from one side of Maui to the other. Nestled in the back of a courtyard of tourist stores it is an open and fun place to eat featuring a 180 Degree ocean view with full bar. Tonight the Benoit JazzWorks duet was performing and put everyone in the right mood. I ordered their Coconut Prawns entrée with a glass of their house chardonnay called “Fat Bastard.” With the meal you get a dinner salad of fresh Maui greens served with an outstanding vinaigrette. They also serve fresh baked home made rolls. The Coconut Prawns are a good size and are fried to perfection. The fact that you get ten (10) of them must be mentioned. At other places you usually get just five or six. It comes with a sweet chili sauce for dipping. As for the “Fat Bastard” Chardonnay it was very good and also a fun topic of conversation for everyone at the table!
The Best Thing: Great food, great music, great view, and great service too
The Worst Thing: It gets overlooked because Buzz’s Warf is so close by (see my August 5th 2008 review).
My Recommendation: I think you will really like this place!

Date of Visit: 2-27-9 @7:00pm
The Skinny: Pacific’O is located at 505 Front Street and is adjacent to the Feast at Lele and I’O restaurants. It is a great location for a romantic sunset meal on the beach. It is obvious that they cater to the tourist trade as a quick view of the patrons will verify. Unfortunately Pacific’O may be the most overrated restaurant on Maui. I have dined there several times over the last few years and found their fare to be good but unexceptional. Given all the hype in the local tourist magazines and flyers you would think you were in for a very special culinary experience. Well not tonight. I was with a party of four. Since I planned to order a Japanese inspired entrée and the evening was a bit chilly I asked for some hot Sake. No go! They only have cold Sake, wine, and bar drinks. So I ordered a dry Chardonnay. First I selected their “Yuzu Divers” appetizer which are four small coconut rice rolls with small scallops, fish roe, arugula pesto and yuzu lime sauces. I have had this before but found that the fresh zing from the lime sauce was missing. They were good but did not make an impression. I next ordered my entrée, “Hapa Hapa Tempura”. This consists of two sashimi blocks of Tuna? (they never said what type of fish it was) wrapped in Nori seaweed and tempura fried to medium rare. It was supposed to come with a Lime Basil and white Miso sauce liberally squirted on each side of the plate. Well, to my surprise the Lime Basil sauce turned out to be Hot Wasabi paste! I required a full glass of water to cool down after taking a large and unknowing taste. Overall I found my entrée UNINSPIRING. There are so many better versions of this theme elsewhere on Maui. As for the other diners in my party I will summarize their unbiased opinion of their main courses. First, Coconut Macadamia Crusted Catch, “Not enough sauce for the second piece of fish.” Steak and Lobster, “Didn’t finish the lobster, it was too chewy.” Rack of Lamb, ”It was just OK.” So on the tab side… it cost $225.00 plus tip for 4 entrees, 1 appetizer, 5 glasses of wine (at $10.50 ea.) and one coffee. I just love that feeling you get when you spend that much and everyone says “Ehh”
The Best Thing: The View
The Worst Thing: Your dashed expectations of a wonderful gourmet experience
My Recommendation: Pass unless you’re from Kansas with lots of money

Date of Visit: 2-16-9 @1:30pm
The Skinny: OK, I show up at the newest burger place in town. In fact it was opening day! The Counter is a custom made burger place with a bar attached. It is unique in that you choose what you want your burger to be… by filling out a check-boxed menu on a clipboard. This place is all burgers with over 312,120 different burger combinations. They claim that it is Rare (no pun intended) that the same burger made twice in one day. So I ordered a pretty standard burger. It was a 1/3 lb. medium-well done burger with american cheese, mayo, lettuce, pickles, and grilled onions. No fries, just the burger. Although the patty and bun was modestly sized it was stacked high and tasted really good. The down side was it cost $8.95 which is kinda high for just a burger without fries. The Draft Longboard was $5.00. After tax and tip (remember this is counter service) it cost me $20.00! The staff was quite friendly and sometimes confused since it was opening day and all.
The Best Thing: it’s all up to you to decide what you want on it.
The Worst Thing: it’s at the mall
My Recommendation: Kinda fun the 1st time but a bit expensive for just a burger & beer.

Date of Visit: 2-11-9 @6:00pm
The Skinny: Wahoo’s began in 1988, when 3 brothers, Wing, Ed and Mingo, combined their love of surf and food to create a restaurant with an eclectic Mexican/Brazilian/Asian menu with a Hawaiian north-shore vibe. I first had their fish tacos at the original in Costa Mesa California. It was real tasty, good for you, and very cheap. Well I found a Wahoo’s at Ward Center and was not disappointed. I ordered my old stand-by, a #2 combo which is two fresh grilled Ono soft taco’s, Ahi rice with black beans and sliced limes on the side. The great thing about eating this dish is how satisfying it is. The Ahi rice is about the best rice on the island (Yes, I said that!). When you combine it with their Frijoles Negros (black beans) with freshly squeezed lime juice on top you might find yourself in heaven. Their fish tacos are double layered with a generous portion of fresh cabbage on top. Eat them plain or with some fresh salsa, guacamole, or my favorite, fresh lime juice. As for drinks I had their “Beer of the Month” for only $2.50. As for the rest of the menu they have killer burritos and enchiladas too.
The Best Thing: As good as the original restaurant in Costa Mesa
The Worst Thing: There is only one in Hawaii
My Recommendation: How can you not Do It once?

Date of Visit: 1-7-9 @12:00pm
The Skinny: Indigo describes itself as an “Award Winning, Island Fusion Cuisine Restaurant”. I decided to try it for a business lunch upon a recommendation of a co-worker. The restaurant is situated in a converted old building that has old iron doors, high ceilings with old brick walls. We were seated at the rear outside patio in a very pleasant court with hanging far-east tapestries and painted umbrellas next to a small fountain. I ordered the Seasonal Buffet lunch. It was a pot-pare of small COLD dishes, many of which I am at a loss to describe. It seemed to be a vegan’s paradise with all sorts of eggplant, asparagus, and other veggie-noodle things. There was also some chicken and a shrimp or two… so why can I remember all the dishes I ate? I was not impressed. It was all fairly bland, and dare I say it? Boring. Maybe to be fair I should not gone with the buffet, and ordered one of their entrees.. but my reviews are not exclusive to what they are known for… but what they had on the menu that day.
The Best Thing: The patio garden
The Worst Thing: Parking and all the homeless in Chinatown
My Recommendation: Maybe best for the veggie lover in the family who doesn’t mind a little meat.

Fun Japanese kid’s meals!