A line-up of chefs is set to make culinary magic during the annual Hawaiʻi Food and Wine Festival on three islands, including Maui, in October and November. PC: Courtesy Hawaiʻi Food and Wine Festival The Maui portion of the 14th annual Hawaiʻi Food and Wine Festival is scheduled for Oct. 25-27 in Kāʻanapali, according to an announcement. The events include the already sold out First Hawaiian Bank Presents 26th annual Roy Yamaguchi Golf Classic on Oct. 25 at the Kāʻanapali Golf Course; followed by “Vita La Vino” from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa; the inaugural Hawa ..read more

University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges with culinary arts programs were among 14 beneficiaries of $195,300 donated by the Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance, founder of the annual Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival. Combined with the recent fundraising efforts for alliance’s Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund, which raised and distributed more than $1.22 million to Maui restaurant, bar and hospitality workers impacted by the August wildfires, the nonprofit has given nearly $5 million back to the local community since 2011. The donations have supported more than 70 causes and or ..read more

Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair is getting ready to kick off its 15thyear—and presenter Maui County Farm Bureau (MCFB) is celebrating by bringing back “Taste Education.” This special series features Grown on Maui guests and was part of AgFest’s beginnings back in 2010, and will once again delight ticket holders at this year’s AgFest on Saturday, June 1, at War Memorial Special Events and Baseball Fields. Along with the Taste Education Series will be everyone’s favorite signature attractions, like the 4-H Youth Livestock Show and Auction, Keiki Zone,  ..read more

PC: Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya Maui Mall Village today announced that Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya will open at the center in early fall 2024. The restaurant, which operates four locations on Oʻahu, offers fresh, gourmet and affordable Japanese ramen and bar-style dishes. It serves traditional flavors in a chic modern environment with an array of options, from build-your-own ramen to a selection of signature dishes. Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya will open near Center Court with seating for about 40 guests.  “Maui Mall Village is pleased to welcome Maui’s first Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya, addin ..read more

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Kāʻanapali. Photo Courtesy: Westin Maui Resort & Spa Families can treat mom this Mother’s Day with a brunch experience at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali on Sunday, May 12 with two seatings available, either at 10 a.m. to noon and from noon to 2 p.m. The resort’s outdoor Aloha Pavilion will be transformed into an extensive buffet that will present a culinary journey. In addition to the grand buffet filled with brunch delights, the resort will also showcase live entertainment. In honor of Mother’s Day, the Westin’s skilled chefs will feature ..read more

Ron and Sandy Panzo were honored at the SBA 2024 National Small Business Week celebration in Washington D.C. Nalu’s South Shore Grill owner, Ron Panzo was honored as the winner of the US Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2024 Hawaiʻi State Small Business Person of the Year award. This award acknowledges outstanding achievements and contributions of small businesses across Hawaiʻi and the nation. Panzo was recognized for his dedication to Nalu’s South Shore Grill, a Kīhei restaurant, and his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the community. The SBA recognizes small businesses lik ..read more

Sergio’s Cantina in Honokōwai. PC: by Anna Kim Sergio’s Cantina was supposed to open in fall 2023, but the Lahaina wildfires delayed plans. Several months later, on Jan. 3, 2024, the restaurant opened at the Honokōwai Marketplace with a refreshed ambiance. Maui designer Ansley Patterson worked to remodel the restaurant, which features a mural of Mexico by local artist Jim Kingwell. Sergio’s Cantina in Honokōwai. PC: by Anna Kim The owner and namesake of the restaurant, Sergio Perez, was born and raised in Mazamitla, Mexico where from an early age he helped his father in their family restaurant ..read more

The proprietors of 808 Deli have embarked on a sweet new chapter with the launch of 808 Sugar HI, offering an array of handcrafted treats like custom cookie and gelato sandwiches, sundaes, handmade milkshakes and more. 808 Sugar HI offers Hawai’i Gelato, owned by Roxy Brandel. 808 Deli was one of Hawai’i Gelato’s first customers when their doors opened on Lahaina’s Front Street in 2009. After the wildfire disaster that decimated the Hawai’i Gelato storefront, the 808 team reached out to Roxy about offering her gelato in their shop. Once again, guests can indulge in their famous Laha ..read more

Fresh Help Maui & Maui Eat Local launches The Lahaina Cookbook Fresh Help Maui and Maui Eat Local Magazine gathered 100+ food and drink recipes from West Maui’s most loved chefs and restaurants to pay homage through a new project, “The Lahaina Cookbook.” The cookbook will be available in print and digital format beginning June 1, 2024. Pre-sale began online on April 2, 2024 at thelahainacookbook.org. The cookbook will launch in person on June 1 at the 2024 Maui Ag Fest & 4-H Livestock Fair in Wailuku. Visit the Maui Eat Local information booth. The cookbook features food and drink reci ..read more

University of Hawaiʻi Maui College student teaching assistant Ryan Chang will earn two associate of applied arts degrees in May (one specializing in culinary arts and the other specializing in baking and pastry). He is credited with playing a key role in the college’s emergency production of thousands of meals in the aftermath of the August wildfires.  Ryan Chang will earn two degrees—in culinary arts, and in baking and pastry. PC: University of Hawaiʻi Ryan Chang will earn two degrees—in culinary arts, and in baking and pastry. PC: UH News Culinary students Ryan Chang and Kaya Ka ..read more