BACK IN THE SADDLE . . . I recently returned from a Sonoran desert vacation, and I read with interest about a battle of the high-fructose corn syrup manufacturers and the sugar industry.
There was none of that serious stuff in Arizona, where a taco festival had amigos crawling out of the woodwork for $2 meals, tequila shots in a huge tent and a chance to witness a Chihuahua Beauty Contest. Ay, carumba!
Just when I thought I had my fill of things Southwestern, I came back to Maui to find that the new Hawaicano makes the best beans this side of the Rio Grande along with tacos, burritos, tortas and platos, too.
The owners are Omar Acevedo, who cooked for Aria’s and Gannon’s; and his brother, Orlando Acevedo, who was with Cafe O’Lei for 15 years.
“Our mom is Hawaiian from Nanakuli and our dad is Mexican, so ‘Hawaicano’ is the perfect name,” says Omar, who says they opened a couple of weeks ago in the old Broke Da Mouth spot in Kahului.
From Hawaii favorites of loco moco with eggs to spicy south-of-the-border ceviche, the food makes it a new Central Maui hot spot, for sure. Call 871-7766.
Teddy’s Bigger Burgers truck is sizzling at the Kahului Harbor. Owner Henry Telles was there with his brother, Gil Telles, who says locals love to order the quad burger with four big and juicy patties at this location.
Gil formerly was a wine expert at Chambers & Chambers wine merchants. The company will once again uncork fine wines on Nov. 14 at the Wailea Wine & Food Celebration at the Hotel Wailea that benefits the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center in Makawao. Restaurants from 5 Palms to Cuatro will be there. Visit www.huinoeau.com/events. . . Speaking of South Maui, it’s still Restaurant Week Wailea through Sunday. Find three-course meal deals at 21 participating establishments. Visit www.restaurantweekwailea.com for menus. Morimoto Maui is a participant and it’s celebrating its second anniversary this month. Masaharu “Iron Chef” Morimoto plans to visit.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Hidden at 1813 Baldwin Ave. in Makawao, Lumeria Maui will present its Fall FEAST on Thursday, Nov. 12.
The Maui-based FEAST series is curated by founder and creative director Amanda Robson, and the next event will spotlight the local bounty of the island through a vibrant five-course meal by Chef Ben Diamond of the Wooden Crate at Lumeria.
Menu highlights are kabocha pumpkin soup with grilled corn; a tasting platter of crispy ulu with goat cheese, spiced mac nuts and persimmon chutney; salad with blood-orange vinaigrette; braised lamb; fresh catch; beet-veggie burger; and sides of roasted heirloom carrots, taro-root-and-parsnip au gratin, and sauteed greens.
Diners may also enjoy inspired vegan desserts by guest Pastry Chef Amy Alexander (Baked by Amy). Diners may craft their own locally foraged holiday wreaths to take home in a workshop led by Angela Decoite of RiverMoon Botanicals. Cost is $135 for adults and $25 for keiki. For tickets, call 280-6214.
The north shore is picking up gourmet steam with the new monthly dinners at Haiku Mill. The next one is Nov. 12 with a five-course masterpiece of a menu by Chris Kulis of Capische?
New Belgium Brewing is hosting a poster contest in partnership with Young’s Market Co. Hawaii artists are asked to create a commemorative Fat Tire Amber Ale poster. Three finalists will get a cruiser bike and the grand prize winner will receive round-trip tickets to Fort Collins, Colo., home of New Belgium Brewing, and VIP access to Tour de Fat celebration. To enter, visit www.Newbelgium. com/HawaiiPosterContest.
IHOP restaurant at the Maui Mall in Kahului will once again honor current and former military from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Veterans Day Wednesday with a free stack of Red, White & Blue pancakes of glazed strawberries, blueberry compote and whipped topping. Hmm. . . wonder if they use sugar or corn syrup? These are silly things I ponder on the job. I’m also curious about where I’ll go for my next taco. Make it muy caliente, please.
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