 Openings
Chef Mark Vann's Tokyo-born Fujimamas got off to a rocky start at its first Hawaii location in Kailua-Kona, but quickly regrouped and has opened in a new home in the cool climes of Waimea. Vann describes the food as "global, with an Asian twist," and the menu shows Vann's American Southwest roots blending with North and Southeast Asian influences. Witness the tostado of deep-fried oysters accompanied by a seasonal salad with ranch dressing or the kombu-cured duck with honey-Mandarin mojo. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Fujimamas, 65-1299 Kawaihae Rd., Kamuela, HI 96743, 808-885-9299.
Betty's Beach Cafe has opened in the former Hecock's location at 505 Front Street. The oceanfront restaurant dishes up casual fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including hearty salads, tacos, hamburgers, sandwiches, and comfort food entrées. Betty’s Beach Cafe, 505 Front St., Lahaina, HI 96761, 808-662-0300.
Fiesta Time has reopened in Central Maui in its former location on Lower Main Street, replacing E.W. Drive In, which had been in the space for the past year. Fiesta Time brings back the same beloved Mexican recipes. Fiesta Time, 1132 Lower Main St., #C, Wailuku, HI 96793, 808-249-8463.
David Paul Johnson has returned to Maui to open a new restaurant at the Lahaina Center. David Paul's Island Grill is located in the former Zuihao location on Front Street, and features island-style cuisine, outdoor dining, and great sunset views. Johnson is best known for his fare at the nearby Lahaina Grill (formerly David Paul's Lahaina Grill). His new restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday-Sunday, with lunch service starting in August. David Paul’s Island Grill, Lahaina Center, 900 Front St., Lahaina, HI 96761, 808-662-3000.
Chef D.K. Kodama has opened Cuatro, a Latin-Pacific Rim fusion restaurant in Kihei. The kitchen is headed up by Eric Arbogast, former chef of Kodama's Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar.
Chef Shuffle
Chef Philip Wang is now leading the culinary line-up at Merriman's Kapalua restaurant, replacing George Gomes Jr., who is now at the newly-opened Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island. Chef Wang has worked at acclaimed restaurants in Napa Valley, Sacramento, and Boston, and plans to showcase Maui’s local ingredients on Merriman’s menu. Merriman's Kapalua, One Bay Dr., Lahaina, HI 96761, 808-885-6822.
News
Bytes
Jazz & Wine at 'Elua
'Elua hosts contemporary jazz group Meridian every Friday evening beginning at 8:30 p.m. Order from the specially priced Jazz Appetizer Menu and enjoy wine by the glass from the 24 bottle wine cruvinet system. If you find the perfect wine, order a bottle. 'Elua, Uraku Building, 1341 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96814, 808-955-3582.
Hiroshi Eurasian Tapas Features Rotating Menus
Chef Hiroshi Fukui creates a new menu each month featuring the finest locally grown seasonal ingredients available. This special menu at Hiroshi Eurasian Tapas is only available on Sunday and Monday evenings and is $35 per person (not including tax and gratuity). Reservations are essential. Please call 808-533-4476 for reservations and information. Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96813, 808-533-4476.
Closings
Nick's Fishmarket in the Waikiki Gateway Hotel has closed, citing the downturned economy and a failed effort to find an investor. The restaurant had been in business for 40 years. The closing does not affect the Nick's Fishmarket Maui, which has a different owner. Nick's Fishmarket, 2070 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815, no phone.
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