MELE KALIKIMAKA . . . Inside this edition of Scene, I reminded readers about the polymer "ice" skating rink at the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas, a perfect topping to a holiday feast.
Those of you in Central Maui looking for a "white Christmas" may get down and chilly with snow ice at Da Green Tee Shop & Cafe in Wailuku. We hear it tastes just like frozen cotton candy, comes in more than 20 flavors, and the best part is, it has less than 150 calories per serving.
Owner Steve Kuapahi is certainly aiming at making your season brighter with snow ice flavors such as passion fruit, pina colada, taro, li-hing mui and more. Da Green Tee also specializes in all-natural and eco-friendly clothing and it sells an array T-shirts. So it's easy to pick up a custom gift while crunching snow ice.
Article Photos
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua will deck the halls with its annual Teddy Bear Tea from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Photo courtesy The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
Speaking about multi tasking when out holiday dining, Cafe 808 in Waikapu is a great place to pick up a to-go plate and buy a DVD of "Get A Job." Written and directed by Maui's own Brian Kohne and starring a cast of local characters, "Get a Job" makes a perfect holiday gift for loved ones. Cafe 808 owner Aaron Heath says he is Kohne's friend and appears in a cameo role in the hysterical movie.
"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" continues to rake in dough at the box office, and Denny's restaurants here are tagging along for the ride by offering a "Taste of Middle Earth." You may build your own Hobbit Slam, opt for Shire Sausage Skillets, or order the Dwarves Turkey and Dressing Dinner, among others.
The fantasy land continues at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua with its annual Teddy Bear Tea from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday. The pay-for event includes tea, of course, along with cookie decorating, storytelling and special cameo appearances by Frosty the Snowman, Chris the Christmas Bear, and of course, Santa Claus.
Fact Box
Got restaurant / dining-event scoop? Call Dining Editor Carla Tracy at 242-6342; or email carlatracy@mauinews.com.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . It's hard to believe Duke's Beach House in Kaanapali has already celebrated its third anniversary. It seems just like yesterday when it made a splash at its opening.
The popular restaurant named after the legendary Hawaiian Olympic swimmer and surfer, Duke Kahanamoku, recently threw a party featuring the Wild Hawaiian, Henry Kapono, serving free pupu to guests. Beverage proceeds went to its Legacy of Aloha fundraising program.
Pastry Chef Elizabeth McDonald is baking up a storm of French macaroons for the holidays. Order two days ahead and pick up now through Dec. 27 at Honu Seafood & Pizza in Lahaina. Flavors are green tea, black sesame, dark chocolate and dulce de leche.
Cafe O'Lei at the Dunes in Kahului will get you in the groove for Santa from 4 to 8 p.m. Christmas Eve.
Last-minute shoppers in the vicinity of the big-box stores will find a relaxing oasis along with homey foods such as chicken linguine, Caesar salads, mac-nut crusted mahimahi, roast prime rib of beef with au jus and horseradish cream, and buttermilk mashed potatoes in addition to the dessert display. Cost is $28 for adults, and $14 for children. Call 877-0073.
Heading to the Makawao Friday Town Party this week? Polli's Mexican Restaurant is famous for its margaritas and Mexican fare. Do check out the photo of Jaws, which appeared on the cover of National Geographic. The same scene was also the opening of a James Bond flick.
While the rest of us are sipping eggnog and such, Wailuku restaurateurs Jennifer Nguyen of A Saigon Cafe and Jason Chau of Asian Star just completed the Honolulu Marathon. Congrats!
