The participating restaurants included Ruth Chris, Mala Ocean Tavern, Monkeypod (@petermerriman), Matteo’s, Gannon’s (@bevgannonmaui ), Joe’s, Bistro Molokini (@grandwailea), Four Seasons (@FSMaui ), Pita Paradise Wailea, Capische, Spago, Mulligan’s on the Blue, and Ko (@fairmontkealani). The menu was incredible–seafood, lamb, beef, pork, pasta, salad, Greek, asian, Italian, American and desserts, if its delicious it was here. These tasting dishes were artfully plated, hearty, refined, and plentiful. I tried to get to every booth but it simply wasn’t possible.
The fine beverage spread somehow kept up, too. The wine table by Southern Wine and Spirits, the Ocean Vodka tent and the Stella Artois tent were serving extraordinary pairings to the tasty small plates and dishes from 13 of the regions finest restaurants. Ocean’s Vodka was particularly exhilarating with Watermelon Martinis with fresh watermelon, and the Lemon Blossom that featured fresh lavender from the slopes of Haleakala on Maui. Bistro Molokini from the Grand Wailea made an adult shave ice in mojito, mai tai and lava flow that were fresh, imaginative and just perfect to take the edge off the South Maui heat.
Taste of Wailea is held at the top of the Wailea golf course overlooking the Gold and Blue courses. All attendees are treated to the evening celestial cinema with their tickets, so comfortable shoes and beach chairs are necessary. As mother nature gave everyone a sunset show folks meander down to the outdoor theatre set up to catch the evening’s double feature of films. The after party at Spago’s featured the spit roasted pig Chef Cameron Lewark prepared during the Taste of Wailea, and Bombay Sapphire cocktails.
