Seasons Eatings
Have a Maui Christmas with feasts cooked by top island restaurants
Who wants to slave over a hot stove when it's, well, hot outside!?
For those of you who would prefer to head to the beach, frolic in the surf and enjoy a Maui Christmas, note that island chefs are preparing a host of feasts - from brunches to dinner buffets.
Just remember to make reservations as soon as you read this, as many restaurants sell out fast.
SOUTH MAUI
Sarento's on the Beach in Kihei will open at 4 p.m. Christmas Day with holiday specials in addition to its regular gourmet dinner menu. The appetizer special is lump crab and applewood smoked bacon chowder with Kula corn parmesan tart.
For the entree, sink your teeth into the 14-ounce roast prime rib of beef with loaded baked potato, Maui onion rings, grilled asparagus, black-truffle peppercorn jus and horseradish Hollandaise.
Those watching their calories will find a number of suggestions by the owner's wife, who is a personal trainer. Just look for the icon on the menu for dishes such as grilled Hawaiian ahi, and Kula greens with toasted pine nuts and blood-orange vinaigrette. For reservations, call 875-7555.
Also located right on Keawakapu Beach in Kihei, Five Palms will offer a three-course turkey dinner Christmas Day from 3 to 9 p.m. for $39.95.
For the first course, choose from kabocha pumpkin bisque or Kula greens. The entree is rosemary-scented roasted turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, macadamia nut-sausage stuffing, glazed Molokai sweet potato, fresh cranberry relish and seasonal vegetables. The dessert will be a surprise based on the chef's discretion.
Cost of the meal for keiki 10 and younger is $16.95. An a la carte turkey meal plate is $29.95. For Five Palms reservations, call 879-2607.
The landmark Buzz's Wharf at Maalaea Harbor will serve a holiday tasting menu from 5 to 9 p.m. Choose from three festive appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts for four courses at $65.
Teriyaki Pork Loin - News
You may also feast on Cuban mojo pork loin with pineapple salsa, seared fresh snapper with avocado tomato relish and chicken saltimbocca. At the brunch, savor breakfast selections such as made-to-order French toast with strawberries, waffles with
On Christmas Eve, enjoy a special five-course dinner that includes potato and sweet-onion soup, arugula and cured ham, shrimp and corn fritter, brown-sugar cinnamon pork loin, and a white and dark chocolate pot de creme ($85 adults, $41 children 12 and
The entrees on the menu include Fire-grilled Favorites and Barbecue, including such items as Smoked St. Louis Ribs, Baby Back Ribs, Smoked Beef Brisket, Sliced Smoked Turkey Breast, Garlic-Glazed Sirloin and Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin.
The pork tenderloin and stuffing with cranberries and apples is a festive and light dish for entertaining. | Judy Buchenot~For The Sun Mix dry mustard, salt, pepper and oregano with one tablespoon of
A dinner companion's Coffee and Mustard Crusted Pork Tenderloin ($24.50) was another flavor bomb. Tender, moist pork came with maple-glazed sweet potatoes, garlicky spinach and crunchy toasted macadamia nuts. My wife's Garlic-Marinated Grilled Hanger