Celebrate Maui

Live Stream of today's Whale Day 2012 Celebration in Kihei!

2012-02-18T13:20:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Jim Hall (@EmpowerMaui) for his post about this live stream of today's Whale Day 2012 event in Kihei!

Stream videos at Ustream

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@Celebrate_Maui

Welcome Back to Maui, Sarah!

2012-02-12T13:12:00.000-08:00

Returning to Maui someday. To live.

It's the dream of many.

It was mine several decades ago. And I have never regretted making the move back.

My friend Sarah came back home to Maui to live just recently, and I was interested in how and why she made her way back.

She's one of the lucky ones. Many of our young people leave Maui to "see the world" and find it difficult to move back for one reason or another. The high cost of living and scarcity of job opportunities are at the top of the list of obstacles.

Sarah grew up local on Maui, the youngest of seven children. She notes that she was always referred to in relationship to her family.

"Aimee's little sister, Emily's daughter. That's how it is on Maui," Sarah muses.

She attended Kihei Elementary,

Sarah's on the far left, 3rd row, next to the boy with his hand on his hip.

and reading was her passion.

The bookmobile was a lifeline for many local kids.

Sarah attended Seabury Hall, and graduated with the school's top honor, the Faculty Merit Award.

And off she went to college.

Sarah didn't go far, right away that is. She received her BA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, with a dual major in Communications and Political Science. She liked the program there, and her college experience inspired her to go into international relations. She received her Masters Degree in Public Communications from The American University in Washington, DC.

Sarah worked for the Peace Corps in Washington, DC for six years, ending in the marketing department.

"I went through 7 directors, and 3 presidents," Sarah laughs.

When her term of duty was over (she stayed an extra year after her 5-year tour was up), Sarah moved to Portland, Oregon in 1996, where she worked in communications. She felt honored to serve as Director of Communications for Portland Mayor Vera Katz from 2001-2004.

Sarah has won multiple awards for her work in communications.

Why did Sarah return to Maui?

"Family," Sarah declares emphatically. Four out of her seven siblings live in Hawaii, and she wants to be close to her mom Emily, who lives on Maui.

How hard was it coming back?

One of the big questions was how Sarah's husband would take to such a big move. Luckily, Sarah relates, Kelly Ray loves it here and has already made friends, including some golf buddies. So that has made all the difference.

As Sarah was getting on that final plane to come to Maui after all the arrangements had been made, she had a panic attack.

"It hit me. I was uprooting 25 years of my life that I had built on the mainland. I was paralyzed. I couldn't get on that plane."

Luckily for us. Sarah's panic passed and she boarded that plane.

Sarah's enjoying her spot in Haiku, on a property filled with avocado, lilikoi, oranges and guava. She awaits the arrival of her hubby, who's wrapping things up in Oregon. She's also anxious to see her beloved animals again.

(One sad note is that Sarah just learned of the passing of her dear cat Otis, in Portland.)

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Sarah and her mom Emily

Yes, family is Sarah's main reason for returning to Maui. But she also wants to make a difference here.

Communications is her forte and she now owns a consulting business. See her website Sarah Bott Communications, which tells all about her, with a page of recommendations from her past clients.

Sarah's already making a difference! She volunteers for the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, the Nature Conservancy, Seabury Hall, and Haiku School.

A teaching position at UH Maui? "That would be really nice," says Sarah.

"I grew up here, I wanted to see the world, and I wanted to come back," Sarah concludes. Many of us can relate.

One of Sarah's Facebook photos

We're soooo glad to have you back, Sarah!

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What about you? Do YOU have a 'Returning Home to Maui' story? Please tell us about it in the comments below...

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@Celebrate_Maui

Livestream Broadcast of TEDxMAUI, January 22

2012-01-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all the people who worked to bring TEDx to Maui! BRAVO!

Watch live streaming video from tedxlive at livestream.com

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@Celebrate_Maui

A New Year's Tribute to My Family and Friends on Facebook

2012-01-02T08:28:00.000-08:00

'Aloha and Mahalo 2011' (Kalama Park in Kihei) - Photo courtesy of Lucas Woodford

New Year's Eve around our house was ... well, shall we say ... nothing to shout about? ... me on the floor soothing a groggy doggy who in the past couple of years has needed a tranquilizer to make it through all the evil-spirit-begone celebrating (which turned out to be relatively sedate in our upcountry Maui neighborhood this year)... Beau Joe snoring as a New Year's text on his phone beeps periodically ... me checking to see if Scrabble Buddy has made a move (yes, she has, and did you know 'hao' is an acceptable Scrabble word?) .... reading a (real) book a friend recommended ... you get the idea. Low-key.

Oh, yes, and checking Facebook to see how my FB family and friends are doing.

Yes, I am totally unembarrassed to say that I check Facebook often and I don't think it's a waste of time. In fact (full disclosure), I find all of it Rich.

I see those skeptics rolling their eyes and I hear them muttering under their breath a dismissing "Meh -- worthless time-sucker". Time-sucker? Well maybe, sometimes. Worthless? Not for me.

I love all the stories.

I admire the keiki-action photos ...

'Determined to paddle by herself ... might need to buy a baby SUP?'

I laugh at the silly jokes ...

I learn from the helpful posts ...

I commiserate with the disappointed, the angry, the tired, the confused.

... I appreciate the uniqueness of each individual.

New Year's mochi with a Chinese Year of the Dragon twist, courtesy of Rieko Goo.

The baby announcements are the best.

This post from Ohio came complete with sonogram.

"Hey, guess what -- I'm going to be a Daddy on June 27!"

and this photo from Reno made me cry.

'Mikaela' (named after her uncle)

And of course there's The Food.

Isn't this sashimi-making photo wonderful?

'Cutting ahi for poke' - courtesy of Steven Higgins

New Year's Eve brought mention of many yummy concoctions, notably: homemade nishime, champagne cupcakes, rum cake, chocolate chip brownie cheesecake, and of course, the traditional Japanese luck-bringing Mochi.

Southern traditions came up more than once. Black-eyed peas for New Year's, with growing-up stories from Lynette and a recipe from Sherri, who even sent me The History of the Black-Eyed Pea Tradition. And Sarah remembered grits, shrimp, and sausage, another Southern dish.

(Yes, there were more than a few mentions about beer, too)

New Year's greetings from family and friends were full of hope.

This greeting from my cousin is one of my favorites:

She later apologized for the spelling error (hau'oli instead of haoli), but no matter, her message came through loud and clear. I can always count on my cousin to brighten my day.

And I like this philosophical post:

In short, I treasure all of my Facebook connections.

Listening to all of the voices on Facebook is a heart-filling pleasure I indulge in often.

But yes, I do step away from Facebook just as easily as I step in. After the day's chores are done, I'll be back reading that book, with my doggy at my feet ... and, maybe, just maybe, I'll beat Scrabble Buddy this time.

Mike Neal shares his breathtaking sunset photos on FB almost daily. Thanks, Mike!

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

How about you? Do you have any interesting stories about Facebook?

Mochi for New Year's at Maui Specialty Chocolates (a Mom-And-Pop Store)

2011-12-28T16:23:00.000-08:00

It's a Japanese tradition to welcome in the New Year with mochi and yes, Maui Specialty Chocolates sells lots of mochi for New Year's Day.

Me? I don't need it to be New Year's to eat mochi.

I grew up enjoying the traditional azuki (red bean) kind. Our neighbor Mrs. Itamura sometimes brought some over, and the Yamasaki Store just up the road stocked it. Mochi is high on my list of comfort foods.

Even as I pen this post, I'm munching on Shirakiku's 'Monaka with mochi', a wafered delight my all-time best friend Mona pressed on me two days before Christmas. "You like mochi, see what you think about this."

Yes, I like mochi a lot.

Sooo, how did I miss the fabulous mochi at Maui Specialty Chocolates until just last week?

"Did you just start selling these?"

"Uhh no, we've been selling mochi for about 6 or 7 years now."

"Really? ... Wow!" (embarrassed)

I'm in MSC on special occasions for their chocolates: Christmas presents for family on the mainland, Valentine's Day, anytime I want to give a quality gift to a special person. But I never noticed the mochi until now. It could be because they usually sell out early.

Photo courtesy of yelp.com

MSC sells three kinds of mochi: azuki, peanut butter and milk chocolate, and dark chocolate truffle. And they are all to-die-for. Owner Anthony Jones says that they also do plain mochi with no filling, but that definitely has to be special ordered. Call at least a day ahead for any of the mochi, to avoid disappointment.

The peanut butter and milk chocolate is the store's hottest seller, and the dark chocolate truffle is, according to Preston (Anthony's son), "a cult favorite" and gaining in popularity. Well, you can add one more member to that cult. It's definitely my favorite too (when I'm not craving the traditional azuki, that is).


This is the peanut butter and chocolate mochi supply a half hour after opening.

My mochi purchase on Christmas eve (why wait for New Year's? I reasoned) consisted of a dozen peanut butter and chocolate and another dozen dark chocolate truffle to take to Beau Joe's family party on Christmas day.

Each mochi delight is a hefty 2 oz., so I cut them in half (kitchen scissors work great on the sticky concoction) to make the mochi last.

I put it out before dinner (why not?) and conducted an informal taste test to see which one was more popular. There was an assortment of responses. Kenneth graciously agreed to a photo and a comment for this blog. "It's even!" he pronounced.

Taste tester Kenneth says the two mochis are "even".

The mochi was a hit!

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I asked Anthony about the amount of time it takes to make the mochi.

"The amount of time we spend making mochi varies a lot. The amount of orders, day of the week and what time we wake up in the morning all determine how much mochi we make on any given day.

We only sell our mochi on the day we make it so it is always fresh."

The mochi lasts for about three days at room temperature and it freezes well if you put it in a Ziploc bag. Anthony relates that many customers take MSC mochi with them when they travel.

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I love shopping at and supporting this mom-and-pop store. Maui Specialty Chocolates has served us for 21 years. They're invested in Maui, and their products are top-notch.

There is no other place you can get MSC mochi or chocolates -- they don't distribute to big box stores, and they don't sell via the Internet.

Maui Specialty Chocolates does keep up with the times though, with a web page, a Facebook page, credit card acceptance, and even a QR Code ID.

Keeping up with the times

But the store still retains its mom-and-pop old-island-style quality.

Witness Preston, home from college for the holidays, working the register. Listen to customers moaning "Awwww, the mochi is all gone!" an hour after opening. See the yellowed celebratory newspaper articles on the wall. And learn about how much time the hard-working Jones family invests every day to make the fresh mochi.

Celebratory newspaper clippings

Maui Specialty Chocolates is a treasure!

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Let's see -- today is Wednesday, so yes, there's still time to order your New Year's Day mochi!
(Ph. 871-1222, 180-E East Wakea Avenue, Kahului)

And if you want to see what else Maui Specialty Chocolates carries, check out the amazing variety below.

Mochi, chocolate gift packs & chocolate gift items (as of 12/28/11)

Chocolates in various packages
(as of 12/28/11)

Best wishes for a mochi-filled New Year's celebration and a Happy 2012!

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

Facebook Cover Photo Tips I Gathered + Some Maui Examples

2011-12-19T11:30:00.000-08:00

Facebook cover photo on several 'Best' lists

... Hand-picking Internet sites today, this time helpful info about Facebook cover photos, with some Maui examples thrown in ...

UK author Amy-Mae Elliott of Mashable is quite an expert on Facebook cover photos. Check out her 5-site article, which has morphed into 10 sites since she published the article in October.

Facebook Timeline: 5 Sites for Customizing Your Cover Photo
(Notice the Editor's Note at the bottom about avoiding spam)

Amy-Mae also wrote this article, which I recommended to my friend Erin:

Make the Most of the New Facebook Timeline Cover Photo [PICS]

This article by Nancy Messiah of NextWeb has some customization sites to try as well:

5 Ways to Customize Your Facebook Timeline Cover

If you're looking for something way beyond the ordinary, check out the great examples by Tim Ware of the Social Media Examiner:

16 Creative Ways to Make Your Facebook Timeline Cover Photo

You'll see one or two duplicates of the above article plus some really, yes 'Amazing' ones, in this article by Chris Groves of Mad4Flash:

10 Amazing Facebook Timeline Covers and Photos

If you like Best lists, see this article published way back in September (Internet time is warped!), by Natalie Paracha of topoflists.com:

Top 35 Best Facebook Covers for Timeline Profiles

You'll see many, many more Best lists in the near future, of that I'm certain.

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I didn't need to look far to find people on Maui I knew would be early adopters of the Facebook Timeline.

My FB friend social media expert Peter Liu always comes up with interesting things, and his cover photo reflects his interest in underwater photography.

Liza Pierce, who is the dynamo behind @AMauiBlog, obviously loves Maui.

And I enjoy seeing Mike Neal's magnificent sunset photos, which he posts almost every day.

I knew right away what my first cover photo would be. It was wide enough (at least 720 pixels wide per Facebook) and the right subject matter. It's definitely not of the high-caliber creative quality as those above, but it does illustrate what's important to me.

What about you? What will your cover photo be?

I'll definitely be taking peeks at my FB friends' cover photos, come December 24. Or maybe I should wait until Christmas morning?

(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

P. S. I would have listed a few sites for finding interesting and funny cover photos, but some of those sites are blatant come-ons to buy or they'll throw you into an endless loop. If you find any reputable free sites, let me know. I really like the one I chose for the top of this post. ... Oh, wait, this site looks okay: Facebook Timeline Profile Covers.

A Quick Peek at a Portuguese Family Reunion -- Maui No Ka Oi Style

2011-11-27T11:23:00.000-08:00

The Portuguese side of my family is diverse!

Yes, I have relatives with Portuguese last names Perreira, Martins, Camacho, Pestana, Nunes, Teixeira, Freitas, Cravalho, Fernandez, Vierra, and Moniz. But there are the Hawaiian last names Ka'anoi and Kaawa, the Japanese names Nishihara and Tendo, the Filipino names Enriques, Edralin, and Ribucan (my dad), the Chinese name Ah Heong, and the haole names Dodd, Black, Gilinger, McNaughton, and Vasper. And this is by no means a complete list, lest anyone call me out for missing a name. :)

We are all descendants of Emilia Perreira-Martins and Joao Nunes, both of whom came to Hawaii in the late 1800's (separately), from the Madeira Islands. We've been reuniting in a big way, every two years, since 2005.

This year's event was held on Maui, the weekend of the Maui Fair.

It was a 3-day weekend of fun! The main event was at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center on Saturday. This photo was taken after quite a few people had already left. What a large (and cooperative) group!

Many who attended are pictured here.

Sunday's luncheon at the Hideaway was in a more intimate setting, where we could continue the reminiscing started the day before.

When emcee Patrick called up all the family members who were pure Portuguese, not too many went up. We marveled at the small number, but we weren't surprised. We took a lot of pictures to celebrate this select group.

Pure Portuguese members of my family

The third day was a potluck picnic at Kamaole III -- so relaxing, and the weather was perfect. Cousin Patrick, who's an entertainer in Las Vegas, brought out his ukulele, and it was hula dancing/teaching/laughing time.

How important is it to take the time to celebrate family? Well in my family, both on the Portuguese and the Filipino side (that's material for another post), getting together is very, very important.

What do I love most about these gatherings? Every single time so far, I've met several new relatives. No, I'm not related to everyone on the island, but I am related to many! :)

I'm so fortunate...

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

Do you shop on Black Friday? -- One older Mauian's thoughts on the subject, short and sweet

2011-11-25T11:06:00.000-08:00

Tangerine tree my friend Snooker gave me many moons ago

Things I love about Black Friday:

•There are lots of bargains for those looking for them!
•People are shopping -- stimulation of the economy is definitely a good thing.

Things I love less about Black Friday:

•Lots of money going to the big boxes, meaning less money going to our Maui-based businesses.
•The hype.
•The traffic.

Am I shopping on Black Friday? Not this year ...

There would be only one reason for me to shop on any Black Friday:

If I or someone I love wanted something very very very badly, and it was on sale on Black Friday only.

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Having things, and having to have them -- that was another decade for me. This decade, and others (hopefully) to come, is all about simplifying, not needing to have so many things, taking good care of the things I have, and donating things no longer used to those who need them.

As I write this in my back yard, I see the elegant sprays of mock orange flowers bordering my yard and the clusters of tangerines adorning the tree Snooker gave me. And the birds are chatting in the trees.


Mock orange bordering my yard

I don't really need many material things on this particular Black Friday, so no, I won't be shopping today.

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

@Celebrate_Maui Participates in Blog Action Day -- Kindness is Everything

2011-10-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Coincidence? Maybe.

Just happened on Liza Pierce's (@amauiblog) beautiful post about food:

Maui Participates in Blog Action Day - Food and Culture

Didn't even know about the day and didn't expect to have a contribution to the theme, but I do ...

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Gave away part of my breakfast today. The look on the mother's face told me everything. I had done the right thing.

"They should hook up with the shelter."

"There's probably a Cadillac just around the corner."

"They're going to use the money for drugs."

These thoughts were not my own, but they could have been.

I'm in the habit of taking leftover breakfast home. Today, I offered my container to the woman.

Her face erased all doubt.

"God bless you," she said.

Yes, God did indeed bless me today.

As we drove away, I looked back and saw the family of three hungrily attacking the one pancake, one sausage, and two pieces of sour dough toast.

My Dad, who along with my Mom taught me to care for others in need, muttered, "Good for you."

Yes, kindness is everything, no matter what others' hidden motives might be.

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What a blessed way to start a Sunday ...

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

Bistro Manila Maui = Elegant Filipino Cuisine That's Easy on the Pocketbook

2011-10-10T20:58:00.000-07:00

"Mmmm ...

mmmm...

MMMM...

That was pretty much all I could say as I ate my way through this most amazing shrimp and fish cake dish.

Bistro Manila Maui Shrimp & Fish Cake with roasted red pepper aioli,
kalamansi soy butter sauce, and jasmine rice

Dinner at Bistro Manila Maui in Kahului was a birthday present for beau Joe from his son several weeks ago, and we're still raving about the food.

The restaurant has been around for only a few months, but I predict a long life for this eatery!

The low-key sign outside is easy to miss, and the non-descript swinging doors give no clue as to what awaits the discriminating diner inside. ... Excellent food in an inviting atmosphere.

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Check out the amazing, complex dishes and the low prices!

The appetizers and entrees


More entrees and the desserts and drinks

Ah, yes, the dessert. We had to help Joe eat his surprise birthday cake, of course. The pronouncement? ONO!

Two grandchildren (and I) helped Joe eat this yummy Chocolate Cassava Bibinka,
with chocolate sauce, blueberries, and mango mochi ice cream

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After dinner, even though the little restaurant had filled up by then, owner Cecille Piros came over to chat, and she even agreed to a photo with Joe.

Owner Cecille Piros graciously agreed to take a photo with Joe

Cecille says that her hotel-trained chef prepares meals that anyone will enjoy. Filipino, but "more modern", she noted.

Thumbs way up for the splendid 'modern' Filipino food, the warm ambience, the hotel-caliber presentation, and the affordable prices at Bistro Manila Maui!

We'll be baa-ack!

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

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P. S. Here are two great reviews of Bistro Manila Maui:

Sit-down ambiance, Filipino fare at Bistro Manila - Maui News, June 23, 2011
Eat Me: Bistro Manila Maui in Kahului - Maui Now, September 6, 2011

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Bistro Manila Maui
230 Hana Highway, Kahului
Hours: 10:30 am - 8:30 pm - Mon-Sat
Ph. 871-6934

This is a view of the valley, from where I work ...

2011-09-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

Silver clouds and water, in the valley. 6:00 pm

This is a view of the valley, from where I work.

This view changes,

depending on

the season,

the time of day,

and the light.

-- it's always breathtaking.

(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

P. S. I took this photo two years ago, and it still makes me happy.

Happiness is Finding A Mango on Your Desk in the Morning!

2011-08-31T10:33:00.000-07:00

I love surprise gifts of fresh fruit!

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

Cotton Ball Sky -- Sunrise in the East, Moonset in the West, @ 6:00 am today

2011-08-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Last night, my friend Courtney posted about cotton ball skies. So when I saw the sky this morning, I rushed inside to get my camera. (Dad & beau Joe looked at me like I had lost it, but never mind :D)

Sunrise in the east, in my back yard


Moonset in the west, in my front yard

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

"You Know You're From (fill in the blank) when ..." -- Maui Groups Sprouting on Facebook

2011-08-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

Facebook Group Logo

The current flurry of Maui groups sprouting on Facebook with names that start with "You Know You're From (fill in the blank) when..." is enough to make one's head spin!

What does it mean?

Well for me, it means an incredibly rich resource of Maui's cultural history, kind of like sitting around a world-wide campfire with people of all ages, reminiscing about the good 'ole days on Maui (pass the marshmallows, please). It's a living, breathing, interactive, ever-changing REAL history of Us -- what a wondrous concept!

One of my favorite features is the search box at the upper right, where you can type in people's names or specific keywords.

Also, I like to compare the memories from the different decades -- sometimes there's lots of change and sometimes things remain pretty much the same.

All of the groups are open, which means you can view all of the members and posts without joining the group. I just asked to join the Makawao group, and I hope someone in the group adds me. That'll mean I can make comments and respond to other people's posts.

These are the groups I found, with the number of members, as of today:

In full swing:

You know you from HANA when... (245)
You Know U from Kihei If You ... (686)
You Know you're from Lahaina if _________. (920)
U know you from Lana'i if you........ (177)
You Know U from Makawao If ... (337)
You know you're from Moloka'i if... (97)

Still gearing up:

You know your from haiku when you.... (11)
You know u from Kula if you... (37)
YOU know you from PAIA when... (28)

I don't see a group for Wailuku yet -- did I miss it?

If your Maui town doesn't have a Facebook group, please consider starting one. We'll all be the richer for it!

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

Funny/strange... I wrote the campfire comparison above *before* I saw the Facebook Group graphic.

Gigantic Waihe'e Papaya -- A Gift

2011-08-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

[I think I got the hang of this iPhone2Blog connection. This will be great for quick posts!]

Sweet Potato Tempura @ Upcountry Mixed Plate - ONO!

2011-08-05T17:59:00.000-07:00


Plump purple goodness inside, for a mere 90 cents ...

Post about the eatery coming soon...

[Testing my iPhone blogging capabilities ... haven't got it completely figured out yet...]

Update 08/06/11:

These are at Upcountry Mixed Plate in the Pukalani Shopping Center. You have to ask for them though. Amelia makes them when you ask and they're hot, which is the way I like them -- slightly crispy on the outside. Authentic Japanese recipe from Bob, the original owner. Amelia's going to be remodeling the place and she'll be bringing back some of Bob's original okazu-ya recipes. :D More details coming soon ...

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

7 eggplant for $2 at yet another Maui Farmer's Market

2011-08-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

It's so wonderful to see so many Farmer's Markets sprouting all over the island!

Here's one you may not know about:

Tuesday and Friday, from 6 to 4, in a corner of TJ's Oriental Food Mart in what we old-timers call the Old Kahului Shopping Center, you can find 7 eggplant for $2, and lots of other fresh veggies and fruits.


Notice the packaged pipinola (chayote) shoots, the green papaya, and the pumpkin flowers.

Met John, the owner of TJ's, who knew my Dad from fishing days (who doesn't know my Dad?) and John related that he started his business in a section of Noda's Super Market. Now that's going back a ways (John didn't look old enough).

7 eggplant for $2

The eggplant? My Dad likes it sliced julienne style and fried with shoyu, and I'll be looking for Eggplant Parmesan recipes...

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

P.S. You just never know what you'll find and who you'll meet to make your Maui day more interesting!

Full disclosure: As with all of my posts, this is a genuine, spontaneous, unsolicited, and uncompensated article.

Necto-plums at Mana Foods? -- Thanks for telling me!

2011-08-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

"Maui peeps! Mana has Necta-plums now, for who knows how long. They are to-die-for! Sorry this is a lousy picture, but I didn't realize it until I ate the one I cut open... that was my second. I am NOT going to make a pig of myself!... sooo juicy and good."

(Facebook entry by my FB friend Michelle, 8/2/11)

Michelle's explanation for the slightly out-of-focus (and I think artistic) photo? "I couldn't hold the camera steady because I was quivering with enjoyment!"

Here's the announcement on the Mana Foods website:

➥Necto-plums are here

Found out the official word is nectaplum, and the variety is new. Wikipedia has a stub of an article about it. It's one of several hybrid fruits (aka "designer fruits") that have gained popularity recently. In fact, I think I do recall seeing some hybrid fruits at Costco.

Generally, I like my fresh fruit pure: a mango that's a mango, a papaya that's a papaya, etc. But I want to try a necto-plum!

Guess where I'm headed this morning? :D (I hope they haven't run out)

◇◇◇◇◇

Update: The verdict i-i-i-i-i-s -- a nectarine taste with a plum texture = a splashy nectarine = ONO!

Couldn't wait -- mid-morning snack for the road!

And, I found this exotic mound of goodies there and bought one (eat it like you would an apple the gal told me)...

Dragonfruit

One thing I noticed right away? Mana Foods' produce bins are overflowing with fresh organic fruits and vegetables!

Mana abundance

Thanks for the tip, Michelle!

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

Lilikoi in Upcountry Maui -- Ambrosia!

2011-07-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it takes a good neighbor to show you what's in your own back yard!

Casey came over the other morning with a rebag in his hand.

Is it okay if I pick the lilikoi in the back yard?

"Lilikoi? Back yard?" (incredulous look)

"Yeah, they're growing over the fence from my yard."

It took me only a few seconds to recover. "Yeah, sure, just as long as I can have some too."

Lilikoi vine growing over citrus tree, w/ shoot reaching for the sky
Photo by Jordan Moore

◊◊◊◊◊

Lilikoi vines were gold in Hamakuapoko, where I grew up -- second only to mangoes (platinum).

And what was the best way to eat the fruit? Why, straight out of their container, of course. Crooked finger separating the seeds and pulp from the white flesh and s-l-u-u-r-p -- two or three times, down the hatch, seeds and all. Mm-mm, a refreshing snack while out playing (no I didn't know then about how good lilikoi is for you).

Nowadays, you can buy lilikoi things on Maui, POG being the most commonly found item. BTW, POG juice (passion fruit, orange, guava) started out being made by Haleakala Dairy, just up the road from where I live. Now it's put out by Meadow Gold. Our school kids love POG.

Here are three places in upcountry Maui where you can buy lilikoi-related products, online or in person:

Grandma's Maui Coffee - Grandma's Original Lilikoi Jelly

Jeff's Jams & Jellies - Lilikoi butter and jelly
(Aside: Jeff's pineapple and coconut jam is my favorite. I purchase it at Cafe 808)

Ali'i Lavender Farm - AKI Maui Lilikoi Jelly Recipe

(Any I missed? Please comment below.)

Here's a nice little video I found about lilikoi jellymaking on Maui:

Video by amaryllisofhawaii

The first paragraph of this article explains best the way I like to eat lilikoi:

➥Taste Test: Passion Fruit - Boing Boing

Yes, I know. I've just scratched the surface about Maui's love affair with the lilikoi. I can hear it already -- what about the lilikoi on the way to Hana? What about the vines in Waihe'e Valley (thank you to the Kahalekais for that home-made to-die-for lilikoi butter)? What about ... ? Please consider commenting below if you'd like to share your favorite Maui lilikoi story.

◊◊◊◊◊

Turns out the lilikoi vines were high up in the tree and kind of looked like oranges from far. That's my weak excuse.

Yes, it does pay to look up (and closer) every once in a while. [S-l-u-u-r-p]

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

Blessing of the Backpacks, a Maui Upcountry "Chapter"!

2011-07-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

I know they do this in other places, but I think it's so wonderful that we have a Maui upcountry "chapter"!

From today's Maui News (Friday, July 29, C4):

'Blessing of the Backpacks' set

MAKAWAO - Makawao Union Church will send children off into the new school year with a "Blessing of the Backpacks" on Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. worship service.
Each child, along with his or her book bag, will be blessed as a sign of God's love in the coming school year and in caring for the inevitable jitters, a news release about the event said.
Makawao Union Church is an interdenominational church celebrating 150 years on Maui. It is located at 1445 Baldwin Ave., 2.5 miles mauka of Hana Highway.
For more information, call 579-9261.

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

Haku Baldwin Center Hosts Fukushima Survivors -- w/ lots of Kokua!

2011-07-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

Read this Facebook update this morning, and thought about how fortunate I am to live in this wonderful upcountry Maui neighborhood that's so full of generous people.

HAKU BALDWIN CENTER (a 501 (c)(3) non-profit) Mon, Aug 1st - We are hosting a special visit with the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami survivors thanks to the special friends of the Aloha Initiative. Our guests will be on our beautiful 33 acres enjoying time with the therapy animals and horses, afterward, a relaxing lunch courtesy of the kindness and generosity of Pukalani Superette donating the bento lunches and Komoda's Store & Bakery providing the desserts.

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

Sunshine Preschool Maui's in My Neighborhood, -- and Enrolling!

2011-07-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

Is anyone looking for an upcountry pre-school?

Found this card hanging on my front door this morning and I thought I'd pass the information along.

The program looks fantastic!

If you do check out the school, please let Mrs. Lori know you read about it here. I don't know who she is, but won't she be surprised to know where her cute card ended up!

Here's the website:

www.sunshinepreschoolmaui.com

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

A Coconut Mailing Service, courtesy of Molokai Post Office

2011-07-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

How can 20 years go by without me knowing about this cool service?

⇒ Mail A Coconut from

the Molokai, Hawaii Post Office ⇐

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui

A High School Class Mini-Reunion + Kahili Restaurant = A Winner!

2011-07-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

Many of our classmates, but we want more to attend

No doubt about it, our high school class of 19(clear throat, cover mouth) is a close-knit group. We love getting together. And yes, we also love to eat when we do!

So when June suggested the Kahili Restaurant's All-You-Can-Eat "Killer" Prime Rib & Seafood Friday Night Dinner Buffet for our annual mini-reunion, it sounded perfect for our appetites.

The Kahili didn't disappoint.


Sunday brunch Buffet $22.95, Lunch Bar $9.00, Friday Nights All-You Can-Eat Prime Rib & Seafood Buffet $34.95 (with service charge & tax, $43.95)

The prime rib was perfect, the seafood fresh, tasty, and varied, and the desserts that are freshly made by the restaurant were delectable.

And, the place was packed -- with local people -- what a wonderful surprise!

Check out this Maui News review:

Prime-rib-and-seafood buffet is back! Draws in dozens of locals

The two young fellows next to our trio of tables obviously came for one thing only, we noticed. (How could we not notice?) The mound of crab leg skeletons on their table kept growing and growing pretty much the whole time we were there. These enthusiastic eaters are in the background of a good number of the photos I took (which I discretely omit here). :D

The rest of the crowd was not as single-minded, but their enjoyment was palpable too.

The Friday Night Prime Rib & Seafood Buffet is Kahili's stellar offering, and most expensive -- but it is totally worth it, according to our group. The regular menu (online) gives you an idea of Kahili's excellent daily offerings and good value.

(This menu below good until 9/30/11)


Chef Eddie's Specialties

Pupus, Soups, & Salads

Sandwiches

Desserts & Beverages

And did I mention the view? Haleakala was clear in the late afternoon and into the evening -- such a majestic and relaxing sight.

Our group thoroughly enjoyed being with each other, and the Kahili Restaurant's setting and food put the evening over the top.

Assistant Manager Tom Frame helped make our evening special!

Yes, we will definitely be back!

And thanks for the recommendation, June -- you were right on!

One last thing: the restaurant is off the beaten path. You might need directions.

Linda

(◕‿◕✿)

@Celebrate_Maui

Disclaimer: As with all of my posts, this is a genuine, spontaneous, unsolicited, and uncompensated review.

Sunday morning Sunrise over Wailuku -- a short clip

2011-07-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

Caught this spectacular beam of sunrise light over Wailuku early this morning, as my dad and I were driving down to iHop for breakfast:

iPhone goodness

(Senior rooty tooty w/ blueberries hit the spot :D )

Hope your Sunday is relaxing ...

Linda

(◕‿◕✿)

@Celebrate_Maui

Celebrate Maui

Live Stream of today's Whale Day 2012 Celebration in Kihei!

Welcome Back to Maui, Sarah!

Livestream Broadcast of TEDxMAUI, January 22

A New Year's Tribute to My Family and Friends on Facebook

Mochi for New Year's at Maui Specialty Chocolates (a Mom-And-Pop Store)

Facebook Cover Photo Tips I Gathered + Some Maui Examples

A Quick Peek at a Portuguese Family Reunion -- Maui No Ka Oi Style

Do you shop on Black Friday? -- One older Mauian's thoughts on the subject, short and sweet

@Celebrate_Maui Participates in Blog Action Day -- Kindness is Everything

Bistro Manila Maui = Elegant Filipino Cuisine That's Easy on the Pocketbook

This is a view of the valley, from where I work ...

Happiness is Finding A Mango on Your Desk in the Morning!

Cotton Ball Sky -- Sunrise in the East, Moonset in the West, @ 6:00 am today

"You Know You're From (fill in the blank) when ..." -- Maui Groups Sprouting on Facebook

Gigantic Waihe'e Papaya -- A Gift

Sweet Potato Tempura @ Upcountry Mixed Plate - ONO!

7 eggplant for $2 at yet another Maui Farmer's Market

Necto-plums at Mana Foods? -- Thanks for telling me!

"Maui peeps! Mana has Necta-plums now, for who knows how long. They are to-die-for! Sorry this is a lousy picture, but I didn't realize it until I ate the one I cut open... that was my second. I am NOT going to make a pig of myself!... sooo juicy and good."

(Facebook entry by my FB friend Michelle, 8/2/11)

Michelle's explanation for the slightly out-of-focus (and I think artistic) photo? "I couldn't hold the camera steady because I was quivering with enjoyment!"

Here's the announcement on the Mana Foods website:

➥Necto-plums are here

Found out the official word is nectaplum, and the variety is new. Wikipedia has a stub of an article about it. It's one of several hybrid fruits (aka "designer fruits") that have gained popularity recently. In fact, I think I do recall seeing some hybrid fruits at Costco.

Generally, I like my fresh fruit pure: a mango that's a mango, a papaya that's a papaya, etc. But I want to try a necto-plum!

Guess where I'm headed this morning? :D (I hope they haven't run out)

◇◇◇◇◇

Update: The verdict i-i-i-i-i-s -- a nectarine taste with a plum texture = a splashy nectarine = ONO!

And, I found this exotic mound of goodies there and bought one (eat it like you would an apple the gal told me)...

One thing I noticed right away? Mana Foods' produce bins are overflowing with fresh organic fruits and vegetables!

Thanks for the tip, Michelle!

Linda(◕‿◕✿)@Celebrate_Maui

Lilikoi in Upcountry Maui -- Ambrosia!

Blessing of the Backpacks, a Maui Upcountry "Chapter"!

Haku Baldwin Center Hosts Fukushima Survivors -- w/ lots of Kokua!

Sunshine Preschool Maui's in My Neighborhood, -- and Enrolling!

A Coconut Mailing Service, courtesy of Molokai Post Office

A High School Class Mini-Reunion + Kahili Restaurant = A Winner!

Sunday morning Sunrise over Wailuku -- a short clip

Linda
(◕‿◕✿)
@Celebrate_Maui