Wine enthusiasts are invited to take part in Four Seasons Resort’s three-day Vintage Wine Festival. Kosta Browne, Patz & Hall, Costa de Oro, Brewer Clifton, Domaine de Cherisey will be featured throughout the weekend.  Sip, swirl and savor with master sommeliers and winemakers from the wineries featured. The first evening will comprise of a crafted dinner by FSM’s Executive Master Chef Roger Stettler while guests share their picks in burgundy wines. On the second evening guests can dine at one of the three (Spago, Ferraro’s or DUO) restaurants where two wineries will be highlited. Concluding the weekend will be a gala held on the resort’s oceanfront lawn where a select 40 wines will take stage. Hawaii native, Makana will serenade the crowd throughout the weekend. To reserve a space and for rates contact resort. Four Seasons Resort (3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea); 808-874-2201, fourseasons.com/maui

-Marina Satoafaiga (@sandtothecity)

Photot courtesy of

California’s Gold Coast meets Makena Beach & Golf Resort’s South Shore for MBR’s 2nd winery of the month event. Connoisseurs, foodies and just regular type folk are all invited to a sit-down dinner highlighting Santa Barbara’s Palmina Clifton Vineyard. Chef Marc McDowell and winemaker Steve Clifton will pair a six-course meal blending island flavors with Palmina grapes. Guests can look forward to Ahi and Hamachi paired with Palamina Botasea Rose and Hazelnut Crusted Colorado Lamb Chop paired with Palmina’s Nebiollo. Get a taste of Santa Barbara without paying for airfare. But seating is limited and reservations required.  $100. 6:30pm. Makena Beach & Golf Resort, Cafe on the Green (5400 Makena Alanui); 808-874-1111, Makenaresortmaui.com/dining

-Marina Satoafaiga (@sandtothecity)

Photo courtesy of Makena Beach Resort

If you’re one of those people who like fine wine and great food, you might want to head over to the Westside this Thursday for Kahana Grill’s Taste of Oregon dinner. Guests will enjoy three old-world white and three vintage red wines reflective of their Oregon roots. The three-course meal by Chef Alex Stainslaw will begin with pupu mussels followed by prawns, oven-poached monchong, duck and, finally,  desserts. Savor the Willamette Valley’s selection including 2009 Beaux Frères Pinot Noir “The Upper Terrace,” 2011 Ken Wright Pinot Blanc and 2010 Chehalem Inox Chardonnay. $70. 6pm. Kahana Grill (4405 Honoapiilani Hwy Ste. 301, Kahana); 808-669-4000, Kahanagrill.com

-Marina Satoafaiga (@sandtothecity)

Photo courtesy of Kahana Grill FB

Beer drinking has become a refined tasting affair with the growing popularity of small batch craft brews. Thanks in part to Maui’s own passionate indie-crafters at Maui Brewing Company, American Craft Beer Week has been a boon of events, but none bigger than the Maui Brewers Festival that takes place this Saturday, which will help raise funds for programs at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.

You too can take part in sampling the suds from 33 different breweries. This year, the event features more food than ever, with food trucks serving plates if you’re so inclined to sup it up.

We know you’re probably curious about the brews you’ll find at the festival so take a gander at this amazing lineup (NOTE: rare beers are found only at the VIP ticket event).

Anderson Valley Brewing Company: Summer Solstice: American Cream Ale & Barney Flats

Ballast Point: Victory @ Sea & Big Eye IPA

Bear Republic Brewing Co: Racer 5 IPA & Red Rocket Ale

Big Island Brewhaus: Mandarin Gold & Holy Humulus

Blue Moon: Raspberry Cream Ale & Honeymoon Grand Cru

Boston Beer Co./Samuel Adams: Grumpy Monk, Angry Orchard Crisp Hard Cider Double Agent & New World Stonybrook 13th Hour (RARE BEER)

Caldera Brewing Company: Caldera Double Hemp Brown, Caldera Hop Mash & Caldera Rose Petal Imperial Golden (RARE BEER)

Coronado Brewing Company: Hibiscus IPA & Orange Avenue Wit

Deschutes Brewery: Twilight Ale, Armory XPZ & Class ’88  (RARE BEER)

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery: Namaste & 90 Minute IPA & Bitches Brew (RARE BEER)

Golden Road Brewery: Point the Way IPA & Get Up Offa That Brown

Goose Island Beer Company: Goose Island IPA & Goose Island Honkers Ale

Hopworks Urban Brewery: HUB Organic Lager & Hopworks Organic IPA

Iron Fist Brewing: Velvet Glove & Spice of Life

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales: Madrugada & Bam Biere

Kauai Island Brewing Company: Canefire Red & Captain Cook’s IPA

Kona Brewing Company: Wailua Wheat & Castaway IPA

Lost Abbey Brewing/Port Brewing Co.: Mongo & Devotion

Lost Coast Brewing: Tangerine Wheat & Indica IPA

Maui Brewing Co.: Lemongrass Saison, Barrel Aged Red Cock Doppel Bock, Maui Maibock, Pau Hana Pilsner, Shifting Winds IPA

Moylan’s Brewing Company: Kilt Lifter & Hopsickle Imperial IPA

Ninkasi Brewing Company: Spring Reign Ale, Believer Double Red Ale & Babylon English Style Double IPA (RARE BEER)

North Coast Brewing: Scrimshaw Pilsner & Old Rasputin

Oskar Blues Brewery: Dale’s Pale Ale & Mama’s Little Yella Pils

Pizza Port Brewery: Middle Man & Way Heavy

Primo: Primo Island Lager

Redhook Ale Brewery: Audible Ale & Long Hammer IPA

Redstone Meadery: Black Raspberry Nectar & Mango Nectar

Rogue: Dad’s Little Helper & Original Colonies Mead

Sierra Nevada Brewery: Southern Hemisphere Harvest, Hoptimum & Ovila Golden (RARE BEER)

Stone Brewing Co.: Stone Sublimely Self Righteous, Stone Ruination IPA & Highway 78 (RARE BEER)

Uncommon Brewers: Siamese Twin Ale & Long Form Tripple

Widmer Brothers Brewing Company: Pitch Black IPA & Alchemy Ale

*   *   *

EVENT INFO

$50/gen adm, $60/on event day, $95/VIP Rare Beer Tasting.

2:30pm (VIP); 4pm (GA)

Maui Arts and Cultural Center

One Cameron Center, Kahului

808-242-7469

Mauiarts.org

The glorious burger has a new incarnation in Kihei. Stewart’s Burgers recently opened next to Starbuck’s in the Kukui Mall. They kind of slid in under the radar when Stew Pinsky and his wife Trina Teruya Pinsky bought the existing Fat Boy’s burger restaurant.

They made a few subtle changes like hand-patted Hawaii Ranchers beef patties sourced from Big Island and Garden Island cattle, gourmet French Dijon mustard and bakery-made buns. In December, they officially changed the restaurant’s name to Stewart’s Burgers and added a new burger menu.

“We do not serve, as they say in the biz, frozen patties from freezer, pre-made, directly to grill,” says Stewart. “What sets us apart from the majority of burger joints is that every morning we season our meat with our own special blend of spices, then we individually hand form each patty. No mass production machine here! No fillers at all.”

I put their burgers through a few ingenious tests–mainly dinner–and they held up. They have a great build-your-own menu that includes just about everything you can imagine on your burger, from cleverly named “Jalapeno bottle caps” to grilled pineapple to crumbled bleu cheese.

Your base six-ounce burger starts at $6.75, with toppings costing a dollar. The menu has a big list of specialty burgers, too, which have interesting combinations of toppings, cheeses and meats (the latter includes including veggie, fish, ground turkey, pulled pork and chicken breasts). The Pinskys spent a lot of time fussing over the right bun, and came up with made from local bakery-baked Hawaiian sweet bread that really adds perfect flavor and texture to the burger.

“I wanted clients to get the entire experience, from bun to meat,” says Stewart. “Most restaurants just slap on a generic cold white bread bun. By being unique with our bun, it sets us apart from the others. For those gluten-free customers, we offer a Maui lettuce wrap.”

I had my picky seven-year-old kid-test the Menehune Burger (the meal is $6). Her take: “I tried the burger, ketchup only, and also with Teriyaki sauce. Teriyaki sauce wins.” But in both cases the whole burger disappeared with fries.

For sides, their beer batter onion rings are sinful. Note: they’re even more so when you combine it with their sweet potato fries for an order of “Springs.”

The desserts are great, and include fresh baked cookies made into Roselani Ice Cream sandwiches. One day they were on special for $4, but they’re regularly priced at $4.50. The Roselani shakes are also decadent, and you can get plain old ice cream scoops, too.

Their al fresco dining is pleasant. Both times I visited took place at sunset, where there was a great view of the horizon. But beware of pesky birds dive bombing your fries or pecking at your bun. If you aren’t keen to be outdoors, they also have a small indoor dining room that’s quite comfortable.

One night I noticed a party of eight whooping it up with burgers and a bottle of Cabernet (Stewart’s is BYOB). They told me they do it every week and love it there.

Stewart’s Burgers is a mom and pop operation in every sense of the description. Stewart is there every day, making sure the burgers are perfect and the ingredients are fresh. He says they love the business and would open more on Maui if they found the right spots.

“We get our meat from Hawaii, and we have locally made buns,” he says. “All vegetables come from our farmer up in Kula. We take a lot of pride in what we serve and we strive to offer the best product we can daily. So far since we opened we’ve been accepted in a very positive way and we look forward to expanding our menu as we grow year by year.”

Stewart’s Burgers

1819 S Kihei Rd

808-879-0497

Stewartsburgers.com

Menu Link:

The 5th Annual Maui Brewers Festival returns for another evening of all beers. Sip your way through 33 breweries pouring more than 60 varieties of craft brews. The afternoon also consists of seven rare beers ranging from Golden Ales to Double English IPAs. Take a break between brew tastings and help yourself to pupus from local restaurants. Nuff Sedd, Lia Live and Simply Twisted will also provide tunes for your listening pleasure! Proceeds benefit the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. General Admission purchase includes eight four-ounce samples, a commemorative glass, island-inspired pupus and parking. VIP includes early rare beer tasting (2:30pm), reserved parking and logo shirt. $50/gen adm, $60/on event day, $95/VIP Rare Beer Tasting. 2:30pm (VIP) 4pm (GA). Maui Arts and Cultural Center (One Cameron Center, Kahului); 808-242-7469, Mauiarts.org

-Marina Satoafaiga (@sandtothecity)

Photo courtesy of MACC

As a precursor to the fifth annual Maui Brew Festival, craft beer connoisseurs and amateurs alike are invited to take part in the Maui Brew Fest Dinner. The first of its kind, the educational meal partners Cactus Bistro Chef John Memering and Maui Brewing Co. owner Garrett Marrero to prepare a dining experience exhibiting craft. The dinner highlights local ingredients, in both the food and beer, and will feature a breakdown of each course and craft pairing. Take advantage of the look at Maui’s local craft and Hawaii’s fresh ingredients. Proceeds will benefit the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. 21+. $140. 6pm-9pm. Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Morgado Hall & Lanai (One Cameron Way, Kahului); 808-242-7469, Mauiarts.org

-Marina Satoafaiga (@sandtothecity)

Photo courtesy of MACC

Photo Courtesy of Makena Beach and Golf Resort

We’ve got the mother-load of hot spots to treat the special lady in your life! Treat mom to a day of ono grinds with a side of rest and relaxation. Whether she is a early riser or late starter, eateries islandwide want to help you cater to her needs.

5/9 Brazilian Beauty Boutique Mother’s Day Specials

Pamper the princess in your life at Brazilian Beauty Boutique. Buy two Tropical Sensation pedicure gift certificates and receive $5 off your purchase. Buy one signature massages (gift certificate) and receive a reflexology service ($30 extra value FREE) purchase. You MUST purchase by May 10th. Must be May 10th so be sure to check mom’s gift off your list. Brazilian Beauty Boutique (1279 S. Kihei Rd, Kihei);808-879-8899, http://www.brazilianbeautyboutique.com/

5/9 Whole Foods Mom-0-Rama

Get an early start on your Mother’s Day festivities with Whole Foods’ Mom-O-Rama. The first 50 moms will receive a small goodie bag courtesy of Whole Foods Market. Come on down to get gift ideas, fun demos and a consultation with licensed acupuncturist, Deborah Maghen. The goodies are first come, fisrt serve so be sure to stop in to treat mom to healthy wholesome fun! 10am-1pm. Whole Foods (70 Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului);808-872-3310, www.wholefoodsmarket.com

5/12 Buzz’s Wharf

Hele mai to the wharf and treat your mom to one of two mother’s day specials. Between 10am and 2pm enjoy the Makuahine brunch buffet. Enjoy the pancake station, omelet station, carving station (ham) and assorted desserts/fruit. For the evening crowd (4pm-9pm) the Makuahine dinner buffet consist of prime rib, huli huli chicken, seafood curry, creamy linguine, assorted dessert and salad. $55 adults/ $27.50 (12 and under) Brunch 10am-2pm. Dinner 4pm-9pm.Buzz’s Wharf (1540 Upper Maalaea Rd, Maalaea); 808-244-5426, http://www.buzzswharf.com/

5/12 Casanova (Makawao) Mother’s Day Brunch

Take mom back to the good ‘ol days with Hawaii’s duo, HAPA. Enjoy a noon brunch with Hapa live in Concert. Can’t make it to lunch? No worries catch the show at 2pm. $50 brunch/ 12pm. $30 Show only 2pm. Casanova (1188 Makawao Ave, Makawao); 808-572-0220, http://www.casanovamaui.com/

5/12 Charley’s

Charley’s invites you for an early morning (7am) breakfast and drink specials fit for your mama. Charley’s (142 Hana Hwy, Paia); 808-579-8085, http://www.charleysmaui.com/

5/12 Fernandos Mexican Grill and Cantina

After a shopping trip with mom head on in to Fernandos for a Mexican fiesta. Complete with the normal happy hour specials (2pm-6pm daily, there will be festive specials ALL day. 10am-9pm. (275 Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului); 808-871-5333.

5/12 Four Sisters Kitchen Mother’s Day Brunch

Treat mom to breakfast with da sistas! Four Sisters Kitchen will feature an omelette station, carving station and desserts. Guests are welcome to bring their own beer or wine as well. Reservations are recommended so be sure to snag a spot. $27.95 Adults/ 15.95 (ages 6-11). 9am-11:30am. Four Sisters Kitchen (2062 Vineyard Street, Wailuku); 808-242-1135, www.foursisterskitchen.com

5/12 Grand Wailea Mother’s Day Brunch

Treat mom to the bells and whistles of Grand Wailea’s Mother’s day brunch. Complete with live contemporary Hawaiian music, hula and sparkling wine, mom may feel like swaying her hips! 11:30am -3pm. $58 Adults / $29 Children (5-12 years of age) /Free (4 and under) Grand Wailea, Grand Dining Room Maui (3850 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea);808-875-1234 ext. 4900, http://www.grandwailea.com/

5/12 Hali’imaile General Store Mother’s Day Brunch

Take the windy road up (or down) to one of Maui’s hidden treasures, the Hali’imaile General Store. The Aipono award recipient is the Chef Bev Gannon’s (Aipono 2013 lifetime achievement recipient) original establishment. 10am-1pm. (900 Hali’imaile Rd, Makawao); 808-572 266 ,http://bevgannonrestaurants.com/haliimaile/

5/12 Makena Beach and Golf Resort Mother’s Day Brunch

If you’re on the South side, Makena Beach & Golf Resort offers a few specials honoring moms island wide. Treat mom to “The Works” ($249) Mother’s Day Spa Package at the Makena Kai Day Spa. Mom will be pampered with lomi lomi, hot stones and aromatherapy. On Mother’s Day, mom can get 20% off her purchase at MBGR’s Nellie’s. The resort’s famed brunch will also have mom feeling like a queen. The farmed meal will be prepared just the way mom would want. Be sure to snap a family photo courtesy of MBGR as well! Adult $60/Child (9-12) $45,Child (5-9) $30. Molokini Bar & Grille (5400 Makena Alanui, Wailea);808-875-5888,www.makenaresortmaui.com/

Photo courtesy of Makena Beach and Golf Resort

5/12 Monsoon India Mother’s Day

Does mom prefer natural options? At the Kihei location from 11am-3pm mom can enjoy organic, vegan and gluten free choices. Enjoy complimentary rose milk, pineapple lassi and tea to compliment your meal. $23.95. (760 South Kihei Rd, Kihei); 808-875-6666. The Lahaina location will serve up Mother’s day specials starting from 12pm to 10pm. (The Wharf); 808-661-4999. www.monsoonindiamaui.com

12 STELLA BLUES Mother’s Day Benefit

Stella Blues invites you to the third-annual Mother’s Day benefit. Featuring dinner and a show (or show only) by Gail Swanson, Lily Meola, WenLu Duffy, Cheryl Rae, Elaine Ryan and Sebrina Barron. Proceeds from the show will benefit The Maui Farm. Dinner 6pm/$60. Show only 6:30pm/$30. Reservations recommended. Stella Blues Cafe (1279 S Kihei Rd Kihei); 808-874-3779, http://stellablues.com/

12  KAANAPALI BEACH HOTEL MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH & FASHION SHOW

Entertain all of mom’s senses with the Kaanapali Beach Hotel’s Mother’s Day experience. Sip champagne and feast on a lavish all-you-can-eat buffet. Whether the waffles and omelet station, roasted prime rib, snapper with porcini mushroom sauce, crab legs, shrimp cocktail and much more. Mom’s will receive a rose and brunch guests will get access to an exclusive Trunk Sale featuring Hawaii’s fashion designers, Na Makua and Wahine Toa Designs from the Big Island. Mother will also have a chance to win a variety of prizes. Reservations Required and parking fees apply. Adult $49.95/ Children $25.00 (6-12)/ Children 5 years & younger Free (one child per paid adult). 8am-1pm. Kaanapali Beach Hotel (2525 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina); 808- 667-0124,www.HawaiianSundayBrunch.com

5/12 Kahili Restaurant & The King Kamehameha Golf Club Mother’s Day Specials

The King Kamehameha Golf Club brunch features breakfast food fixins complete with a dessert station ($34.95 adult) Below the King Kamehameha Golf Club is Kahili Restaurant. Serving a Brunch buffet (9am-2pm/ $32.95) and Dinner buffet (5pm-9pm/ $34.95) with steamed crab legs specialty sushi rolls and more. For both locations Children eat half price (6yrs-12) and 5yrs and under free. Kahili Restaurant 808-242-6000. The King Kamehameha Golf Club 808-243-1024. (2500 Honoapiilani Hwy, Wailuku), http://www.kamehamehagolf.com/, http://www.kahilirestaurant.com/

5/12 Kono’s on the green Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet & Dinner Buffet

Kono’s gives you two mother’s day options. A brunch buffet from 10:30 – 2pm ($35.99) and a dinner buffet from 5pm-8pm ($45.99.) Treat mom to a view on the green. Reservations recommended. Kono’s (1345 Piilani Hwy, Kihei); 808-633-4220, konosonmaui.com

Photo by Sean M. Hower

Dishcrawl lands on Maui for the first annual Dishcrawl Lahaina. The event takes food lovers on an adventure, dining their way through the historic town. Participants will sample dishes reflective of the island setting. The excitement lies in the fact that participants are given only slight hints of restaurant locations. If you have diet restrictions, be sure to check with event organizers regarding participation. Beverages are not included and will be served at discretion of the participating restaurants. Spaces are limited. Participants will learn of locations when purchasing tickets. $45. 7pm, Dishcrawl.com/lahaina

-Marina Satoafaiga (@sandtothecity)

Photo: MauiTime

Maui Culinary Academy invites you into their kitchen for an evening behind the scenes. The Open Kitchen event allows prospective students a glance at UHMC’s MCA Program. Boasting an alumni fit for TV, MCA’s curriculum covers a range of food preparation and culinary techniques. Guests will get the opportunity to tour the Pa’ina Culinary Arts Center, meet faculty and alumni of the program and partake in interactive food tastings. Guest speakers include Tylun Pang (Fairmont Kea Lani Chef) and Hubert Des Marais (Kohala Coast Hawaii Chef). Free. University of Hawaii Maui Campus, Pa’ina Culinary Arts Center (310 W Ka’ahumanu Ave., Kahului); RSVP to 808-984-3690 or 808-984-3272, Mauiculinary-campusdining.com

-Marina Satoafaiga (@sandtothecity)

Photo: MauiTime