Delicious Maui
Aloha! Have you missed me? 😉
Sorry it’s been awhile, but I’ve been on a lovely family vacation on Maui. Not to worry though, I did lots of very hard work to bring you back some food inspiration. It was a tough job.
I am always impressed by how family-friendly Hawaii is while still being luxurious (ie not feeling like you’re on a Disney cruise, not that there’s anything wrong with Disney cruises). We were completely welcomed into 5 star restaurants with a 7 month old and 3 year old. Nick’s Fishmarket (see below) even brings kekei (children) a dish of goldfish crackers when the bread is served. We stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea, which is PERFECT for families, as all the rooms are suites. We stayed in a 3 bedroom villa complete with washer/dryer, full kitchen, BBQ and plunge pool. I cannot tell you how HUGE this is when you have two kids who don’t sleep well, have baby food and bottles, etc.
For a special dinner in Wailea, head to Nick’s Fishmarket. I highly recommend the Potato “Scaled” Mahi Mahi with White Truffle Oil, Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus, and a Cabernet Reduction. I have not attempted to make this at home, but it’s on my to-do list. Let me know if you try it! To make the Cabernet reduction, simmer the wine and a little sugar until it’s syrupy (this could take hours).
My favorite meal was at Ko Restaurant at the Fairmont Kea Lani. Ko offers updated Hawaiian plantation cuisine. Ko’s Ahi On the Rock was the highlight of our dinner. Sashimi spiced with orange ginger miso sauce served next to a hot rock on which you sear your own fish. Homemade rice crackers and an edamame dip are served with every meal.
For a more casual dinner, you can’t beat Zagat rated Maui Tacos in Kihei. It’s a low key hole in the wall place with perfect fresh local fish tacos.
Craving sushi?
Sansei is THE BEST and has locations on Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu.
You can get their cookbook here.
Macadamia nut sticky buns. If you have to have these immediately, try this recipe and sub mac nuts for the pecans.
Here’s the dessert to impress at your next dinner party. Also from Nick’s Fishmarket.
Make pictures on each plate with chocolate sauce, sour cream, and a scoop of brown sugar. Arrange hulled strawberries on a platter with caramel sauce. Ignite a glass of Grand Marnier (I think that’s what they used) and pour over strawberries.
Cheers and Aloha!
Saw Maui and had to pop in…we were at the Grand Wailea in Feb this year and I still can't get it out of my head..the best meal I had was at Nicks with the truffle dish as well…Oh that was such a good memory…just love that whole place to death!! Wish I would have known all your favorites places to go before we went though. Great blog!
would you wanna write this trip up as a guest post for my destination inspiration series? email me alamodemaven@gmail.com xoxo shelli