Eat N Wander: Maui

For every city traveled, I think back on my most delicious experiences and compile a list of my most recommended for that city. Considered a work in progress, this list will be updated and continue to grow and change as I find more memorable, tasty, share-worthy places.

Maui is the second island that I have visited in Hawaii, with Oahu being the first. And the differences were drastic it seemed. What made Maui unique to me was the fact that one minute I could be surrounded by hundreds of tourists just like myself, and the next I might be stumbling my way through nature to find a secluded beach. The natural wonders that make Maui so lovable are obvious: Haleakalā , the Road to Hana and the Seven Pools, the endless beaches. Of course, it wasn't the water that I was excited to dive into when anticipating our trip; it was the thought of local food. Practically salivating while imagining the bbq plate lunch, loco moco, spam musubi, char siu bao, and all the asian influences that I loved in Oahu, what I discovered quickly once landing was that the local food culture is influenced much more by the mainland. This wasn't a problem, but just not what I had hoped.  So, that cultural influence is something to note in the cuisine while you visit. Below are my recommendations for places to check out  for one reason or another, while indulging over on the island of Maui.

EAT N DRINK

Hali’maile:

Hali imaile General Store 
Recommended for: Lunch or Dinner

Price: Average

Tips: The location is a bit off the typical route if you are staying in Wailea, Kihei, Lahaina, so you may want to plan your visit from the airport after you land or after you spend the day in Haleakala. 
This flagship restaurant of Maui Chef Bev Gannon, now one of the 3 restaurants derived from her vision, is an adorable little plantation house nestled in the middle of pineapple fields and you will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. With white wooden planked walls and a down-home welcome air to it, the whole space from the outside in conjures a feeling of nostalgia somehow. Perhaps not even of days you ever experienced, but visions of carefree, lazy and warm summer days that you wish you could always have. Originally opened as a deli, she was serving crowd favorites to the locals for lunch, with menus that stemmed from her catering days. Now as a full sit down restaurant, you can come for dinner and enjoy the menu's bright, colorful dishes that feel very california in their origin, with hints of global influence from latin america to asia. As they may tell you, the Sashimi Napoleon is a local favorite to start. I should also mention that it happened to be the best meal that we had all week, and our final meal on the island. And I am so glad it was.

Kapalua:
Sansei Sushi 
Recommended for: Dinner 
Price: Average to High
Tips: Can be totally packed like sardines from the minute you walk in, so make a reservation if you can! Or be prepared to spend a few bucks at the bar. The wait isn't all bad through; there's a jewelry store right in the same shopping center that will help you kill some time. They carry the most beautiful diamonds and some really great jewelry. Note: if you aren't necessarily up to blowing a hundred grand before dinner, you can always window shop and try on, say, a 10 carat canary for fun. The staff are fully supportive, and some of the kindest people I've encountered. Husbands- beware!
Everyone knows of this place, and I think every concierge will tell you that this is the best sushi on the island. And it may be, but don't go expecting traditional sushi. Because traditional, it not. Go here to be in the mix of the scene. Have some cocktails, throw back some sake and beer, and order some of their very california/americanized rolls and appetizers by the handfull.

Kaanapali:
Hula Grill
Recommended for: First Cocktail on the Island, or Happy Hour
Price: Low to Average
Super cheesy, super corporate, super tourist. But sometimes you need that. After all, you are a tourist, so don't fight the urge. This a a big restaurant with a plethora of tables directly out on the sand, so you can kick off your flops and enjoy the warn sand beneath your feet. They feature live music in the afternoon and hula early evening. Welcome to Hawaii!

Lahaina
Aloha Mixed Plate
Recommended for:  Lunch 
This is like the Disneyland of plate lunch. It's humongous with tables and tables and tables...After trying a few different places on the island and being mildly disappointed, this place fit the mold for what I was hoping for in the traditional plate lunch. Order at the counter and pick your meat, and whatever you go with, it comes with scoops of rice and mac salad. Nothing spectacular, but it will definitely get the job done and will give you your fix. Their menu includes salads and starters as well.

Maui Brewing 
Recommended for: Afternoon pit stop
Their tasting room is right in Lahaina in an unassuming area, but pretty typical for a brewery location. Check them out they were open mid afternoon 2 – 6 for some of their local tasty brews.

Mala Ocean Tavern
Recommended for: Happy Hour
Price: Average
Tips: Two words: Oyster Shooters.
Great place for a little happy hour and mid day snack, and ask for a table on the deck.


Pacific O and Pacific Io: they are right next to each other
Recommended for: Luau Dinner Show
Price: Expensive (in comparison to standard group luaus)
Tips: Bottomless Tiki Drinks with dinner.  I kid you not, it's true. They pour the liquor sparingly though, and the drinks are really sweet.  You may be challenging your blood sugar levels to drink more than 3. 
I had already been to one of those big, family filled cheezy luauas. You know, the kind you see in movies? Don't get me wrong, they are a MUST if you haven't. But for those who have, and didn't care much for the cafeteria style line up (or the steam tabled food) but still want a show, I have an alternative for you. You'll be "lei'd" on the beach just in time for a photo opp, and led to the table that was reserved just for you and your party. No communal seating. This is a sit down, plated dinner, and to mention it again, bottomless tiki cocktails. The view for the show is spectacular, as you can watch the sun set on the raised deck with the ocean as the backdrop.



Paia
Mamas Fish House
Recommended for: Dinner with Friends, Family
Price: Average to Expensive (decent potential to rack up a bill with the seafood entrees and drinks)
This is just what people do when you drive through/into Paia. It's a good memory, so I recommend it, and take a few pictures.

Eat N Wander: Ode to San Diego

For every city traveled, I think back on my most delicious experiences and compile a list of my most recommended for that city. Considered a work in progress, this list will be updated and continue to grow and change as I find more memorable, tasty, share-worthy places.

Having spent the last 11 years in San Diego, I grew up quite a bit here, and I watched the city grow up too. Having eaten my way through the city from the Mexican border (and beyond) to Oceanside, I can say that I've been around the block a time or two, digging around for old gems to finally show me what San Diego food was really all about, and seeking out all of the new establishments in hopes of proving that we could play with the big boys. There have been a few great go to places for me for one reason or another, and the list hasn't changed much even with the massive boom of new businesses.The restaurant and beverage scene has evolved ten fold: Comfortable and approachable, yes, but unique and avant garde it is not...and maybe that's not what it's meant to be. One thing I will say though is you can't beat the burritos down there, you just can't. And from where? It doesn't matter. Go to any random drive through and you'll be satisfied. That's what I miss most believe it or not. And in the meanwhile, below are my recommendations for places to check out while indulging San Diego. 

EAT N DRINK

Robata ya Oton, 5447 Kearny Villa Rd Set D

website: n/a

Recommended for: Intimate dinner with friends 

Price: Average - High

Tips: Go for variety- sample a bunch of small dishes both hot and cold, order 2 orders of sukiyaki or shabu shabu to share between 4 people.

Feel like you've been transported to Tokyo, if only for a few hours. This small robata/izalaya style restaurant seats only 8 at the bar, and around 4-5 parties in their private tatami rooms. Completely Japanese owned and staffed, this Kearny Villa location is the formal version of their sister restaurant Wa Dining Okan on Convoy, also specializing in small plates. Although offering some sushi and sashimi specials, this isn't the place for a sushi fix. Go for their traditional hot dishes and the atmosphere, and you will happily walk away with an experience to remember. They have an extensive sake list from all price points, and offer a handful of japanese beers that pair nicely, And for those of you weary of sitting on your knees, the tatami table drops down underneath with plenty of leg room to spare.

Whisknladle, 1044 Wall St  La Jolla, CA 92037

whisknladle.com

Recommended for: Brunch, Business lunch, Happy Hour, Date night, Intimate dinner with friends, Private Group Dining

Price: Medium - High

Tips: Start with the daily flatbread or the cutting board. And if you decide to order your own entree, you can but know that you will truly be missing out on what this restaurant has to offer. Share and share alike.

My favorite restaurant in San Diego hands down. Its consistent, and as adventurous as San Diego dining may come at times. The ambiance is easy but upscale, service is cool and comfortable but as attentive and knowledgable as fine dining. Happy hour offers housemade sangrias, interesting wines by the glass and heavy discounts by the bottle, and best of all  a variety of tasty traditional and modern style tapas on the cheap, which change daily by chef's whim. The menu features farm to table and changes often based on season and market avaiability. Nearly everything is made from scratch in house. And dont forget the dessert, because there is no denying that their pastry chef knows her stuff.

Prepkitchen, Multiple San Diego locations: La Jolla, Del Mar, Little Italy (see below for a bit on each)

prepkitchen.com

Recommended for: Brunch: in particular the Del Mar location on a sunny day, Happy Hour: Little Italy is the best for this, Date night, "Adult" Family Dinner, Group Events, Private Parties, Family Dining

La Jolla location: Mid-afternoon snack, Dinner with Family (Kids included), Exceptional To Go Family Dinner

Price: Med - High

Tips: The Little Italy restaurant is the only location with a full bar, but all locations are stocked with a great versatile and worldly wine list, and of course a mix of fine local and national craft beers (both on tap and bottle)
A part of the Whisknladle Hospitality family, you can expect much of the same great quality of ingredients, and fantastic execution of what is local, Regional, Italian, Spanish inspired food, but this time in a more casual and "earth toned" environment. It's casual and it feels like the neighborhood (no matter which location you are at.) There is nothing that doesn't fill the soul here. A totally versatile restaurant for any time of day and any occasion, their menus consist of staple tried and true dishes that their fans love (ahem; Bolognese), mixed with the occasional seasonal- make that as occasional as daily or weekly, menu items to make each visit interesting and worth a come-back-to. The Whisknladle Flatbread makes it's appearance here every day with something new on top, and the cutting board is just as solid here too. The cocktail program is legit (at the Little Italy location only) so try something that the bartender recommends, or even throw out your favorite liquor and have them whip up something custom. Next in the works is their Italian project Catagna which I suspect to be nothing short of amazing.

Carnitas Snack Shack, Multiple San Diego Locations (North Park, new Carmel Valley)
carnitassnackshack.com

Recommended for: Lunch (they are only open for lunch)

Price: Low - Medium 

Tips: Get there early-ish near opening to avoid the stampede of an ordering line. Pork Belly App is a MUST order item. Keep an eye open for some of the daily specials.

There is nothing like waking up on a Saturday morning after the bloodbath that was your Friday night and throwing on a ratty tshirt, jeans, flip flops and a pair of dark, dark shades and heading over for some hair of the dog. Maybe I mean hair of the pig. Either way, Carnitas is the place to go to drown all of your woes in meaty, greasy, stick to your gut food. This is literally a shack; stand in line, order your food, find yourself a seat in the back (see my review for the full scope.) Whether you are looking for a quick casual afternoon bite (note it won't be THAT quick given the long line plus the time it takes to prepare a quality burger/sandwich/burrito etc) or perhaps a long boozy lunch basking in the sun, the food here with a couple beers poured from the "pig pen" will get you feeling back to your old self...or feeling like you really are "old" but at least you will be able to take a really good nap after. Either way, it's great. So go. Oh and don't get me wrong, this place is great for families too. Really!

Green Flash Brewing, 6550 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego CA 92121

Recommended for: Afterwork Drinks and a Bite

Price: Low
Tips: If you are a avid eater; must have food with drink-er like I am, be sure to check their website before you go to see which food truck/vendor is selling the goods that day. That will help decide whether this is your only after work stop, or your pre-dinner destination.

San Diego is overpopulated with craft beer breweries. Period. Every one has a neighbor, friend's brother, some person you knew in college, etc etc that has decided to jump on the wagon and try their hand at the brew-craft. But that's not a bad thing (and it's a critical line line that I miss now that I don't live there) because one thing is for sure, you won't ever go thirsty in this town. After trying what seems to be hundreds if not thousands of different beers in my visits to every tiny industrial shack-to-large warehouse-to-storefront location from La Mesa to Vista, I still stick to my guns with the always consistent and never failing Green Flash. The have the hop-bombs that made San Diego famous, and the mellow smooth varietals like the Summer Saison. My favorite is the Rayon Vert- a bit of barnyard and funk that is associated with the wild yeast strain known as "brett"that is tasty and delicious. Go here on a nice sunny day and enjoy the rays (and a seat) on their back patio, which features a local food truck serving up anything from bbq to vegan to mexican which changes daily.

JRDN, Tower 23, Pacific Beach

Recommended for: Brunch

Price: Reasonable

This place to me is the epitome of what sunny days in San Diego should be. Sitting right along the boardwalk in Pacific Beach, you take in the surf, the sun, the people watching. And the food is always pretty good too, consistentency being what I think I love most about it. Brunch items are great, the sandwiches and burger are great, the mussels are great, and so are the pomme frites. It's the best place to spend a boozy afternoon with friends, and although their beer list is a bit of downer, order something else as their wine and cocktail list is plentiful and the patio will make up for it. And note, although it's PB, the good news is that the clientele isn't all what you'd expect. It's some of it, but typically not much of it. And the ones that are just make you feel good about yourself while you enjoy your late-bloomed maturity and some oysters on the half out in the sunshine. That, and you'll be out of PB before sundown.