Maui Windsurfing

Vela Windsurf Resorts wind reports accommodations equipment lessons kitesurfing staff tips and facts other activities got kids? feedback photos map WHAT TO BRING: There are a few things we don't want you to forget. Here are two lists: Airline tickets The enclosed Vela vouchers for car, condo, and/or equipment (you need to exchange these for services) Current driver's license and major credit card in name of rental car driver (you will need these to rent your car) Extra spending money (see "CASH/CREDIT CARDS" below) Paperback books for flights and evenings (The following items are all available in wonderful variety on Maui; you may want to pack light and roomy and bring home some island-grown gear.) We do recommend you bring: shorty wetsuit and/or thermal rashguard, booties, harness Gloves to prevent blisters while sailing 100% UV sunglasses w/ eyeglass retainer (floating) Waterproof sunscreen lotion (oil makes board slippery) Beach towel (condo towels just don't do the job) Helmet and/or PFD, if desired. Light jacket/windbreaker To avoid the inconvenience of lost luggage, we recommend that you pack light enough to carry on your luggage. Check with your airline for carry on restrictions. At the least, carry on all those items that you would need to fully enjoy your first few days. If you are on a "Complete Rig" package, your package includes use of a complete board and rig, including two sails (w/ correct masts). This easily handles the needs of most people. Many people who have brought some of their own sails have reported that they stayed in their bags the whole trip. Also, the airlines can charge you up to $150 each way if they know you are checking "windsurfing equipment". However, you may feel you want to bring one or two small sails with you and choose the larger ones from Vela Maui so that you will have other sails at your disposal while at the beach. Have any questions about odd sails, etc? Feel free to call Vela Maui before you go. PACKING FOR THE WEATHER : Maui is a lush tropical destination. The rain that produces the lush vegetation is more frequent in the winter months, so expect it to be a little wetter and somewhat cooler in winter, drier and a bit warmer in summer. Generally it will be in the mid-80's during the day and slightly cooler at night. In the "Upcountry" area or up on the rim of Haleakala crater, it can be much cooler. Bring a light jacket for evenings and a very warm one if you plan on catching the spectacular sunrise on top of Haleakala. People dress casually on the island. Only in some of the most expensive restaurants would a coat or dress be expected. You might want to leave a little space in your luggage for clothing acquired in Maui; some people consider Maui a paradise for shopping as well. CASH/CREDIT CARDS: We recommend that you bring some cash, travelers checks and a major credit card. The Maui Windsurf Company will accept credit cards for any additional services or goods you may want to purchase on-site. Most establishments on the island accept major credit cards. We suggest you bring extra cash or traveler's checks of at least $50 per person per day of stay. You may go home with most of it, but if you want it, you'll have it. Documents CHECK YOUR DOCUMENTS NOW for accuracy and then RECONFIRM ALL FLIGHT TIMES with your airline before you go to the airport. If your flight arrival time is different than the "time" printed on your green Dollar Rent-a-Car voucher, please call Dollar at 800-367-7006 and update your reservation, noting date, time and the name of the Dollar agent on your corrected voucher. (Dollar will automatically cancel your reservation if your car is not picked up within two hours of this time.) UPON ARRIVAL AT MAUI'S KAHULUI AIRPORT : Unless you've carried on all your luggage, the driver indicated on your Dollar Rent-a-Car voucher should catch the Dollar shuttle vehicle to Dollar's base yard. Any others in your party can collect checked luggage and be ready to be picked up by the driver in your party. The Dollar desk will be open until 10:00 PM. If you are renting a vehicle through Vela Maui, see notes below. DOLLAR RENT-A-CAR: Dollar will offer collision damage and personal injury insurance at a significant additional daily rate. We recommend you check with your own car insurer before leaving for Maui; your policy may already include such coverage. Regardless, as is standard with all rental car companies, Dollar will require a signed, blank imprint of your credit card or a cash deposit. Depending on your situation, there may be some other charges not payable in advance of the return of your car. Dollar has a minimum driver age of 25 (or additional $15 plus tax per day for ages 21-24) and additional drivers are $6 per day. Dollar rents on a 24-hour basis and if you are keeping your car an hour or so later than the time on the clock that you picked it up, you will owe them an additional $10-$12 an hour, which is cheaper than us charging you a full additional day's rental. If your departure time is several hours later than your arrival time, check your car voucher to make sure the "DROP-OFF" date is one day later than you are actually leaving. We should have included an additional day's rental in your package, but only if we know what your flight times are. You should find your car full of gas and relatively clean. If you return it otherwise there may be additional gas or cleaning fees (see: RETURNING YOUR DOLLAR RENTAL CAR). DOLLAR WILL CHARGE YOU A $3/DAY STATE IMPOSED SURCHARGE and a 7.5% AIRPORT RECOVERY Tax. . Dollar will be glad to provide directions to your accommodations and Vela Maui (located within Neil Pryde Maui - hours 8:30 am to 5:00 PM), where you will pick up your racks and equipment. Vela Maui / Neil Pryde Van Rental: You can rent a van from Neil Pryde as part of you package. Call your Vela Agent for Vela Van pickup instructions at least 1week prior to arrival. GETTING TO VELA MAUI : From the airport, stay straight on Keolani Pl (it will become Dairy Rd.) Follow the signs to Lahaina and Kihei, Cross the Haleakela Hwy and the Hana Hwy (2 lights). Make the first right on Alamaha St. The next street is Papa Pl, turn right. Vela Maui is located inside the Neil Pryde Maui retail shop, located at the corner of Papa and the Hana Hwy. the address is 400 Hana Hwy. If you arrive after 5:00 pm you can pick up your equipment the following morning. Prepaid lessons and equipment are not refundable after your scheduled arrival date. Vela's Wind Warranty works differently on Maui; check with Vela Maui about "Lay Day" and "Return-trip Credit" details before checking out equipment. CHECKING INTO YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS: See the instructions on your document cover letter (the one with your address on it). This will help you in getting to your accommodations and checking in. In this letter you will also find a number to call if you need to talk to someone about your condo while on the island. Your condo management company is always available to help make your vacation an enjoyable one. If the plumbing plugs up, the toaster doesn't work, etc., call them immediately. It's their job to see that it gets fixed now. Then go enjoy Maui. Chances are good it will be fixed by the time you get back from sailing. If not, stay in communication with them. We have chosen the best, most responsive condo management companies on the island. You are in good hands. Click here for North Shore Directions. LESSONS : Alan Cadiz and his staff of HST instructors have been setting the standards in windsurfing instruction since 1985. Their instructors' high level of skill allows them to sail right next to you on the water, giving you the confidence and the coaching you need to excel quickly. Lessons are taught at Kanaha, Kihei, and from private beachfront locations along Maui's North shore. HST offers beginner through advanced, group and private lessons including jibing and wave sailing. As all lessons are by appointment only, reservations are recommended as far in advance as possible. If you have prepaid for lessons or would now like to plan lessons, please call the HST staff at 800-YOU-JIBE (968-5423) to arrange your schedule directly. OTHER ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE : Maui has one of the widest selection of activities of any vacation destination in the world. Good snorkeling and diving trips leave daily from nearby Maalaea Harbor. Hiking, horseback riding and exciting downhill bicycle excursions are available on the slopes of the mighty volcano Haleakala. Shopping is legendary. Your new friends at The Maui Windsurf Company know the best deals and operators and can send you in the right direction. RESTAURANTS: The staff at Vela Maui also are your best source of information about restaurants and nightlife. They have hosted many, many sailors on Maui and are getting constant feedback about what's happening where. SOME IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LEAVING MAUI LEAVING YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS: Please respect the checkout time posted in your unit. If you have a late flight out of Maui, you might be able to check out of your unit later in the day. When you arrive, or at least several days before you leave, check with the property management company directly (NOT THE FRONT DESK) about this. Get the name of the person who says OK and how late is OK. If someone happens to be checking in the same day you are leaving, it will not be possible to stay late because your unit must be made ready for them; however, with advance notice, arrangements can often be made. If not, Kanaha Beach Park has freshwater showers so you can still play all day and not have to fly home sandy or salty. [Should an emergency necessitate a return home earlier than your scheduled date, we will do all we can to get refunds for you. Standard condo and car cancellation fees usually exceed any balance left, but property management companies are often quite understanding of emergencies. To assist us in this, you must make sure you get written verification of check-out date from the front desk and also from The Maui Windsurf Company and Dollar Rent-a-Car.] RETURNING YOUR EQUIPMENT : Be aware of The Vela Maui opening and closing times - 9:00 - 6:00. If you are not planning on sailing the day you leave, you may find it easier to return equipment the afternoon before, rather than in the morning. RETURNING YOUR DOLLAR RENTAL CAR: Dollar has to get your car ready for someone else to use. If you return it low on gas or really dirty and full of sand, they will charge you. There are gas stations on your way back into Kahalui. If you are the rare type to really trash a car, Dolphin Car Wash at 156 Wakea has vacuums. If you're concerned about this, clarify with Dollar their policies before taking the vehicle. Leave plenty of time to drop off your equipment, gas your car, check it in, and catch the shuttle to the airport. AT THE KAHALUI AIRPORT: You will have to pass agricultural inspection. Prepackaged fruit sold specifically to be taken back to the mainland is usually OK. Fruit bought in the supermarkets to be consumed on Maui is generally not allowed off the island. SAILING BEACHES (please note: By county ordinance there is no sailing in Maui before 11:00am. This is out of respect for other water users, surfers and fishermen.) NORTHSHORE BEACHES - The northshore beaches stretch from kite beach (lower Kanaha) all the way to Hookipa at the eastern end. Conditions range from fun flat water and chop to the ultimate wave sailing at Hookipa. Depending on surf conditions and wind you will be able to find a spot that is suitable for your taste. Kanaha Beach Park - Located very near Kahalui Airport , Kanaha consists of several shallow sandy coves along the eastern end of Kahalui Bay on the North Shore. Recommended Abilities: Beginner in the most eastern cove through advanced in the most western cove and beyond the reef. Water and Wind: A reef 400 yards offshore means flat water in summer and larger chop in winter. On the reef there are large waves in winter, early spring and fall. Smaller waves prevail in summer with rolling swell outside. Wind picks up from light in the morning, to strong in the afternoon. Spreckelsville Beach - Located 4 miles east of Kanaha, Sprecklesville's quality surf conditions draw some of the best sailors on the island. Obtain directions from the rental shop. Recommended ability: Intermediate to advanced surfsailor. Wind and Water: Same sideshore, consistent trade winds as Kanaha, only a little stronger. Sprecklesville reef produces some excellent conditions to hone your skills for the next step up.... Hookipa Beach Park - Hookipa is located 2 miles east of Paia on the Hana Highway just past Mama's Fish House Restaurant. The tiny beach, tucked in a cove below, serves as a launch for the premier wave venue in the world. Sail only if you are an expert wavesailor, or watch the best from the bluff. KIHEI BEACHES - These narrow, palm fringed beaches stretch from Maalaea Bay through the beach town of Kihei, always accessible off N. Kihei Road. Sailing areas range from beginner, with sheltered side-offshore wind conditions directly in front of the Sugar Beach Condominium Property, to advanced north of the Sugar Beach area. Pavilions (Maipoina Oe Lau Beach Park ) - Just north of Kihei off N. Kihei Road, this site really cooks when the winds shift to the north (a more frequent condition in winter) and accelerate through the valley at speeds up to 30 mph. Less than a mile south of Pavilions is Ka Ono Ulu Beach Park below. Ka Ono Ulu Beach Park - the same conditions but a rocky launch and less sailors. For both... Recommended Ability : Intermediate to advanced sailors Water and Wind : Flat with some chop. 15 to 30 mph blowing side-onshore in a northerly and side-offshore during normal tradewind conditions. Sugar Beach - Directly in front of Sugar Beach Condominiums in the lee of the buildings you'll find lower velocity side-offshore wind. It is possible for beginners to sail here, although Kanaha is more ideal. A ten minute walk up the beach is "Speed Beach" where offshore winds up to 30 mph, particularly in a northerly, create a speed slalom heaven with flat water conditions. Recommended Ability : Beginner in front of resort, intermediate to advanced at Speed Beach. Water and Wind : Flat close-in. Swell and chop in bay. Up to 30 mph blowing offshore at Speed Beach. NORTH SHORE MAUI DIRECTIONS- Stable Road (Kanaha/Spreckelsville) Properties: From the Kahului Airport turn left onto Hana Highway (Route 36) east towards Paia Town. From the Haleakala Hwy Intersection (traffic light) drive exactly 1.4 miles and turn left onto Stable Road (sorry no street sign) follow the road for about 1 mile. Aina Lani - 584 "D" and "E" Stable Rd. (808-877-5816) North Shore Beach House - 584 "B" Stable Rd. (808-572-9269) property management Tradewind Beach House - 582 Stable Rd (808-572-9269) property management Ray's Friendly Beach - 581 Stable Rd. (808-877-2104) Secret Beach - 584 "A" Stable Rd. (808-572-9269) property management Spreckelsville Properties: From the Kahului Airport, turn left onto Hana Highway (Route 36) East towards the town of Paia. About two miles before Paia, you will pass Kaunoa Senior Center. The next left is Nonohe. Turn left and continue until it intersects with Paani Place. Turn left onto Paani and continue until it dead-ends at the Sugar Cove Condominiums. Windsurf Bungalow is the last house on the right just before the gate entrance into Sugar Cove. Nellie's Windsurf Bungalow - 316 Paani Place (808-572-9269) property management Paia Properties: From the Kahului Airport, turn left onto Hana Highway (Route 36) East towards the town of Paia. There is only one signal in the town of Paia at Baldwin Ave. Cross the intersection and make a left into the driveway between the Minute Stop and Simmer Sports. Nellie's Surf Bungalows - 127 Hana Highway (808-572-9269) property management Haiku Properties: From the Kahului Airport, turn left onto Hana Highway (Route 36) East towards the town of Paia. Continue straight on Hana Highway through Paia. Turn right on Haiku Rd. Make the next right onto Apuwai. Hale Maliko - 166 Apuwai St. (808-575-5172) Vela Maui - (800) 321-7443, is located in the Neil Pryde Maui shop at 400 Hana Hwy. Any questions? Feel free to call us toll free at 800-223-5443. To get fast answers while on Maui, contact the Vela Maui staff - (800) 321-7443. Updated 07/2004 Vela Windsurf Resorts . 1-800-223-5443 . info@velawindsurf.com 108 Whispering Pines Drive . Suite 245 . Scotts Valley, CA 95066 . All rights reserved Vela Resorts, Inc. 2004 web site design by McLeod Creative

hawaii weddings . Give

Hawaii Weddings - Wedding Packages in Hawaii & Oahu site map HONEST ADVICE... PROMPT SERVICE... EXTRAORDINARY QUALITY... Aloha and welcome to Dream Weddings Hawaii , a full service wedding company based on the island of Oahu. We specialize in creating simple, affordable, and romantic weddings. (Although, we can plan the large weddings if we are asked too!) We are very passionate about every wedding that comes by our door and stray far away from creating cookie-cutter ceremoneis. Every wedding is special in our eyes. Feel free to contact us at 1-800-557-1310 just to learn a little more or you can always email us at info@dreamweddingshawaii.com . DON'T MISS THESE PAGES! CLICK HERE FOR OUR TRAVEL BOOKING ENGINE! Yes this is the newest addition to Dream Weddings Hawaii! Our travel engine. Now browse our list of hotels, cheap airflights, cars..and book them! Plan your island hopping here, your entire stay...you name it. Our prices are net fares, so we can usually beat Expedia and Travelocity most of the time, not all the time. RECENT WEDDING PAGE! - Or our company blog on our most recent weddings. Every wedding we do is posted here! This is also a great way to learn more about our personality! WEDDING VIDEO STREAM - Check out our latest video stream. This is what our service looks like! Affordable wedding packages - These package cover the basic neccesties of your wedding. A great place to start building something customized for your wedding day! Awe-inspring photography/video service - Yes, people do book us primarily for our great photography, aside from our personable customer service. Great photos or video do not cost an arm and a leg. They just require patience... WE SPECIALIZE IN ELEGANT, YET SIMPLE WEDDING PACKAGES! THEY'RE AFFORDABLE, ROMANTIC, STRESS-FREE Simplicity is the new trend that is catching on with many brides who find it too stressfull, not to mention, expensive, to plan a wedding gala. Tying the knot in Hawaii the simple way is cost-effective, and still...very romantic. GETTING STARTED IS AS EASY AS ONE, TWO, THREE! Browse our website completely to educate yourself on hawaii weddings . Give us a call at 1-800-557-1310 or email us Fire off questions, think about it, and book :) Article Section: (coming soon !) Hawaii Weddings - Oahu Weddings - Hawaii Wedding Packages - Oahu Wedding Packages - Destination Weddings - Paradise Weddings - Useful Resources Dream Weddings Hawaii 47098 Halemanu Place; Kaneohe, HI 96744 toll free: 1-800-557-1310 local: (808) 239-1116 Search Engine Optimization India - Web Analytics

Hawaiian Food

Oceanic - Around Town Hawaii - Leisure - Reviews - Hawaii Diner by Gail Jennings - Three Fun Food-Related Things to Do in Honolulu || Webmail || Member Services || Downloads || Calendar || Search || Contact Us || Oceanic.com || Sign up for Cable Modem Service HERE! Three Fun Food-Related Things to Do in Honolulu by Gail Jennings Comment on this Column! This month I decided to do something different for the column and I have to say that the research I did for this article was by far the most delicious, entertaining and enjoyable that I've ever done! The premise of the article was to find fun food-related activities in a variety of price ranges. The only criteria for the activities was that all of them be something local residents would enjoy and that they be food-focused. Here in Hawaii we are blessed with such a variety of food and restaurants, but sometimes we get in a rut. I can guarantee that any of these activities will help to shake off the "there's nothing to do blues" that we all get sometimes. Cheaper than a trip to Vegas, too! So, without further ado we will set forth on some genuine culinary adventures beginning with Hawaii Food Tours' Hole-in-the-Wall Tour, then we will play gourmet chef for a day via a GourmetCookingHawaii.com class, and last, but certainly not least, we will make our own wine at Wine The Experience. Come along and enjoy the ride! HAWAII FOOD TOURS - The Hole-in-the-Wall Tour Founded by long-time restaurant critic, Matthew Gray, Hawaii Food Tours is the ultimate, affordable way to spoil yourself, friends and family for a day or an evening. I tagged along on the Hole-in-the-Wall tour and it was more fun than you can imagine - it's like playing tourist for a day but better. It will broaden your palate and your horizons for only $59. I can see this tour being really fun for couples, people with friends and family visiting from off-island or just about anyone who wants to get a new perspective on food and restaurants. You'll visit a minimum of four different eateries and never have to worry about driving or finding parking - you just get to relax and enjoy. We were picked up at the tour bus stop at the Ala Moana Hotel around 10am. (You can park at the Ala Moana Center, walk across the footbridge to the Ala Moana Hotel and make your way to Mahukona Street, which separates the hotel from the shopping center parking area - very easy.) Matthew himself greeted us and his partner, Keira, loaded us into the van and we were off to our first stop. Along the way, the entire van chatted about food and peppered Matthew with questions about what it was like being a real food critic and food in Hawaii. Matthew has a great sense of humor and he and Keira set a really friendly tone which got all of us, who were strangers, laughing and talking with each other. Fabulous Food Blogs - A Treat for Every Taste Food to Remember in 2005 Changes in Chinatown - Not Just Pho and Dim Sum Anymore Burger Wars Summer 2005 - Seeking Great Cheeseburgers Highway Inn and Hapa Grill - Daughters Take the Long Way Home Mr. Ojisan - New Chef Energizes Popular Japanese Restaurant Southern Food & BBQ Lovers from Kailua to Wahiawa Have Reason to Rejoice Some New and Some Not So New Great Places to Eat Three Fun Food-Related Things to Do in Honolulu Mitch's Sushi Bar - Fresh is Best El Charro - Mexican Standards & Chef Specialties Make for Delicious Dining Jimmy's Lakeside Bakery Cafe - A Food Lover's Dream at Everyday Prices Chef Mavro - Enjoy a Culinary Journey Christmas Cookie Baking Party - A Great Way to Celebrate the Season! [ Home ] email Gail Visit Gail's Homepage Comment on this Column! All Health Columnists All Other Columnists Be A Columnist! Are you an expert in your own field? Do you know somebody who is? Fill out our online form and tell us about it. We'll select and consider those who fit the bill! Our first stop was Sugoi Bento where we feasted on a special mini-bento of their Spicy Garlic Chicken (yum!), Beef Teriyaki and Hapa Rice (two parts white, one part brown). What a great place this is and one I didn't know about, but now that I do, I'll definitely be back there for some more of that chicken and other offerings. Summer Rolls Our second stop was at Pho Nam where again we were treated to a special plate of food which featured Green Papaya Salad, Spring Rolls and Stir-fry Noodles with Veggies. Matthew took the time to introduce the various ingredients, sauces and seasonings so that those unfamiliar with them would have a better understanding of Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisines. We were off again, feeling full but ready to keep going. Our next stop at Zaffron was the most exciting to me because I have a particular fondness for Indian food. The first thing Matthew did was bring each of us a steaming cup of their specially blended Spiced Chai which really hit the spot. Then we were able to fill our styrofoam trays (so convenient for the leftovers - you don't have to ask for a take away box) from the buffet. By the time we returned, baskets of hot Naan bread were waiting and we dove in with gusto. Preparation of naan bread The best part about this stop was the great relationship Matthew has with Zaffron owner, Farad Khan, which meant that we got to see the Naan bread being made and ask Mr. Khan questions about the restaurant and the food. We learned that all of Zaffron's vegetarian dishes are strictly vegan, which is a big plus to those who follow such a regime, and the Khan family is ethnically Indian but from Fiji, which accounts for the Fijian flag and other Fijian memorabilia. Mr. Khan should be designated as the Fiji ambassador of tourism here in Hawaii - he is truly proud of his homeland. Demonstrating the flexible nature of this great tour, one of our party wished to stroll through Chinatown and purchase some items, and since none of the rest of us objected, we set out on a walking side trip. With the shopping completed and everyone ready for the next stop, there was Keira with the van and we piled in to find little bags for each of us with Manapua and Pork Hash from Char Hung Sut ! A nice little bonus which was of special interest to the off-island visitors. Leonard's legendary malasadas Our final stop of the day was Leonard's Bakery for a taste of their legendary Malasadas. The final stop on the Hole-in-the-Wall tour varies depending on the day of the week with it being either Leonard's for the aforementioned Malasadas or Liliha Bakery for their equally famed Coco Puffs. Leonard's was a great stop with everyone crowding around the glass cases to see the various offerings and taking pictures of the Guava Cake and other confections which we sometimes forget are quite unique to Hawaii. We enjoyed the freshly cooked Malasadas, too! All in all, this was such good fun and really enjoyable. I can't guarantee that you'll visit the same restaurants we did but I can guarantee that wherever you go it will be tasty and Matthew will ensure that you have a wonderful and informative time. Hawaii Food Tours also offers a Hawaiian Feast in Paradise ($99) which is, as you might expect, a luau with all of the attendant food and entertainment. The final offering is the Gourmet Trilogy Food & Wine ($149) which will take you to three of Honolulu's best fine-dining restaurants for appetizers, entree and dessert all paired with wine. Matthew says that the Gourmet Trilogy is perfect for food and wine lovers who are adventurous and passionate about their dining. Can't decide what to get that special couple for an anniversary gift? Send them on the Gourmet Trilogy Food & Wine Tour - they'll thank you and it will be an experience they will long remember. Hawaii Food Tours Telephone: 926-FOOD (3663) Toll Free: 1-800-715-2468 Email: mgray@hawaiifoodtours.com Website: Hawaii Food Tours GOURMETCOOKINGHAWAII.COM - A Truly Unique Food & Wine Experience Early on a Saturday morning, I was buzzing down the H-1 to get to The Bistro at Century Center before 9am. You might ask what was I doing heading to a restaurant that wasn't even going to open for several hours when I could be at home in jammies with a hot cup of coffee? Well, I had not lost my mind, nor was I unhappy to be out and about early on the weekend. I was going to a Gourmet Cooking Class offered by GourmetCookingHawaii.com which was being taught by one of my favorite chefs, Rodney Uyehara of The Bistro at Century Center. I had always wanted to attend one of GourmetCookingHawaii.com's classes but making the time was a challenge. I finally resolved that I simply had to do it, checked the schedule and when I discovered Chef Rodney was teaching the next class, I made the call. My call was returned by Kathleen Hurtubise, the creative force behind GourmetCookingHawaii.com and, as I learned, a great producer of a wonderful concept which has become a must-do for lovers of food and cooking. Salmon prep There is something magical about being in a restaurant "after hours," as it were, seeing the raw ingredients come together into a gourmet dish at the hands of a skilled chef. You feel like you are learning secrets, and in a sense you are, as you get the rare opportunity to ask and hear questions answered by a culinary professional in a relaxed and friendly environment. There were 14 of us in the class and at least a couple of them have attended every single class offered since GourmetCookingHawaii.com launched in 2003. The attendees covered all the ethnic bases, and both genders were represented. Kathleen herself said that her husband, Kevin Lin, had never cooked until he started helping her run the classes. He is now an avid cook and budding gourmand. And, for any men who haven't thought about cooking as a hobby, trust me when I say that there is nothing quite as attractive as a man who cooks... now that's hot! The menu for the day was Salmon Tartare accompanied by Timbach Pinot Gris 2001; Stuffed Breast of Capon ( see the recipe here ) accompanied by E. Euigal Cotes du Rhone 2001 and Banana Flambe accompanied by Bonny Doon Muscat Vin de Glaciere 2003. Executive Chef Rodney Uyehara was ably assisted by his sous chef and various class members. Want a bit of instruction in knife technique? Volunteer to help with the prep and pick up some hands-on pointers. The wine service and discussion was led by Kim Karalovich from The Wine Stop , and her knowledge and approachable attitude towards wine was integral to making this a complete food and wine experience. Mushrooms galore (hedgehog, inoki, shimeji, morel and dried porcinis, etc.) for the capon sauce We learned many things including where to find frozen veal demi glace ( Y. Hata ) for the sauce and caul fat*, (Chinatown) which was used to secure the capons before cooking. And, if you don't have the time or inclination to get those ingredients, there are acceptable substitutes. Then we were given an in-depth look at the ingredients to be used. I was most interested in the variety of mushrooms used in the sauce for the capon - they had hedgehog, inoki, shimeji, morel and dried porcinis among others. Flamb! All of the food was delicious but the flambed dessert of Bananas Foster was a spectacular finale. I'm so glad these retro-style desserts are enjoying a resurgence in popularity. We all loved watching the flames dance over the pan as the liquor cooked off and the sugars started to caramelize into a luscious rum sauce for the bananas and vanilla ice cream. It was really good. The best part, of course, is eating the delicious food and enjoying the wine pairings. At $95 a class, this is an excellent value which reaps a great food and wine experience taught by any one of a number of Honolulu's best chefs with wine pairings and explanations from The Wine Stop. You also receive a fabulous goodie bag stuffed with all manner of valuable and useful items. Your gift bag will have items specific to your class and the dishes from a variety of sources including Kaiulani Spices (this stuff is so good!) and Compleat Kitchen amongst others. GourmetCookingHawaii.com can also organize a special class for your group or business and the classes are increasingly popular for business groups. Gift certificates are available and would make a perfectly thoughtful gift for the food lover in your life. *The membrane from the lining of a pig's stomach commonly used to secure stuffed or rolled meat dishes. GourmetCookingHawaii.com Telephone: 735-7788 Email: info@gourmetcookinghawaii.com Website: GourmetCookingHawaii.com WINE THE EXPERIENCE - What an Experience it is, Too! If it weren't for my intrepid better half, I wouldn't have learned about this great shop located on Kapahulu Avenue in Kilohana Square. Since we have a single vehicle, we often car pool to our various appointments and take turns hanging out while the other works. It was this sometimes inconvenient circumstance which led to one of the great discoveries of the year. While I was in a meeting, he was wandering around the shops at Kilohana Square and immediately gravitated to a cool looking shop with lots of wine bottles, and an intriguing name, Wine The Experience. As I headed back to the car, he was eagerly waving at me to come and see what he'd found. And what he'd found is something that will make any wine lover, party planner, corporate entity or just regular folks who enjoy wine very happy. According to Shannon Ball, wine maker and the person in charge of running the day-to-day operations of the business, making wine at home has been around since the days of prohibition, when enterprising vendors came up with the idea of mailing grape juice along with some yeast to customers with instructions not to combine the two or an alcoholic product would result. More recently, the phenomena of wine making as a hobby took hold in North America with Canada really starting the trend about 20 years ago. He said there are about 50 wine making businesses of this basic type in the United States right now, but they have taken the concept a step further by introducing service and style into the operation. What that means is that Wine The Experience is a stylish, user-friendly place with a great atmosphere patterned in part after the wine tasting rooms at wineries which Shannon visited while doing research for the business. The entire process costs between $275 to $300 depending upon the wine you choose to make and the result will be 29 to 30 bottles of your own private label wine. That comes out to less than $10 a bottle on the low end and just over $10 at the high end - and they provide the bottles, labels (more about this later), corks and foil - basically everything you need to create your own bottles of wine. We decided to give it a go, so the first step was to schedule a wine tasting to select the wine we wanted to bottle. We set a date, then called our friends, the Schultzs, and asked them to join us for the tasting. On the appointed day we arrived and Shannon and his father John greeted us with genuine enthusiasm. It is easy to see that this business is a labor of love for the Ball family and that they care very much about what they do and making their customers happy. I learned from Shannon that he and his father did most of the build-out in the facility from the floors (perfect for dancing!) to the painting. They had set up a nice spread of various cheeses and crackers to accompany the wines which made for a nicely festive mood. We were each given a special note card to use for jotting down our impressions of the various wines we would try. After perusing the list of available wines and some discussion, it was decided that, given the time of year and the type of cooking we do during the summer months, we would focus on finding a white wine. We started out with the usual suspects like Chardonnay, Reisling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris then we tried an Australian Murray River Reserve which blended Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat. We also tried an interesting Italian Verdicchio which came in second on our list of possibilities. We finally settled on a Viognier because we found it the most pleasing overall. Barrel of yeast Once our decision was made, Shannon went into the winemaking area and returned a short time later with a "barrel" filled with grape juice and a packet of yeast. We ceremoniously sprinkled the yeast over the juice and then it was returned to the climate controlled warehouse to ferment for two months. We got to take a peek at some of the wines fermenting and noted quite a few barrels for wedding receptions - what a great way to commemorate a special occasion. While we're waiting for our wine to finish we are busy designing our very own labels. At Wine the Experience we saw labels featuring peoples' pets, commemorative ones for weddings, birthdays and anniversaries, labels to promote events such as the Hawaii Film Festival and lots of others that just reflected the unique personalities of the people behind the wine. A particularly notable group of labels was for the Tangueros which is a local group of tango enthusiasts. When it's time to bottle our wine we have the option of not only bottling the wine but holding a party at the same time. For each barrel of wine bottled you can bring along 12 people, so two barrels allows 24 people and so on and so forth with a maximum of 48. If we choose to have a party, we can bring our own food or Shannon will help us find a caterer and make the arrangements. Personally, I think music and dancing is in order along with some really tasty food. Look for the final installment of this wine saga at HawaiiDiner.com sometime in June! Wine The Experience 1016 Kapahulu Avenue Kilohana Square, Ste. 106 Honolulu Monday - Saturday 11am to 9pm Tel: 738-0738 Email: info@winetheexperience.com Website: Wine The Experience The views and information contained are notprovided or endorsed by Oceanic, Time Warner Cable of Hawaii or any affiliate of thisInternet service. The content provided is for general information andentertainment purposes only. Please seek professional advice before acting on any information contained in this web site. Any unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. Visitor Feedback: Fill out the form below to post your feedback for this column. Messages entered here will be attached to the bottom of this column. If you would like to correspond directly to the columnist(s), please use the email option in the Interact menu above. ! Click here to report any obscene or inappropriate posts. We reserve the right to edit/delete any post submitted below. Name: Your Feedback/Comments: Name: kimo sutton Remote Name: 204.210.108.99 Date: Tuesday, May 03, 2005 Time: 10:17 AM Feedback Have you done an article on the largest vegetarian organization in the US (Local)? It is 0ver1,500 stong with lots of discounts, at restaurant, markets, etc... I have been a member for over ten years and the Hawaii Vegetarian Society has speakers and resources for a healthy lifestyle. Check recipes with Dr. Shintani, try the vegetrian dim sum and lunch dishes at the Chinese Cultural center's Legends Vegetarian, the best I have ever tried any where.Take out at Well Bento a goumet chef, or a lunch at Celestrialrial Natural foods little diner, a realnhole in the wall in Haleiwa. Name: tm Remote Name: 69.75.100.193 Date: Tuesday, May 03, 2005 Time: 02:41 PM Feedback Including Leonard's and Liliha Bakery on a hole-in-the-wall tour is a bit of a stretch in my opinion. I'm not saying that those two places aren't totally ono, but surely the tour operators could find more obscure places that actually ARE holes-in-the-wall. Honestly, who hasn't heard of Leonard's or Liliha Bakery? Unless it offers more than a "take-a-ticket-stand-in-line-order-your-pastries" experience, it doesn't seem like it's worth it for local residents. Name: Julie Rosner Remote Name: 66.91.13.93 Date: Tuesday, May 03, 2005 Time: 04:01 PM Feedback What a great article and fun ideas on what to do! I wanted to fly to Honolulu and do all three. Are there any similar businesses on the Big Island? Name: Local Chef Remote Name: 66.8.197.18 Date: Thursday, May 05, 2005 Time: 05:06 PM Feedback I have been on two of the Hawaii Food Tours so far (the Hole in the Wall Tour, and the Hawaiian Feast in Paradise Tour) and I think this company has a winning formula. Matthew Gray and his assistant Keira are warm and funny and fascinating. They told me that the tours were originally designed for tourists, but that a lot of local residents are coming on too. I'm going to get their gift certificates for all my friends and family. *Highly recommended* Name: Bobby Remote Name: 69.75.103.149 Date: Friday, May 06, 2005 Time: 04:16 PM Feedback I agree with TM. I love those places too. But may I offer JJ's French Pastry on Waialae? It's small and the pastry is soooooooo incredible! Name: Gail Remote Name: 66.91.25.226 Date: Saturday, May 07, 2005 Time: 07:28 AM Feedback Thanks for all of the great feedback. To Kimo: Thanks for the vegetarian suggestion. I am aware of HVS and its mission. Send me an email and we can discuss a possible article. To TM & Bobby: Addressing the question of whether or not Leonard's or Liliha should be included in the tour, I believe the tours were originally designed for visitors and local participation happened almost by happy accident. I also think it's possible that many people, myself included, don't live or work near either Leonard's or Liliha and rarely, if ever, enjoy their products. Their inclusion does not bother me at all. Another point is that the restaurant/eatery needs to be able and willing to accomodate groups frequently and not always on an exact schedule - while JJ French Pastry is amazing, it might be difficult for them to manage the influx without annoying regular patrons. To Julie: To the best of my knowledge there are no similar businesses on the Big Island. Plan a getaway and come over to Oahu and enjoy! Name: winefan Remote Name: 66.8.156.112 Date: Monday, May 09, 2005 Time: 08:54 AM Feedback Please note that you spelled two of the wine names wrongly: it's Trimbach not Timbach, and Guigal not Euigal.This whole article reads like a paid-for plug for the merchants concerned, which makes it hard to take the reviews seriously. Name: Gail Remote Name: 66.91.25.226 Date: Monday, May 09, 2005 Time: 01:02 PM Feedback Dear Winefan,The spelling errors are my own and unfortunately they are not easy to correct once the article is posted here. While I am also a wine fan, I am not an expert nor do I pretend to be. Fortunately, one doesn't need to be an expert to enjoy wine. I am mildly offended that you presume the businesses I wrote about paid for the article but not terribly. It's entirely possible that I am more easily pleased than some. For the record, I got paid the same amount for writing the article that you did for expressing your opinion. Cheers, Gail Name: Sugoi's Number One Fan Remote Name: 24.94.68.150 Date: Monday, May 09, 2005 Time: 09:32 PM Feedback I enjoyed reading the article, as it provided me with fun activities to do! I think that the food tours are a great idea for both tourists and kamaaina.As for Sugoi Bento and Catering, I have to admit that I am addicted to their bentos and plate lunches!! They simply are the best out there. Anyone who has not eaten at Sugoi must go!! Their garlic chicken is the best! Name: S&B Remote Name: 66.91.141.158 Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2005 Time: 07:27 AM Feedback The food tour is a great idea. Of the restaurants featured we are familiar with Sugoi and Leonards. Leonards malasadas are always the perfect dessert, especially when they are hot and fresh. Our favorite at Sugoi bento is their mochiko and garlic chicken bentos. They give a generous amount of food and fantastic service. Name: debbiebullman Remote Name: 24.165.58.5 Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2005 Time: 06:19 PM Feedback This was a great article. My favorite by far was on sugoi resturant. They have great food but most of all the service is just cream of the crop. I encourage everyone to enjoy the sugoi experience. Name: Taco Queen Remote Name: 128.171.138.117 Date: Wednesday, May 11, 2005 Time: 01:19 PM Feedback The food tour is such a great idea! Of the restaurants featured, Sugoi's tops my list! I've used them to cater a large event for the UH Law School and everyone couldn't get enough of the food! The service was fantastic and the garlic chicken ... oh so good! Sugoi's is a must! Name: kelly calistro Remote Name: 66.91.66.167 Date: Wednesday, May 11, 2005 Time: 09:51 PM Feedback we love eating sugoi's food!! the food is very tasty and of course the generous portions. good job zach!!!go menes.(coach kel) Name: Amy Laboy Remote Name: 205.188.117.66 Date: Friday, May 13, 2005 Time: 10:15 PM Feedback I love Sugoi! I have been enjoying their food for many years. I love their garlic chicken! They recently catered my son's first bithday party. Everyone raved about the food. I have recommended them to many people since the party. Name: CHANGG020 Remote Name: 66.8.201.36 Date: Saturday, May 14, 2005 Time: 05:26 PM Feedback I SAW UR ADS,AND IT WAS VERY HELPFUL FOR ME AND MY FRIENDS Name: k Remote Name: 66.8.215.216 Date: Monday, May 16, 2005 Time: 08:31 AM Feedback This article sounds like an advertisement for this tour...Couldn't you do this on your own and save some $$$$? Name: Gail Remote Name: 66.91.25.226 Date: Monday, May 16, 2005 Time: 04:08 PM Feedback Hi K, Of course you could do this on your own but the fun of the tour is the interaction with the other people in the group plus Matthew & Keira and getting to see the inside workings of a place like Zaffron. Don't discount the convenience of not having to drive or find parking either. The article is definitely pro-tour so, if you want to call that an advertisement, go ahead. Eat well and enjoy, Gail Name: Matthew Gray -Chief Food Guy at Hawaii Food Tours Remote Name: 66.8.197.18 Date: Monday, May 16, 2005 Time: 09:26 PM Feedback Aloha Friends,<P>It astounds me that there are so many negative posters out there. People like the one who calls him or herself "k" obviously doesn't "get it." Gail Jennings is doing you a service by highlighting businesses such as my <A HREF=" http://www.hawaiifoodtours.com ">Hawaii Food Tours</A>. Gail is not a critic; she is a writer who focuses on the positive elements of things around her. She is smart, delightful and always welcome in my world. <P><B>*Special note to "k"</B> -- Doing the tour by yourself to "save money" is not what we're about. However, it sounds as though you'd prefer to try and save a few bucks instead of getting out and experiencing a fun, informative, delicious, and social event. And that's okay with us; most people love what we're doing and will most likely return for more of what we offer.<P>To the rest of you open-minded people, I look forward to meeting & feeding you one day soon... Name: Glenn Remote Name: 66.8.241.109 Date: Thursday, May 19, 2005 Time: 04:26 PM Feedback Interesting article. I will mark your column on my 'check out' list. Name: stuffed duck Remote Name: 66.8.144.75 Date: Friday, May 20, 2005 Time: 04:25 PM Feedback this made me salivate, the tour will put on the pounds joyfully. too bad we can't smell over the web. next write more stories with the wine stop. the crew is very friendly and bring great discoveries to town. Name: trish Remote Name: 4.63.194.16 Date: Saturday, May 21, 2005 Time: 09:23 AM Feedback Loved your article! My husband & I were looking for fresh ideas to spice up our dates. Thank you for your inspirational reviews. Name: Ter Yaki Remote Name: 66.8.248.193 Date: Thursday, May 26, 2005 Time: 03:02 AM Feedback Gail, one of your best articles yet. Being from Oahu but now living in Hilo, this gives my husband and I another reason to fly home and drag my Mom across the island for the day, but this time eating our way through! Thank you so much... Name: Ter Yaki Remote Name: 66.8.248.193 Date: Thursday, May 26, 2005 Time: 03:02 AM Feedback Gail, one of your best articles yet. Being from Oahu but now living in Hilo, this gives my husband and I another reason to fly home and drag my Mom across the island for the day, but this time eating our way through! Thank you so much... Name: Merrie Monarch LR Remote Name: 70.93.45.58 Date: Friday, June 03, 2005 Time: 08:44 AM Feedback ALOHA Mahalo for writing about Wine the Experience. It seems to be an ingenious business and which I would like to use to put up some wine. Except for your excellent article I would have not known and suspect many others would not have known about it. I used to love Honolulu and Oahu 20-30 years ago but like the Big Island so much I only reluctantly go to Honolulu every several years. Wine the Experience might motivate me to go to Honolulu sooner. ALOHA || On Top || Reviews || Food || Health || 1998-2006 Oceanic Time Warner Cable [ Back to Around Town ] Web www.aroundhawaii.com Save money and shop online @ Shop.AroundHawaii.com today!

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