Maui - Hawaii with Kids - page 264

KAPALUA
Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar PACIFIC RIM Here's a
restaurant that not only offers perpetually award-winning dishes (an extensive
menu of Japanese and East-West delicacies—furiously fusion, part Hawaiian
regional Cuisine, and all parts sushi), but also is fun. Be sure to ask to sit at the
counter, where your kids will be entertained by the sushi chefs as they whip up
incredibly imaginative dishes. Sansei is tirelessly creative, with a menu that
scores higher with adventurous palates than with purists (although there are
endless traditional choices as well). There's no kids' menu, but they will do a
small teriyaki chicken ($4.95), udon or ramen noodles ($10), or tempura ($9).
Plus there's plenty of selections on the regular menu to choose from: panko-
crusted ahi sashimi, ahi carpaccio, lobster, Asian rock-shrimp cakes, and sauces
that surprise, in creative combinations such as ginger-lime chile butter and
cilantro pesto. But there's simpler fare as well, such as shrimp tempura, noodles,
and wok-tossed upcountry vegetables. Desserts are not to be missed. If it's
autumn, don't pass up persimmon crême brûlée made with Kula persimmons.
In other seasons, opt for tempura-fried ice cream with chocolate sauce. Tip: Eat
early; all food is 25% off between 5:30 and 6pm.
There's another location at Kihei Town Center, Kihei ( & 808/879-0004).
At the Kapalua Shops, 115 Bay Dr. & 808/669-6286. www.sanseihawaii.com. Highchairs, boosters, crayons.
Reservations recommended. Main courses $16-$38. AE, DISC, MC, V. Daily 5:30-10pm.
Vino ITALIAN Probably the best Italian food on Maui is served
at this exquisite restaurant overlooking the rolling hills of the Kapalua Golf
Course. It's run by D. K. Kodama, chef and owner of Sansei Seafood Restaurant
and Sushi Bar (see above); and by master sommelier Chuck Furuya. The two
teamed up to create a culinary adventure for foodies and children of foodies. The
Bambini menu (for kids 11 and under) features vegetables crudo (raw carrots,
celery, and apple wedges) or warm crispy mozzarella wedges to start. Entrees for
the keiki include dishes ranging from the familiar macaroni and cheese and
spaghetti and meatballs to the more adventurous fettuccine Alfredo with
chicken.
On the big person's menu, every dish is perfectly paired with wine. (The wine
list alone features more than 150 selections, many of them estate wines exclusive
to Vino.) The menu changes constantly, but it always features lots of homemade
pastas, classic and contemporary preparations of poultry and meat, and special
fish and seafood dishes nightly. If “silk handkerchiefs” is on the menu, don't miss
them: house-made squares of egg pasta tossed in local basil pesto with oven-
roasted Roma tomatoes, toasted salted almonds, and Romano cheese. Lunch is
lighter fare: unusual salads, a “killer” chicken sandwich, a quarter-pounder hot
dog, and fresh fish. Go to Vino's early during your stay on Maui—you most
likely will want to return.
Kapalua Village Course Golf Club House, Kapalua Resort. & 808/661-VINO. Kids' menu, highchairs, boost-
ers. Reservations recommended. Main courses $12-$24; kids' menu $4.95-$8.95. AE, DISC, MC, V. Daily
11am-2pm and 4:50-10pm.
SOUTH MAUI
KIHEI/MAALAEA
There's a Maui Tacos at Kamaole Beach Center in Kihei ( & 808/879-5005 ).
Moderate
Stella Blues Cafe AMERICAN Stella Blues gets going at breakfast and
continues through to dinner with something for everyone—vegetarians, kids,

Finds