It was a last minute offer I couldn’t refuse : Join some journalists from across the United States and Canada on a trip to explore Maui’s newest island resort.
The kicker : I’d have make room in my schedule to within a week.
So to refresh: Leave Toronto at the height of the Mayor Rob Ford controversy, walk away from my parka, snow boots and bitter winds and spend a glorious weekend with a beach view?
Lets just say that it didn’t take long for me to pack.
The hotel – the Andaz Maui Resort – was incredible, the views were breathtaking and of course the weather didn’t disappoint, but it was the food that really wowed.
Chef Ben is a Maui local and his love for the local produce shines through the menu.
Guests were salivating over the fresh cut papaya, guava and other local fruits at breakfast and while those were fabulous, it was the incredibly delicious offerings throughout the day that got me.
Among my favourites:
Lobster Grilled Cheese sandwich with macaroni salad at Bumbeye Bar
Maui Onion Rings 2.0: Tempura onion rings with panko and furikake and cucumber ranch; Summer Rolls: Shrimp, carrots, mint, basil, spicy crunchy peanut dip
Bacon and Eggs: grilled slab bacon, baked eggs, spinach, tomatoes and paniolo potatoes
Grilled Slab Bacon: It’s more like a mini brown sugar glazed pork chop. So good I had it twice. (no shame in my game)
I still have dreams that these factor into. Iron Chef Morimoto’s Hamachi Fish Tacos.
As you can imagine the re-entry to Canadian weather and having to cook for myself was a rough one.
Still worth it.
Watch for my story on another incredible part of the hotel – the Awili Spa in an upcoing Toronto Star Travel Section.
It is 11:25pm and I wasn’t at all hungry but now that I’ve seen these pictures I want some food. I don’t know whether to hug you or hurt you. :- )
Sorry Roni! If it makes you feel any better, I did the same thing to myself. :/