Tropical Plantation

04-22: This morning we were on our way to Maui Tropical Plantation. I guess it is a bad idea to go back to places you have been, as they are not the same. It was the usual tram ride to see various plants and trees, along with the coconut husking demonstration. They no longer give tastes of the fresh coconut or bananas as they used to. There are lots of lovely flowers, ducks, chickens, and more. We planned to eat at Café O’Lea but there is a private event and it is closed to the public. We left there and went to Maalaea Harbor to the Seascape Restaurant for lunch. I had a burger and Stuart had tacos. Service was good and so was the food. Time for some computer work, photos, and games. 

Morimoto Maui

04-21: Another quiet and peaceful day. We had a delightful walk on the beach and watched the waves for a little while. I am surprised at the large number of people on the beach for a Tuesday. We played games in the afternoon and perused the Morimoto menu, which is where we will dine tonight. We are both excited about this menu. We have been to Morimoto’s at Sea several times and I have been to the Napa location many years ago, but this will be different. Our drive down to Wailea took a bit longer because of the washed-out road but it is still very close. Instead of being in the Wailea Mall area, it is actually located at the Andaz Resort, a pretty posh place. Morimoto was a bit of a surprise. It was not fancy or Asian looking at all. Outdoor furniture graced the patio where we ate, it wasn’t very comfortable. Service was pretty good. The waiter we started out with was well informed, but he was not our waiter for the whole time. We decided to try the tasting menu with wine paring. Things started out great. Toro tartar was a nice dish. It was beautifully presented with tiny rice cracker balls on top, caviar, and finishing salt as well. The soy dashi had freshly ground wasabi, which was quite mild and tasty with a little Japanese peach for a palate cleanser. The blue fin was so finely chopped, it felt like it was pureed. The next course was my favorite. Seasonal fish carpaccio, tonight is red snapper.  Using soy and Mitsuba, which is somewhat like parsley and cilantro, and on the top the orangey, yellow stuff is Uni from a sea urchin from a certain area of Japan. Delicious! The next plate was Nigiri with Chu Toro, Hamachi, Salmon, Campachi, and Big Eye Tuna. A palate cleanser was next but neither of us cared for that. It was supposed to be cucumber sorbet but it tasted like lawn clippings to me! Our next course was surf and turf; it was quite disappointing. The Australian wagyu was overcooked the shrimp with it were okay, but small and the duck fat brussels sprouts were just okay as well. We have canceled next week's wine in wagyu because we don't want that same steak again. Stuart didn’t finish his. We watched the end of the Luau taking place on the grounds. Back to the condo and Rummikub.

Monday in Maui

04-20: Relaxing is the name of the game here in Maui! Even though I woke up really early, I feel rested. We had coffee and cereal then worked on our laptops. Around 1p we headed out to find a food truck that we read about. We found a wonderful new (to me) place right near the timeshare, walking distance really, but we drove! South Maui Gardens is truly a hidden oasis! We ate at Kitoko's and had a delicious Maui Beef Sloppy Joe’s. This place is in a beautiful, spacious pod of assorted food trucks. There is garden seating throughout the pod and it's very relaxing and enjoyable. Prices are reasonable (it's Maui) with many options. No alcohol is served at any of the food trucks.  We will definitely visit again! Thai Mee Up will probably be our next choice! We decided to take a short drive to look around but the traffic was stop and go with a lot of road construction. Perhaps that is because of the recent flooding? We gave up and headed back to the timeshare. Part of the afternoon was playing Phase 10 and part working on my many photos that need to be in albums! Games in the afternoon and evening. No real sunset tonight because of clouds. However, we did not have the rain that was forecast around 3p.

Sunday in Maui

04-19: After we got up, we had coffee and did a few things on our laptops. We also unpacked! We decided on Maui Brewing Company for lunch before heading to Safeway for groceries. The atmosphere was nice, and the place is still beautiful. The service was very good, but the food was subpar for sure. Cold fries and onion rings... they did give us some fresh ones. Then, the fries were hot, but the onion rings were just barely warm. It was disappointing, and I don't think I want to go back there with all the other options available.

Safeway prices seemed outstanding! Two bags of groceries, $244. Of course, we bought a few bottles of wine. Everything costs more at home as well. I was surprised that simple salami 8oz. costs as much as a 2-pound pack at Costco in Clovis! We are tired this afternoon so didn’t do much. We finally got the TV to work. The internet drops frequently. I guess I will inquire in the office about that. Later we went to the ABC Store and got Stuart his first pair of Hawaiian slippers. Everyone likes them, I hope he does! We weren’t hungry for dinner, but we had a few grapes. We finished the day by playing Rummikub.