I mentioned this briefly in a recent food news posting. Here's a bit more about the Best of Maui issue for 2007. Best Mai Tai goes to Mama's Fish House in Paia on the lovely, lush North Shore. I can vouch for that selection...I think. It was potent and came in a big glass. The sun was setting. I get teary-eyed just pondering the memory. Best health food store goes to Mana Foods, also in Paia. Imagine if a crew from Whole Foods escaped and decamped to Maui with a microbus and too much really good wine and you get the idea. Local produce galore. Lots of joyful chaos. Really good prices. Dreadlocks. Nuff said. Best plate lunch -- the unique Hawaii contribution to global cuisine and coronary artery disease -- goes to Aloha Mixed Plate in Lahaina. This place is awesome. It's right on the water, surprisingly, and very down to Earth. The plates come piled high and despite the Lahaina location prices are relatively low. It's actually run by the Old Lahaina Luau company, which has a first rate rep for food service. More to come on Best of Maui in later posts.

—Alex, 08/16/07