We talk a lot about mindful eating here, and for a lot of good reasons! But, for me at least, I often think of it as a personal practice. Maybe not alone, exactly, but it’s something I do for myself – not because someone else is influencing it.
But when describing my incredible outdoor dining experience at Kiawe Outdoor, one of the first words that comes to mind is “mindful,” along with thoughtful, noble, and, Oh my God, how am I so lucky?
I happened to be in Maui for my husband’s job (yes, that’s a big part of the answer to that last question), and when a PR contact contacted Kiawe Outdoor to host an experiential dinner later that week, she Ate several locations available for media. Luckily we had no work obligations that night (luck again), so we gladly accepted.
so. Happy.
I believe that atmosphere and company are as important as the ingredients when it comes to truly enhancing a dining experience, which is part of what makes Kiawe Outdoor events so special. Not only can you get their famous coal-fired sourdough bread with Kihei mango butter and sea salt, but you can also see them taking the bread right off the fire and baking it in a cast-iron Dutch oven. Not only are you sipping what may be the best sparkling wine you’ve ever tasted, you can watch the sommelier open it with a knife (or, if you’re lucky, even try it yourself!).
Every wine they open comes with a thoughtful story, usually about its origins but always at least one explanation of why it pairs so well with each dish. (In one case, the story lasted nearly 10 minutes, during which we all sat, eyes closed, following a grape as it transformed into wine and recalling each point in our wine journey.)
Kiawe Outdoor founder Yeshua Goodman has been running, hunting, fishing, and sharing her catch with friends around the campfire since she was a child. After becoming a master sommelier, he decided to combine his love of wine with his appreciation of the island’s rich produce, all with the experience of sharing special meals prepared over an open fire, served in the gorgeous outdoors The venue uses vintage glassware. Impeccable tablescape.
Oh, not just any An open flame will do. Every dish, from the most incredible snapper stew to the mushroom gnocchi that turned even Jared into a mushroom lover, is cooked over wood or using smoke from Maui’s invasive kiawe tree . This is no accident, in fact, Kiawe Outdoor regularly incorporates other invasive species such as axis deer and wild boar into its menu.
While they offer customized activities, guests can partake in this premium experience with a pre-planned dinner; Kiawe regularly partners with several hotels around Maui, such as the Royal Lahaina Resort, which we joined . (Normally, they host dinner in an area called “The Branches” under a 100-year-old, 40-foot-tall rubber tree, but some high winds caused us to move to a slightly more protected outdoor location.)
Is it expensive? Yeah, I don’t have any argument with that. But it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t regret (especially if you’re smart enough to snap a photo of the bottle and make some notes on the food!). Serious gourmets and wine lovers can ignore the traditional pig roast and opt for this haute dinner without hesitation. Unless you actually encounter a magical whale, I can pretty much guarantee this will be the highlight of your visit.
Have you ever had a dining experience you’ll never forget? Tell me everything! ——Christine