Best of Maui 2013 by Maui Publishing Company

Mama’s Fish House Best Restaurant Overall epeat winner Mama’s Fish House once again raises the bar to stellar new heights as the Best Restaurant Overall on Maui. Diners rave about its idyllic coconut grove, ocean surf, mai tais, impeccable service and fresh-as-it-gets fish. But in 2013, it’s not only a winner, but a thriver, a survivor, and a supporter of community interests. The iconic restaurant oceanfront on Kuau Cove celebrates 40 successful years in 2013, a feat in and of itself. It also made headlines as being the first private venture in the state to subsidize a FAD, or fishing aggregate device, in deep ocean waters, as an aid to local fishermen. On Father’s Day, Mama’s and its large staff of employees and celebrating diners were brushed too close for comfort with a raging cane fire. “We all saw a way of life for 325 employees threatened that day, and because of the Maui Fire Department, a major tragedy was averted,” Karen Christenson, daughter of founders Floyd and Doris Christenson, says. “There aren’t words to express our gratitude.” Most recently, Tropical Storm Flossie bore down on Maui’s north shore with an incredible thunder and lightening show combined with high winds, and Mama’s team hunkered down, protected and fed hundreds of stranded diners — including movie star Jamie Lee Curtis. Now, it’s back to business as usual, as the consistent No. 1 choice to dine for anyone who visits our island. Of course, locals covet the chance to dine there on special occasions. It’s at the top of Maui’s heap, and memories of meals linger long on the palate. This year, Mama’s also won Best Seafood, and got Honorable Mentions for Best Ambience, Best Appetizer, and last, but certainly not least, Best Service. So it’s no wonder it ranks as Best Overall Restaurant on Maui. The look, the feel, the taste all transport you into a Polynesian paradise. Even before you arrive at the valet stand, you’ll see a white fishing boat beckoning at the entrance. Walk along the gecko-shaped stones under the coconut grove, pass an

Mama’s staffers love to wear vintage muumuu procured just for them. The fashionistas include Front Server Noele McClure (from left), Office Manager Theresa Munoz, Hostess Nikki Sadang, Reservations Manager Hehoku Najera, Reservationist Christine Johnson, Hostess Mana Magbaleta and Accounting’s Kaileen Rickards. Mama’s Fish House photo

outrigger canoe and a banyan arch. Peruse all of the celebrity photos on the wall before being seated and wait for the meal of a lifetime, whether it be lunch, dinner or pupu at the bar. “My latest fave is Executive Chef Perry Bateman’s grilled mahimahi salad with kale and quinoa — served with a little glass of chilled coconut water — healthy, fresh and so, so ono!” says Christenson. “Then there are the new flavors on his sashimi trio you have to have!” Sip a vintage tropical such as the Mai Tai Roa Ae, created in 1944 by Trader Vic Bergeron. Or opt for a contemporary

Pink Floyd, named after the legendary owner. Bread is baked fresh daily, and an amuse bouche of, say, coconut, crab and lemongrass soup is brought to the table to whet your appetite. At least six varieties of fresh catch are served daily. The menu lists the fishermen who caught them. The most popular entree is mahimahi stuffed with lobster and crab, baked in a macadamia-nut crust, caught by Greg Lind out of Hana Bay. Poi, the beloved starchy Hawaiian staple, is complementary with any appetizer. Just ask your server. “You don’t know poi until you’ve

tried Chef Perry’s fresh poi,” says Christenson. “And, I’ve been eating poi for a very long time, since it was served in a yellow pyrex bowl on the kitchen table at Keahi’s of Lahaina, where it was as customary to take your slippers off at the door as it was to stick two or three fingers in the poi bowl as you walked into the house.” Of course, you must indulge in Mama’s desserts as well. Do try the Polynesian Black Pearl, a lilikoi-chocolate mousse in a seashell-shaped pastry. Sip private-estate coffee from a French-press urn, and know you’ve had the best meal on Maui.