Most of us don’t have sufficient funds to hop on a plane to Italy tomorrow to spend a months’ worth of sunny days taking leisurely strolls through blooming fields of grapes, and evenings at twilit dinners followed by long nights of exquisite wines, foods, and music. As painfully true as that fact might be, it doesn’t mean you should pick up that same $7 bottle of Australian Red at Walmart every afternoon when life is all about variety, vivacity, and change. This little inspirational lecture of mine is hopefully enough to remind us that sometimes just a night of something different is just exactly the ticket to brighten up the routine. The Zinfandel Grand Tasting and Cook off will offer beautiful wines from Alexander Valley, Barefoot Cellars, Dogwood Cellars, Hunt Cellars, Leonhardt Vineyards, Mauritson Family, and more. The Maui Culinary Academy will accompany the array of wines with delicious, creative dishes presented by ten culinary students. Try the Foie Gras and Duck Meatballs, Phyllo Wrapped Herb Goat Cheese, Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin, or, if you’ve had enough adventuring for one day, hit up the tried and true Kalua Pork with poi mochi. So, for an evening of local luxury and good company – top winemakers will be mingling with the crowd – come to the Zinfandel Grand Tasting and Cookoff on Friday, May 21st at the Maui Culinary Academy. From 1-5pm the Complimentary Trade Tasting is open to Trade Buyers and Reps only. The public tasting and cookoff is from 6-8:30pm and is $45 for ZAP members, $55 for Non-members, and $65 at the door. Tickets at zinfandel.org or 530-274-4900.

Taste Education will showcase food booths and a farmers Market, as well as Keiki Zone by MauiThing and a Wellness Tent where everyone can learn about healthy eating, composting, and agriculture.  Take a Hawaiian Language lesson from KPOA Radio Morning Mana’o Hos Luana Kawa’a, while being entertained by Maui’s Morning Goddess Alaka’i Paleka and Na Hoku Hanohano award-winner Weldon Kekauoha.

But Wait… That’s not all. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt for Keiki at 12 (under 5 years) and at 12:45 PM (6-10 years old).  Kids can also learn to plant gardens, make reusable bag art, participate in various games and (for an extra fee) horseback rides operated by Thompson Ranch and Maui Tropical Plantation Tram Tour.

The festival opens at 9 am and goes on until 4 pm. Admission and Parking are free.

Tickets for Taste Education can be bought HERE.  In advance – $25 for adults, $10 for keiki.  At the festival – $30 for adults, $15 for keiki.

Participating chefs/restaurants in Taste Education include: Mark Ellman of Mala’s Ocean Tavern Lahaina, Corey Waite of Mala Wailea, Ryan Urig of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Joey Macadangdang of Royʻs Kahana, Scott McGill of Hula Grill in Kāʻanapali, Todd Carlos of Dukeʻs Beach House Maui,  Jennifer Nguyen of A Saigon Cafe, Jennah Haugaard of Flatbread Company, Ryan Luckey of Pineapple Grill at Kapalua Resort, Neil Murphy of Merrimanʻs Kapalua, Justin Pardo of Market Fresh Bistro, Ben Marquez of Maui Culinary Academy, David Paul of David Paul’s Island Grill, Ivan Pahk of Sansei Restaurant & Seafood Bar Kapalua & Kihei and Chef Tyler Conarroe of Whole Foods Market.

The farmer/rancher and chef presentation schedule is:

Ingredients for “Le Grinds” will also showcase local purveyors with 90% grown / raised on Maui.  Maui Cattle Co., Ali’i Kula Lavender, Surfing Goat Dairy and Kula Coffee to mention a few.   For all the foodies 21 and up, Better Brands will be serving wines for $5/ glass. All proceeds support MCA’s Student Aid Program.

LE GRINDS

Place: Paina Culinary Arts Center, Maui Community College, 310 W Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului, Maui

Date: Thursday, Nov. 19th, 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Cost: $30 / person, $17 MCC students w/ valid ID

If spam masugbi isn’t cutting the mustard,  reserve your seat at “Le Grinds” Thurs, Nov 19.  5:30 – 8:30pm SEATING IS LIMITED!!!