We have friends who come to Maui a couple times a year for extended stays. We met them when they purchased timeshare resales at The Westin Ka anapali Ocean Resort Villas and The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas North.
They live in upstate New York and have been coming to the island for 30 years. I wanted to do something special for them that they had not experienced before on the island. So, I started thinking of things we could do that they had not done before.
Our friends Pierre and Annabelle make pizzas in Kula 3 days a week. Pierre was the Pizza Chef at Ferraros at the Four Seasons for ten years. He does not just do pizzas, but the most amazing and wonderful pizzas. We asked them last Tuesday if they could cater a lunch menu for the four of us somewhere special on the island.
I remember one of the most incredible dinners Syed and I ever had was when we had a private chef cook for us on the beach in Lahaina. That was outlawed a few years back so lunch on the beach was out of the question.
Annabelle said that she knew the Thompson’s of Thompson Ranch. If you have ever taken the drive down Thompson road just past Grandma’s in Kaokea to see Oprah’s house, you have been on Thompson Road. These are the same Thompson’s that the road is named after.
Teresa Thompson told me that her father built that road. Annabelle said we could have lunch at a cabin on the Thompson Ranch. The menu sounded wonderful and to be on 1,400 acres of private ranch land sounded like fun to me.
We told our friends that we were looking at purchasing some land and wanted their opinion. As soon as we got to the house to meet the drivers of a four-wheel drive truck and a jeep I am pretty sure our guests did not think we were looking at land. So, Syed got in the jeep, Dan got in the front of the truck and Dale and I got in the back of the truck. WHAT A RIDE! I laugh just thinking about it. The ride was about 30 minutes long of bump and grind. I have never done one of those ATV rides but I imagine it is similar.
The Thompson’s have a couple hundred heads of goats, cows and also a horse stable. There were roosters, chickens, turkeys and some kind of hens and dogs. The road was hardly a road but I must admit it is more fun than I have had in a long time. And this was only on our ride to where we would be having lunch.
Once we got to our lunch spot, Annabelle and Pierre had set up a canopy for us to have lunch under. Good thing since the weather was certainly that! Lots of different kinds of weather all day. We had sun, lots of fog rolling in and out, rain, more fog. It was beautiful. And then the food!
OMG they prepared an eight course meal out in the middle of nowhere complete with a beautifully set table, china and crystal stemware. I have eaten at many of the Top Chefs restaurants here on the islands and on the mainland and I have got to say, Pierre is over the top amazing in presentation and flavor. Can you tell I watch the cooking shows?
If you are looking for a special occasion or just want to do something very different, I would highly recommend calling Picnic in Paradise at 808-463-6810. If you are upcountry on Wednesday, stop by Morihara General Store, Kula or on Friday and Saturday stop by Longs Drugs, Pukalani where you can experience their pizzas and meet them for yourself!
Our first course was Toasted Coriander & Carrot Soup
Second – Ahi Sashimi Puff Pastry with Fennel Puree and Maldon salt
Third – Foie Gras Parfait with a Maderia Wine Jelly and Crostinis
Fourth – Pan Seared Fresh Opah served with fresh Kula mixed baby greens and a citrus vinaigrette top with toasted macnuts
Fifth – Lemon sorbet with vodka
Sixth – Crispy braised pork belly with a local pumpkin puree, sauteed crimini mushrooms and a Madeira wine sauce
Seventh – Fresh local venison tenderloin seared with a blueberry gastric & a juniper berry & rosemary crispy polenta
Eighth – Tahitian Vanilla Bean Spiced mango Panacotta with a Maui Gold Pineapple Coulis
Followed with coffee or tea
We brought our own wine and truly enjoyed a day to remember with our friends!
Advantage Vacation is a member of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) and offers the best buys on the timeshare re sales market today. We never charge an upfront fee for clients who want to sell a timeshare and only receive a commission, paid from escrow, when the transaction is closed.
We are leaders in the timeshare resale secondary market, have been in the timeshare industry for over 30 years and are Accredited Members of the BBB with an A+ Rating.
Advantage Vacation is using Twitter and Facebook to help educate people on the changes in the timeshare industry along with current timeshare tips, up to date timeshare news and timeshare FAQ’s.
We hope you will follow us and our blog, Timeshare Blogging by Advantage Vacation for the latest news and reviews. If our site does not answer your question or questions, please email us your question and we will answer it and add it to our library. Make your voice heard – what questions do you have?
At Advantage Vacation you can be assured you are working with professionals who believe that honesty and integrity are the most important aspects of the business they are in – timeshare re sales. Our business has been built on relationships and we pride ourselves on providing excellent service to our clients.
Would you like more information about Advantage Vacation?
Cheri, this menu is phenomenal … Exactly what I would love to offer guests (Dining in the Country on Maui). I just came from Longs Pukalani and met Jose of The Puerto Rican Food Truck. Next time Puluhu Pizza!!! He mentioned events at Morohara Store in Kula and also an event tomorrow at the MACC (Maui Arts and Cultural Center) food trucks will be at.
Thanks for your comment Marilyn. Let me know next time you plan on going to Puluhu Pizza. I would love to meet you there. Long time no see.