Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman might be Wailea’s hottest new restaurant, and for good reason. Offering spacious indoor/outdoor seating, delicious food, a large lounge area and bar (geared towards a fine craft beer and liquor selection), and talented weekly music, Monkeypod is sure to be a fun time for any occasion.
Here I am with longtime friends & local musicians Tom Conway & Merv Oana
You might notice the name attached to this restaurant is none other than that of Peter Merriman, pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine and numerous Merriman’s Restaurants statewide. Peter was at the forefront of the (now ubiquitous) farm-to-table movement back when he opened his first restaurant in 1988, and continues to display a passion for regional and sustainable cuisine.
Pumpkin Patch Ravioli w/Kiawe-roasted Squash, Chevre, Spinach, Sage Brown Butter
Inspired by the people and products around him, Peter thought: why use fruits and vegetables grown thousands of miles away, picked when green, ripened artificially, and then shipped halfway across the world? Why not work with local farmers to attain the freshest, highest quality ingredients possible. This not only makes food taste better, but also promotes the success of the local community.
So, What’s For Dinner?
For $39, a pre-fixe meal is offered and features a selection of the following. To start, your choice of either Vegan Portuguese Bean Soup or Waipoli Farm Organic Baby Romaine Salad (w/shaved parmesan and Caesar dressing). For the main, either Wood-Rosted Chicken Wings (garlic, chili & rosemary, and tzatziki sauce) or Pumpkin Patch Ravioli (w/Kiawe-roasted squash, chevre, spinach, and sage brown butter) or Organic Macadamia Nut & Panko Crusted Fish of the Day (w/Maui pineapple relish and jamine rice) or Fresh Gnocchi (w/local chard, sauteed mushrooms, tomato coulis, and chevre) or Grass Fed, Hormone-Free, Peppercorn Rubbed Filet Steak (w/Kona coffee honey butter and spicy paniolo onions). And finally a Banana Cream Pie dessert.
Grass Fed, Hormone-Free, Peppercorn Rubbed Filet w/Kona Coffee Honey Butter, Spicy Paniolo Onions
What Did I Choose?
I was feeling quite hungry this evening and asked my server if I could make a substitution for my appetizer. I’ve had the Pumpkin Patch Ravioli before, and knew that this would be a perfect start to meal. As is the norm for Monkeypod, this special request was granted and the dish came out promptly. Boy oh boy, was I happy I asked: the creamy filling of the ravioli and chevre matched perfectly with the vibrant spinach and luscious sage brown butter. This was a home run and is highly recommended.
Banana Cream Pie
For my entree, I couldn’t resist ordering the filet and stacking it up against Ruth’s Famous Filet that I had a couple nights earlier. These are 2 very different preparations, so it’s hard to say exactly which one was better; however, just the fact that these 2 are comparable should speak volumes about the quality of Monkeypod’s. The center was nice and pink, the peppercorn crust was evenly tempered by the Kona coffee honey butter, and the crunchy veggies and onions did well rounding it all together. I’d definitely say get this this if you’re in the mood for a tender steak.
Strawberry Cream Pie
Finally for dessert, and Merriman’s cream pies steal the show. I was lucky to have a couple of friends performing music that evening (seen in the top picture) and they finished their set as I was putting down the last couple bites of steak. They joined me at the bar, and along with the Banana Cream Pie, we also got to try the Strawberry Cream Pie. These 2 were both phenomenal and perfect endings to the meal. With regard to which to choose, I’d say select whatever fruit is your favorite (maybe that’s obvious?). The Strawberry is a bit creamier while the Banana has kind a “foster” thing going for it and is topped with a delicious caramel sauce.
My Overall Impression
Monkeypod Kitchen is a fantastic addition to Wailea resort, as it’s vibrant atmosphere, live music, extensive craft beer list (36 different draft options alone), and daily double happy hour (from 3-5:30 pm & 9-11pm) are unparalleled on Maui. Peter has captured the excellence found in his higher-end restaurants, and offers it here in a more affordable and casual setting. This is a welcome retreat from the (sometimes stuffy) resort dining further South and is a restaurant that I definitely recommend.
Bon Appétit,
Dano Sayles R(B)
808-870-4899