Maui County Farm Bureau’s Friend of Agriculture:
Peter Merriman of Merriman’s Kapalua

Excellence in Sustainability:
Jurg Munch of Lahaina Grill

Chef of the Year: Perry Bateman of Mama’s Fish House

Restaurant of the Year
Gold: Pineapple Grill, Kapalua
Silver: Lahaina Grill, Lahaina
 

The ‘Aipono Awards are the first high-profile restaurant awards devoted entirely to Maui. They are awards of honor and distinction determined by our readers, the residents and visitors of Maui. The prestigious Chef of the Year title is decided by peer review, voted on exclusively by Maui chefs and industry insiders.

The annual ‘Aipono Awards Gala is a benefit for the Maui Culinary Academy. Reserve your tickets for the 2010 ‘Aipono Gala in advance, as this event sells out! Guests are regaled with wines and spirits by Better Brands and Grand Crew, sumptuous pupu (appetizers) prepared and served by Academy students, and a fabulous gourmet dinner hosted by three ‘Aipono-winning restaurants. Students enjoy the invaluable experience of working alongside sponsor restaurant chefs on the day of the event, in preparing the gala’s dinner. Ticket sales generate valuable unencumbered funds for the school, as well as scholarship money for deserving students. At this event—everyone’s a winner!

Throughout the year, the ‘Aipono Winemaker’s Dinner Series brings the industry’s top winemakers to ‘Aipono Award-winning restaurants. Dinners are designed to be intimate and educational, with personal appearances by winery owners and/or representatives. Proceeds benefit the Maui Culinary Academy.