Yes, we know it’s summer. But things are really heating up at the Grand Wailea! Saturday, July 7th, was the second time for the Fire It Up! “barbecue of the Pacific! Several guest chefs from near and far:
This year’s participants include repeats Justin Brunson of Old Major in Denver; Sam Jones of Sam Jones Barbecue in Winterville, N.C.; Hubert Keller of Fleur in Las Vegas; Chris Lilly of Bob Gibson Barbecue in Decatur, Ala; Wayne Mueller of Louie Mueller BBQ in Taylor, Texas; Aaron Sanchez of Johnny Sanchez in New Orleans; and Maui’s Sheldon Simeon of Tin Roof in Kahului and the upcoming Lineage at The Shops at Wailea.
This event has become so popular (and smokin’ hot delicious!) that several major media outlets are here to cover the event. They include Travel + Leisure, Wine Enthusiast, the Food Network, Food & Wine, Coast Magazine, USA Today and Texas Monthly. This event was packed with local food, professional chefs, Aaron Sanchez – judge for the TV show Chopped, custom cocktails, a traditional imu, fabulous desserts, and more.
Get all the barbecue details over at MauiNow.com.
The article also includes an opening announcement for Okoa, a new outdoor barbecue restaurant at the Grand Wailea.
“Okoa will feature a 26-foot smoker that we got out of Houston,” says Gonzalez. “It will be a barbecue restaurant with tastes from all over the land, from the various regions including the Carolinas, Alabama and Texas and Hawaii.”