“We are so grateful for the great memories and moments we’ve shared like this this one in Maui, and we
look forward to so many more.” —Mom and Dad
Since Michelle’s birthday is December 3, and we left for our annual family vacation the next day, we didn’t have a chance to celebrate, so we made plans to celebrate in Maui.For anyone going to this wonderful island these days, you have to book your restaurant reservations well in advance of your vacation plans. We decided on Japengo, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa’s award winning restaurant just next door to the Marriott Vacation Ocean Club where we are staying. Some say it is regarded as one of the best on the island. Kyle, Michelle and Jason can attest to the quality of their food as they had eaten there before. The chefs at Japengo offers up Asian-inspired cuisine with local flavor and a scenic coastal ambiance, and ocean views. We were seated at an outdoor door patio overlooking the resort’s waterfalls, pool and Ka’anapali Beach. The truth is whenever we get together to celebrate family events like this we are contented anywhere we go. But, this was something special.
We began our gastronomic adventure with Mai Tai's and starter dishes such as Kung Pao Duck meatballs, Tomato and Creamy Corn Risotto, Crispy Pork Belly Bao Buns, Korean Seafood Pancake. Cecile enjoyed Mango and Prawns Salad as her entree, I had Stir Fried Local Vegetables and Tofu that was fabulous and Jason, Michelle and Kyle had an assortment of Sushi Rolls, while our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy shared a children's size fresh mahi-mahi, veggies and rice. The had an absolutely great time at the dinner table and brought us all much joy. As a substitute to a traditional birthday cake, we feasted on Kaanapali Ice Cream Pie, a brownie crust layered with fresh bananas, ice cream topped with caramel and chocolate sauce.
Postscript: Mikaela (mah-KAY-le) is the Hawaiian version of the Hebrew name Michelle & Japengo means widely open for new experiences.
