By Erica Garza

Monkeypod Kitchen will hold its grand opening this Friday, February 11th in Wailea. Photo courtesy of Monkeypod Kitchen.

Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman will hold its grand opening this Friday, February 11^th at the Wailea Gateway Center.

From award-wining Chef Peter Merriman, one of the founders of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, the casual eatery will feature locally sourced food, 36 handcrafted beers delivered at 29 degrees and an extensive list of wines and cocktails. A menu of comfort foods ensures “handcrafted” dining with items like hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas from a kiawe wood burning oven, range-fed, farm-to-table Maui beef, Merriman’s classic wok charred ahi, and sustainably caught fish tacos. And for those who care to indulge, Monkeypod will also offer a variety of homemade pies. Committed to delivering a totally sustainable experience, the restaurant vows that its only bottled items here will be the wines.

The family-friendly 6,100 square foot restaurant will contain communal tables, a long bar, and intimate lounge spaces in addition to outdoor dining areas. Walls will be adorned with work from local artists, keeping in theme with the menu’s locally driven sentiment.

Monkeypod Kitchen will be open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. for lunch and dinner. The restaurant will also offer catering and can arrange its space to accommodate larger groups.

The grand opening event on Friday will take place from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Wailea Gateway Center.