By Vanessa Wolf

A Chef McDowell creation from the last Makena Beach & Golf Resort dinner. Photo by Vanessa Wolf

This Thursday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m., the Makena Beach & Golf Resort hosts its second wine dinner of the month at its new location, the Café on the Green restaurant.

The traditional six-course sit-down dinner will be held on the open-air trellised veranda of the restaurant. The venue overlooks golf greens as the sun sets.

The dinner celebrates Santa Barbara’s Palmina Clifton Vineyards.

Palmina produces a full range of wines crafted from Italian varietals grown in Santa Barbara County, California. Palmina says it “is not trying to emulate the Italian versions of those wines, but rather translate the history of those grapes to the growing conditions and vineyard sites of the very unique characteristics of Santa Barbara County.” The wines are Italian by inspiration with flavors rooted in Santa Barbara, and all are intended to be a delicious component of a meal.

Founder and winemaker Steve Clifton will be on hand to introduce each vintage.

Executive Chef Marc McDowell’s special menu includes an Ahi and Hamachi tower with pickled radish and cucumber, chili cream and a special yuzu sauce paired with the Palmina’s Botasea Rose.

Next, enjoy a hibachi-seared filet mignon with Asian mushroom risotto, heirloom baby carrots and a kalbi demi paired with Palmina’s Barbera Red.

This is followed by a hazelnut-crusted Colorado lamb chop paired with sweet potato puree, white asparagus, sour cherry and raspberry demi paired with the winery’s Nebiollo.

At least two other mystery courses will arrive before the dessert of warm stuffed crepes with house-made banana ice cream and chocolate sauce.

The dinner is $100 per person (not including tax or gratuity). Seating is limited for both events and reservations are required. Contact 808-874-1111 for more information.

We welcome your feedback. Please let us know if you hear of any new restaurants opening or reopening, total menu overhauls, or simply know of a hidden treasure you want to share. Have a restaurant you want reviewed (or re-reviewed)? Drop us a line – Vanessa(@mauinow.com)