Where to Feast on New Year’s Eve

By Vanessa Wolf

2015 is upon us and what better way to ring it in than with a full belly?

Whether you’re a formal dinner or buffet bonanza type, consider these opportunities for chowing down next Wednesday, December 31.

The Banyan Tree

The Banyan Tree Restaurant in the Ritz Carlton Kapalua is offering a four-course menu from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

It opens with an amuse bouche of lemon curry broiled lobster parfait with avocado and crème fraiche.

That’s followed by a course of seared sea scallops with pancetta, pineapple and celery root puree.

Then comes homemade burrata with grilled figs and baby arugula before your choice of either a prime ribeye of beef with roesti potatoes, truffle butter and alii mushrooms or cinnamon-crusted lamb with sweet potatoes and sage-lemon risotto.

Save room for your dessert of warm bitter chocolate souffle cake with lilikoi sorbet.

The meal is available for $130 per person. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 808-669-6200.

Three’s Bar and Grill

If your budget’s a little less lavish, consider the prix fixe menu at Three’s.

Beginning at 5 p.m. the  four-course meal starts with your choice of an oyster sampler, crab cakes or a pork quesadilla.

Next is your choice of ocean or caesar salad, followed by one of four entrees:

• fresh island fish
• prime rib
• macadamia nut chicken
• Hawaiian style ribs

Worn out from all those decisions? Take a breather, as dessert is chef’s choice.

The meal is available for $55 per person, and reservations can be made by calling 808-879-3133.

Makena Beach and Golf Resort

If your motto is “eat big or go home,” then the Makena Beach and Golf Resort has an opportunity with your name on it.

Their New Year’s Eve Tapas Buffet and ball drop party is available from 5:30 to 10 p.m. with ball drops and champagne toasts at both 10 p.m. and midnight.

Featuring tapa-like selections from around the world, anticipate Italian options like crispy calamari and Caprese salad with freshly pulled mozzarella.

The French station offers buerre monte (butter) poached lobster tails and truffle, shallot and pancetta-stuffed filet mignon.

Rounding out the countries that aren’t Spain, the menu culminates with Asian bites such as tempura, dim sum, sushi and veggies and seafood fired on a Hibachi grill.

The buffet is offered at $90 per person and $50 for kids five to 12.

Call 808- 875 -5888 to make reservations.

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