Chef Lyndon Honda stands before 100 wines and “Four Boards-to-Share.” Photo by Rob Reed.

LAHAINA – “Ah, my Beloved, fill the cup that clears today of past regrets and future fears. Tomorrow? Why tomorrow? I may be myself with yesterday’s 7,000 years.” -The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Oh, if Omar had only lived today on Maui instead of in the Old European World of the 1800s, he would be one happy wine connoisseur! His cup would have runneth over with his choice of 100 wines!

Yes! One-hundred wines to choose from at the new 100 Wines Bistro located at The Melting Pot in Lahaina Gateway Center. The bistro offers the new and exciting European wine concept of wine paired with plates of comfort food to share.

And the talented chef who created a menu to accompany the 100 wines is Oahu-born Lyndon Honda, who was the corporate chef for Old Lahaina Luau and Aloha Mixed Plate for five years.

“I attended the Culinary School at Kapiolani Community College at Diamond Head Campus,” said Chef Honda. “My last stint was at Maui Brewing Company, where I served as general manager and chef.”

“I remember cooking for my mom on Mother’s Day when I was about seven years old,” Chef Honda continued. “I always enjoyed cooking while I was growing up.”

The display of wine bottles on two rectangular tables will take your breath away – there are over 100 bottles and from areas you never heard of!

“For wines by the glass, we have seven wines from seven different countries at $7 and nine wines from nine different grapes at $9 a glass,” said Chef Honda.

Wines by the bottle for $25 are recognized by the blue label and noted as friendly wines and the best value to share with friends. The red label bottles are $35 and known as intriguing wines from a small production – a boutique and romantic wine. The $45 white labels are adventurous wines. Enter their cellar and choose your own perfect wine – oh, would Omar have loved that one!

For our dining pleasure, from the Boards-to-Share section of the menu, we were served on long boards Croque Madame traditional to France, with prosciutto, Gruyere cheese, fried egg, Parmesan Reduction and dijon mustard.

Next, on a second board, we tried Brussel Sprouts from their sister restaurant, Bo-Beau, in San Diego, deep-fried and tossed with pancetta and parmesan, then drizzled with a Balsamic Port Reduction.

The third board contained Grilled Romaine with an Anchovy Roasted Garlic Paneer Cheese and Balsamic Granite – a take on a caesar salad – while the fourth was the French Charcuterie Board with Country Pate Forestier, Truffle Mousse, Rosette de Lyon, mountain-cured ham, assorted cheeses, dijon mustard, caper berries and cornichons. An intriguing Shrimp and Avocado Flatbread accompanied this board along with a Macadamia Nut-crusted Brie.

Besides ordering just from the Board, there are appetizers, soups, salads and fine entrees to choose from.

Soft European background music accompanies the Old World charm of this eclectic bistro that offers comfort food with a casual ambiance.

Shared plates, affordable wines and island friendly service – Omar would have loved it!

For reservations, call 661-6181.

Pau for now…