Biancaniello

KAPALUA – Nationally renowned cocktail chef, author and event visionary Matthew Biancaniello is bringing his unique “Eat Your Drink” program to Maui for the first time at a series of events at Montage Kapalua Bay on April 15-16.

A self-taught mixologist whose career has been exploding in the past two years, Biancaniello has been featured in Instyle, Imbibe, Bon Appetit, Saveur, Los Angeles Times, New York Times and more.

His “Eat Your Drink” events at the Montage will bring his handcrafted seasonal and surprising creations to Maui for the first time.

“My ‘eat your drink’ philosophy is part practical, part art and all organic,” said Biancaniello. “Creations are based off of farm-fresh and seasonal ingredients and unlikely pairings. Fresh ingredients and my hunger for experimentation combine as my creativity sets loose, each drink an opportunity to introduce a new way of tasting to cocktail consumption.”

A chef artist that likes to get his hands dirty, his palate includes homemade syrups and ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets. He has formed his own bee colony to produce wild honey specifically for his cocktails, forages in the Santa Monica mountains for unique aromatics, and has a plot in a local community garden to grow his own herbs.

Always looking to push boundaries, one example of his broadening cocktail horizons is his signature alcoholic ice creams with sea urchin and squid ink.

Harper Collins will publish Biancaniello’s first cocktail book, “EAT YOUR DRINK,” in November of 2015.

On Wednesday, April 15, from 5 to 8 p.m., Biancaniello will meet and greet guests during “Drink Up at Cane and Canoe,” an interactive event where he will whip up a special drink menu of uniquely crafted cocktails to pair with Cane & Canoe’s bar menu. Seating is limited.

On Thursday, April 16, at 6 p.m., Biancaniello will join Cane and Canoe Chef Riko Bartolome for a “Collaborative Chef Dinner.” The dynamic duo will create a special food and drink pairing menu featuring innovative interpretations and using locally sourced products. Limited seating at 6 p.m. (one seating); admission is $95 per person.

Events are presented in part by Maui’s Ocean Organic Vodka and Edible Hawaiian Islands.

Reservations are highly recommended. Guests can book via Open Table or call 662-6681.