Progressive dinner trail weaves through historic Lahaina

Chef Sheldon Simeon of Star Noodle shows docent Basaba Yip Douglas one of the Asian delicacies to be served at the Progressive Dinner at Wo Hing Museum.
LAHAINA—Guests attending the Second Annual Progressive Dinner through Lahaina’s historic sites on May 28 and 29 will have the opportunity to “meet” Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the Hawaiian-educated revolutionary who ended China’s mighty Manchu Dynasty.
Visiting Hawaii six times between 1879 and 1910, Dr. Sun Yat-sen led the revolution that established China’s first democracy in 1911. Sun is reported to have said, “It was here (in Hawaii) that I came to understand what modern civilized governments are like and what they mean.”
The costumed character portraying Dr. Sun Yat-sen will greet visitors at the dinner’s first stop at Wo Hing Museum on Front Street where Chef Sheldon Simeon of Lahaina’s newest restaurant, Star Noodle, will provide Lahaina Fried Soup and other Asian delicacies.
The revered leader Dr. Sun Yat-sen will deliver a welcoming speech.
Museum officials noted that the former Wo Hing temple has been fully restored; and, although open to the public, locals and visitors may not be well acquainted with the treasures inside.
“Adding the Wo Hing site this year will give our guests a chance to see what the museum is all about,” said docent Busaba Yip Douglas.
Progressive dinner guests will visit four historic sites during the evening, enjoying a different dinner course at each one.
At the Baldwin home, Dr. Dwight Baldwin, played this year by Bunt Burkhalter, and Charlotte Baldwin, portrayed by docent Chi Guyer, will be able to mingle with guests since the cooking will be taken care of by notable chefs.
At two seatings on Friday, David Paul of David Paul’s Island Grill will serve Pan-Seared and Truffled Chicken with Early Harvest Spring Squash, Brussels Sprouts and Kennebec Potatoes in a Sherry Sauce Finish.
On Saturday, Executive Chef Alex Stanislaw of the Plantation House Restaurant will prepare Roasted New York Strip Steak and Oil Poached Moi, Mediterranean Olive Tapenade and Kapalua Vegetables.
“We are really excited about this year’s dinner. We are changing it around and spicing it up,” said Theo Morrison, executive director of Lahaina Restoration Foundation.
"We will be serving fine wines and delectable food from Maui’s top chefs. The historic reenactments at each site add authenticity to the evening while providing unique, interactive entertainment for our guests,” she said.
“There will also be freshly picked local salad prepared by the Maui Culinary Academy and served under the stars at Hale Aloha. The signature dessert buffet to be held at the historic Pioneer Inn will feature a wide array of delectable desserts created by ten different chefs. The dinner will be accompanied by skits performed by costumed actors playing the parts of missionaries, whalers and townspeople.” Morrison added.
Proceeds from the event will be used for the restoration and preservation of Lahaina’s historic sites.
Tickets for the 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. seatings May 28 and 29 are $135, all inclusive with $60 of the ticket price tax deductible.
Attendance is limited to persons 21-years or older.
Reservations can be made online at www.lahainarestoration.org <www.lahainarestoration.org> or by calling the Lahaina Restoration Foundation office at 808-661-3262.