Books: Chew Through Maui

A breezy guide to eating well on the Valley Isle.

The authors of 50 Thrifty Maui Restaurants seem to be shamelessly enjoying themselves. They start off one restaurant review with “B-b-b-b-bentos and Banquets,” in homage to the Elton John song, and another with “We took a break from snorkelin … ” They even confess that they’ve been known to scarf Vienna sausages straight from the can. These are clearly the kind of people one can trust to find an off-the-beaten-path place to grind.

Authors Yvonne Biegel and Jessica Ferracane’s revised edition of 50 Thrifty Maui Restaurants (Watermark Publishing, $8.95) covers lunches that are $10 and under, and dinners under $20. Whether you’re looking for the perfect poached egg or a place with an amazing wine list, a pit stop for vegetarians or a lamb kebab, you’ll find it in this book. A helpful chart gives additional information on each restaurant, such as hours, parking, credit cards accepted and whether alcohol is served. But clearly, the book’s strength is its insider tone. Who else will tell you when the chow fun is likely to sell out, or where to eavesdrop on jurors on lunch break from the nearby courthouse?