Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa invites travelers to partake in two new culinary experiences available starting in May, the Culture & Culinary Series and the Distiller Series.

The Culture & Culinary Series is an interactive gourmet experience that highlights indigenous Hawaiian culture, locally-sourced ingredients and island beverages through one-hour talk story sessions and cooking demonstrations. Presented by Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa’s Cultural Advisor Jack Stone and Executive Sous Chef Chris Lederer, the collaborative and fun series will begin with an in-depth talk story session with Stone, who will discuss the history of the featured ingredient, cultural significance, origin, uses in traditional Hawaiian cooking, and more. Executive Sous Chef Lederer will then present an interactive cooking demonstration, creating a delicious dish for guests to taste while sharing tips on preparation and flavor profiles. Island beverages will enhance the series, with custom craft beer samplings from Maui Brewing Company that pair well with each featured ingredient.

The Distiller Series will be led by Mark Nigbur, master distiller of Hali‘imaile Distilling Company, along with a guest mixologist. Nigbur will educate guests on Hali‘imaile Distilling Company’s locally made Pau Maui Vodka, FID Street Gin and Paniolo Whiskey, while a local mixologist mixes craft cocktails to sample, highlighting the spirits on display. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa’s Lederer will create a complimentary pupu menu, with ingredients and flavors that accentuate the cocktail combinations.

The two new offerings are aimed at showcasing culturally vibrant island ingredients for guests, and will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the resort’s Black Rock Lounge, with the Culture & Culinary Series on Tuesdays and the Master Distiller Series on Thursdays.

“We’ve seen an increased desire among travelers to learn about the history, culture and cuisine of the Hawaiian Islands,” said Tetsuji Yamazaki, general manager of Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. “These new culinary offerings give guests a unique opportunity to explore island flavors and talk story with our cultural advisor, chef and local mixologists about island ingredients and their importance in Hawaiian culture.”

Initial dates and ingredients include:

Culture & Culinary Series:

·         May 16 and May 30 – Taro

·         June 13 and June 27 – Ulu (breadfruit)

·         July 11 and July 25 – Pineapple

·         August 8 and August 22 – Local Ahi

Maui Distiller Series:

·         May 18

·         June 1, June 15 and June 29

·         July 13 and July 27

·         August 10 and August 24

The events are complimentary and open to all hotel guests ages 21+. Guests that attend the events can take advantage of happy hour drink pricing from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., as well as 25 percent off food if staying for dinner afterwards at Black Rock Lounge or Black Rock Kitchen.

For more information, visit www.sheraton-maui.com.