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From Swans to Son’z
to Sir Paul

NOBODY could say anything in July when Swan Court closed on Maui, but the announcement of Aaron Placourakis' plans for his new "Blu" restaurant -- right under the Swan Court item in TheBuzz -- was no coincidence.

What was not signed on the dotted line back then is now official.

Placourakis is the new restaurateur that will be opening Son'z in the former Swan Court space at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.

It is expected to open before Thanksgiving.

"We are very pleased to partner with Aaron on this venture," said Frank Lavey, general manager of the Hyatt.

"We felt the caliber of service and cuisine at his restaurants is a good fit with our image and reputation."

The 10,000-square-foot restaurant is being renovated to include a glass, walk-in, 3,000-bottle wine cellar.

"It will be the largest in the state," Placourakis said.

To go with that wine, Son'z will serve seafood and steaks "Maui style," he said.

Other restaurants owned by Placourakis and partners, under Tri-Star Restaurant Group LLC, include Aaron's Atop the Ala Moana and Sarento's Top of the "I" on Oahu and Nick's Fishmarket Maui, Sarento's on the Beach and soon, Son'z, on the Valley Isle.

Blu, his casual dining establishment under a partnership called JAS Restaurant Group LLC, is to open in Lahaina before year's end.

No freebies

Hawaii is getting a few decent concerts these days, including upcoming shows by John Waite, Loggins and Messina and oh yeah, this little band called the Eagles. However, we still miss out on quite a few.

Hawaii is not able to participate in the Lexus contest to win free travel and tickets for Paul McCartney's concert at Staples Center in Los Angeles in November.

An announcement from the carmaker was very exciting, that is, until the "void in Hawaii and where prohibited" part.

"Lexus, as a division of TMS USA (Toyota Motor Sales Inc.), is not an authorized distributor in Hawaii and Puerto Rico," said spokeswoman Toni Thompson, after checking with the legal department.

"Our distribution territory includes all states in the continental U.S., including Alaska and the District of Columbia. Therefore, all sales and marketing promotions are restricted and exclusive to our territory," she said.

Local Servco Lexus officials confirmed the dealership is not participating in the contest because it has a different distribution agreement.