WAILEA, MAUI, HAWAII – April 2, 2008 – World-renowned chef/restaurant owner Mark Ellman (pictured right) always seems to attract a bevy of Hollywood’s Who’s Who to his Maui venues. In his latest venture at the newly renovated Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Ellman has opened yet another dining establishment, Mala Wailea, which is backed by a starstudded list of celebrities including rocker Alice Cooper, Richard Donner (Hollywood director), Don Nelson, Mike Kroeger (Nickelback), Jerry Moss (winner of Kentucky Derby and founder of A&M Records), and promoter Shep Gordon.

“Mala Wailea is an exciting addition to our revitalized resort,” said John Jaskula, general manager of Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. “Chef Ellman’s brand of exceptional cuisine has been the perfect fit for our guests who want and expect a delicious, island-inspired meal in a world-class, oceanfront setting.”

Located off the main lobby overlooking the Makani Pool area and the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Mala Wailea offers a full lounge and dinner menu. The impressive selection of organic products includes fresh island seafood and hormone-free kobe beef steaks or burgers, as well as vegan options, featuring a simple, relaxed presentation with bold flavors. Chef Ellman’s personal favorite is the Whole Wok Fried Opakapaka, which he calls the “best fish in Hawaii’s waters.”

“I am so thrilled to offer Mala food at the Wailea Beach Marriott, where every customer gets an ocean view while enjoying dinner,” said Chef Ellman. “The response to Mala Wailea has been fantastic. The Wailea crowd has really embraced our food, and I am honored Wailea Beach Marriott chose our restaurant for the resort.”

The lounge is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring an array of specialty cocktails, martinis, Belgium and Hawaiian beers, and a 16-bottle wine cruvinet. The restaurant is open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. On a green note, Mala Wailea is proud to say it uses 100% biodegradable cleaning products.

Chef Ellman was one of the original 13 founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, along with Roy Yamaguchi, Alan Wong and Sam Choy. He and his wife Judy also created Avalon, one of Maui’s most popular restaurants in the 1990’s. They currently own the successful franchise of Maui Tacos, Penne Pasta Café, and Mala Ocean Tavern, which was named the 2007 ‘Ilima Award winner for Best Maui Restaurant by The Honolulu Advertiser.

Chef Ellman was one of the original 13 founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, along with Roy Yamaguchi, Alan Wong and Sam Choy. He and his wife Judy also created Avalon, one of Maui’s most popular restaurants in the 1990’s. They currently own the successful franchise of Maui Tacos, Penne Pasta Café, and Mala Ocean Tavern, which was named the 2007 ‘Ilima Award winner for Best Maui Restaurant by The Honolulu Advertiser.

Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, which offers the best oceanfront location within the luxurious Wailea Resort destination, has just completed a $60 million transformation.

The featured resort highlights are:

• Newly built Maluhia Serenity Pool featuring six exclusive over-the-water cabanas for a serene and sensual experience overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Maui’s scenic neighbor islands: Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe.
• Brand new guest arrival experience in the lobby with new tile flooring, reflecting pond and individualized marble and wood registration pods for a more engaging experience between guest and associate.
• 546 completely redesigned guestrooms, featuring Marriott’s “Revive” bed and linen collection and featuring a Kohler Tea for Two Deep-soaking tub.
• Executive suites that offer hardwood floors and plasma screen television.
• The new Mandara Spa has been recognized recently by Conde Nast Traveler in the “2007 Hot Spa List” and by Concierge.com in the “2007 Gold List.” The 10,000 square-foot spa offers 11 treatment rooms including a new ocean-view deluxe couples suite, or an oceanfront cabana located on the ocean’s edge. The spa also offers a full-service salon with facilities for hair, make-up and nail services.
• A state-of-the-art 2,100 square-foot fitness center located adjacent to Mandara Spa.
• 100% smoke free environment including guest rooms, restaurants, lounges, meeting rooms, and public spaces such as the lobby.
• Home to Honua‘ula, Wailea’s only luau dinner show and production with oceanfront performances every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

For more information or reservations, please visit waileamarriott.com or call 1-808-879-1922.