Black Limousine, Oktoberfest and Lihue Lager from Kauai Beer Company. Daniel Lane photo

Kapaa Voted One of America’s Prettiest Towns

Forbes Magazine named Kapaa on Kauai’s Royal Coconut Coast as one of America’s prettiest towns. Contributing writer, John Gufflow said, “What we went looking for (were) towns seemingly custom-designed for soaking in the sights, with charming main streets, a variety of activities and beautiful vistas. Whether it’s the fresh air, authenticity or lack of skyscrapers, these enchanting locales deserve a spot on your travel to-do list.” Gufflow explained that Forbes relied on seasoned writers from a variety of national travel publications to come up with the top 15 towns. “To designate America’s most picturesque towns, we called on travel experts from Frommer’s, National Geographic, Fodor’s, and Midwest Living magazines, all of whom shared with us selections of what they consider to be among America’s prettiest towns.”
“This designation from Forbes is tremendous news for the Royal Coconut Coast Association. We’re working hard to expand recognition of the east side as a great place to visit. This honor is really supportive.” Troy Spalding, president, Royal Coconut Coast Association.
The choice of Kapaa was provided by National Geographic Traveler writer, Andrew Evans. He wrote, “Unlike the high-rise strewn beaches that line so many of Hawaii’s stretches of coast, Kapaa has a small-town Polynesian paradise quality that feels much more connected to the island’s past. It’s a very Hawaiian town with traditional ukulele makers and fish taco trucks parked under the palm trees.” Evans further described Kapaa as, “A small town with a lot of Hawaiian life, minus the tourist fray. Shop in the morning, then kayak offshore in the afternoon and don’t worry about fighting for blanket space in the sand – there’s enough for everybody.”

MidWeek Kauai Changes

Kauai residents will notice some changes in the weekly paper that Dan and I contribute to. Oahu Publications, Inc., owned and administrated by Black Press Ltd, is publisher of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, MidWeek, MidWeek Kauai, Pulse, HILuxury, 101 Things To Do, Hawaii Marine, Ho’okele (Navy-Airforce), Hawaii Army Weekly and now, The Garden Island newspaper (TGI).  Those who subscribe to TGI will receive MidWeek Kauai in the Wednesday issue. Others will get it in their mail. Despite being a contributing writer and photographer for MidWeek Kauai, hubby and I did not receive the last two issues. If the same thing happened to you, email [email protected] and provide your mailing address. You can always pick up copies at Foodland. Changes, which are scheduled to roll out in the September 25 issue, include Kauai-based content only.

Restaurant Closures

Westside restaurant Auntie B’s Cafe closed after being open for less than a year. Restaurant 2978 also closed, but reopened as the Bamboo Room in Arbor Mall. I haven’t checked out yet, but I hear great things. Despite rumors, The Garden Cafe at Common Ground is still open. The property is up for sale, but executive chef Rodman Machado assures me that owner Chris Jabes will only sell to someone who will maintain the existing property. For farm-to-table fans, this restaurant is an excellent spot for breakfast and lunch.

Michael Sterioff of Passion Bakery Cafe. Daniel Lane photo

Passion Bakery Cafe

Michael Sterioff of Passion Bakery Cafe in Kapaa says, “Our bakery is really taking off, God has blessed us tremendously. We have a strong customer base and it seems to grow daily. Our artisan breads have been available at Papaya’s Natural Foods and Cafe and Hoku Foods Natural Market. On Monday, we started delivering all the way up to Hanalei. So now Healthy Hut, North Shore Pharmacy and Harvest Market carry our fresh baked bread.
“We deliver daily (except Sunday) to Hoku and Papaya’s. Monday and Friday to Healthy Hut, North Shore Pharmacy and Harvest Market.
“We have also developed two gluten-free loaves of bread: Sesame Molasses and a Walnut Honey loaf. All made with non-GMO ingredients. This is really good no gluten bread. But not vegan, as it has eggs.”

Sunset at the Beach House restaurant. Photo courtesy of the Beach House.

Beach House

The Daily Meal recently unveiled the 30 World’s Best Restaurants with Sunset Views. The Beach House Restaurant on Kauai was included in the coveted list, which highlighted just nine restaurants in the United States, and was the only restaurant represented in the Hawaiian Islands.
The Daily Meal states, “Dining by candlelight gets the star treatment in Hollywood flicks, but some of us — early eaters, arsonphobics, and iPhone-ready photographers — prefer to set our gastronomical groove to the beat of a gorgeous sunset. There is nothing like the five-sense experience of soaking in the early evening’s rosy glow, indulging in seasonal mojitos and the sea’s catch of the day while watching the swelling sun dip into the breathtaking surrounding landscape on a hot summer’s night.” They go on to say, “The culinary concoctions at these scenic restaurants are executed with local flair and fresh ingredients in a fabulous atmosphere, but we all know it’s the photo of the picture-perfect sunset that will last forever.”
Situated oceanside on the south shore of Kauai in sunny Poipu, The Beach House Restaurant provides guests with a rich and vibrant sky every evening as the sun sets to the west of the island. While the restaurant was highlighted for its amazing view, they also mention the restaurant’s relationship with the local fishermen, who supply hundreds of pounds of fresh fish each week. The article states, “Local food is the name of the game (praise to the chefs for seriously supporting the fishing community).” Tim Obert, General Manager says, “Receiving this accolade is truly an honor for everyone at The Beach House Restaurant. We are thrilled to be the only Hawaiian restaurant on the list and be recognized not just for our stunning view, but also our culinary creations and service.”

Monkeypod Jam’s tropical fruit spreads. Daniel Lane photo.

Monkeypod Jam

Aletha Thomas, Kauai’s goddess of jammy goodness, is trying for the Intuit Small Business Grant. Supporters are encouraged to vote for Monkeypod Jam once, each day through September 23. Aletha says she looks forward to growing wholesale and online markets and, if awarded, monies will help purchase packaging needed to take shipping to the next level. So if you love Mokneypod Jam like we do, vote once a day!

Upcoming Garden Book

Inspirational Gardeners Growing Food from the Soul: Stories from Hawaii follows Dr. Colleen Carroll’s passion about inspirational gardeners and their unique stories. Dr. Carroll began this book with an awareness of the dramatic increase in urban development and the subsequent decrease in the palette of plants used in the landscape. A typical yard is filled with grass, palms and easy to maintain groundcovers, but the food plants so vibrant and essential to our health and lives are slowly disappearing from our yards. Today, that is slowly changing with the current interest in growing healthier food, saving money, and living more sustainably. These stories go beyond a traditional how-to book to show how each individual creates a garden with food, medicine, and herbs imprinting their own personal special style on the landscape. Click here to read a preview.

Kauai’s Mana March. Joel Guy photo

Mana March for Bill 2491

Last Sunday, an estimated 4,000 people marched in support of Bill 2491. They gathered at Vidinha Stadium, began with a pule (Hawaiian prayer) and walked down Rice Street to the County Council Building. Community members, doctors, scientific experts, cultural practitioners, moms and teachers spoke at a public rally that also included music by Makana, and Donavon Frankenreiter.
Three council members — co-introducers Gary Hooser and Tim Bynum, along with JoAnn Yukimura — came to voice their support for pesticide disclosure and greater protection from the impacts of the agrochemical/GMO industry. The bill requires four votes to pass. Mayor Bernard Carvalho joined the crowd and listened to hours of passionate voices.
Dr Lee Evslin said, “I am here to lend scientific credibility to the reasons for this march. The American Academy of Pediatrics came out 10 months ago with a strongly worded statement linking pesticide use to delays in neurological development, endocrine abnormalities, behavioral issues and an increase in childhood cancers such as leukemia. They recommend buffer zones and the right to know.”
Addressing rumors that Bill 2491 will regulate local farmers, Kauai Kunana Dairy owner Louisa Wooton said, “I’m 100-percent behind Bill 2491. It does not affect small farmers whatsoever. I read it frontwards and backwards before I was ready to lend my support and it’s really, really good for agriculture!”
In response to claims that Bill 2491 is unconstitutional, local attorney Elif Beall said: “Bill 2491 has been reviewed by some of the country’s top attorneys specializing in pesticide and GMO regulation. The consensus among Public Interest experts is that Bill 2491 is constitutional and well within the County’s powers to protect the health and welfare of its residents and natural resources. Several of the country’s top attorneys have offered to defend the bill pro bono if it is challenged in court.”
Last Monday, after more than 12 hours on Bill 2491, the Kauai County Council opted  to defer — for the second time. The council’s Economic Development (Agriculture) Committee will resume discussion on Sept. 27, when members will likely introduce several amendments that were floated this week. With representatives from four seed companies — Mark Phillipson of Syngenta, Cindy Goldstein of Pioneer, Keith Horton of Dow Agrosciences and Steve Lupkes of BASF — lined up in the council chambers, Committee Chair Gary Hooser asked on several occasions if they were willing to compromise on certain provisions of the bill, only to hear the sound of silence. You can read more about “Council defers Bill 2491, again“, “Compromise in doubt on 2491” and “Flood gates open to amendments to GMO bill“.
Pacific Business news is asking for your opinion, just click here and vote yes or no on Bill 2491. At the time of this writing, 67-percent of the votes were in support, 32-percent against, totaling 2,466 votes.

Ko Bakery’s Coconut Cake. Daniel Lane photo

Hula Baby Biscotti and Ko Bakery

Shane Morris Wise of Hula Baby Biscotti says, “As a thank you to our friends and Facebook fans, and to help kick off our online store, we are offering a special double deal through the end of September. Enter the code CHS10% at our online store and receive 10-percent off your entire purchase. As an additional bonus, mention you saw us on Facebook in the comments section of your order form, and purchase at least three products when you shop, and get a surprise gift absolutely free. Mahalo nui to all of our fans!”
Banana Joe’s Fruit Stand now carries Ko products including lilikoi white chocolate scones, ginger pecan scones, lemon shortcakes, purple sweet potato pound cakes, “that’s bananas” banana bread, macaroons, and slices of Ko’s Lilikoi Dream Cake. They also carry a variety of Hula Baby Biscotti and Ko Crisps.

Ursa Swift of Midnight Bear Breads. Daniel Lane photo

Midnight Bear Breads

Ursa Swift of Midnight Bear Breads will be at this Sunday’s Breadfruit Festival (see events, Sunday, Sept. 15). She reports, “We will be offering hot breadfruit burgers on our ulu (breadfruit) sourdough bun, which is also available on a gluten-free breadfruit bun. We will also have ulu hummus, ulu sourdough loaves, buns, baguettes, gluten-free breadfruit buns, taro sourdough loaves and buns, and our Okinawan sweet potato filled rolls.
Inspired by the Breadfruit Festival and the abundance of breadfruit, we have began making breadfruit flour in our kitchen in Hanapepe. We developed a gluten-free bread using the flour and cooked breadfruit puree. So far we have made a few pounds of flour! We will have some flour on display at the festival and bread samples.”
 
 
 

Daniel Braun of the Princeville Wine Market. Daniel Lane photo

Italian Wine Tasting

Patrick Ching and Mazzarella Art Gallery Opening, 6 to 9 p.m., Kinipopo Shopping Center, Wailua, free
Daniel Braun of Princeville Wine Market will feature Italian wines. This is a free event and wine is available for those who are 21-years and older. “There won’t be any wine for sale at the event for legal reasons, but I will have the wines at the store if you do like them,” says Braun. “Here are the wines I am planning on pouring at the event.”

• Secco, Prosecco
• Prendo, Pinot Grigio
• Scaia, Corvina
• Vinosia, Primitivo
• Centorri, Moscato d’Asti

This event will also feature:

• The largest assembly of Patrick Ching and Mazzarella Art
• Fine art reproductions and books
• Autographed work by the artists
• Live music by Santiago Soto

Saturday, September 14

French Wine Tasting

Princeville Wine Market, 5 to 7 p.m., free
Sample:

• Gerard Bertrand, Cremant de Limoux, Brut Rose 2010, $28
• Jean Reverdy, Sancerre, “La Reine Blanche” 2011, $30
• Bouchard Aine & Fils, Pinot Noir 2010 $14
• Gerard Bertrand, Tautavel “Grand Terroir” 2007, $24
• Chateau Recougne, Bordeaux 2009, $22

This is a free wine tasting for those 21yrs and older. For more information, call 808-826-0040 or email [email protected]. Princeville Wine MArket is located at the south entrance of Princeville Center.

Collin Darrell and Matt Owen of Tortilla Republic. Daniel Lane photo

Tortilla Republic Second Anniversary Celebration

Tortilla Republic will kick off their second anniversary celebration during the Second Saturday at the Shops at Kukuiula.
On Saturday, aFeingberg Gallery and Tortilla Republic partner for a “one night only” tasting menu. Entitled “Encompassing All Senses” the goal of the four course tasting menu is to create a dining experience that becomes art. The meal combines the photos of Aaron Feinberg with the cuisine of Chef Matt Owen, the music of Jon Buono and pairings by Collin Darrell. Reservations are required. Email [email protected], or call 808-742-8884. The public is invited to sample the first taste of this experience, as the amuse-bouche, at aFeinberg Gallery.
Sunday is Funday and both the downstairs Margarita Bar and upstairs Grill will feature specials. Monday is Mexican Independence Day and TR’s celebration concludes with a cooking demonstration during the Wednesday Kauai Culinary Market.
Tortilla Republic will offer $2.03 Chicken, Steak, and Sweet Potato Hibiscus Flower tacos and a two-course prix fixe dinner for $20.30 on Monday, September 16 and Tuesday, September 17.
Appetizers from the prix fixe menu include Huarache Filete with crispy corn flatbread, prime all natural beef tenderloin, caramelized onions, baby arugula, and manchego cheese and Sopa de Tortilla with pasilla chile, pulled chicken, avocado, queso fresco, crema, and crispy blue corn tortilla strips. Signature entrées include Suizas Enchilada featuring pulled chicken tinga, creamy tomatillo sauce, and melted chihuahua cheese; Pollo Fajitas served on a hot cast iron skillet with sautéed poblano, red onions, tomatoes, salsa de mesa, crema, guacamole, warm flour tortillas, and house rice & black beans; as well as Carnitas with crispy pork, caramelized orange, pickled jalapeno, tomatillo fresca, soft corn tortilla, guacamole, and cream.
Sunday, September 15

The Hawaiian name for breadfruit is ulu. Daniel Lane photo

Breadfruit Festival Takes Root

National Tropical Botanical Garden Southshore Visitors Center, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., free
The day’s program, which also spotlights kalo (taro), features experts from Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii, the Big Island. There will be cooking, cultural, and flour-making demonstrations and presentations. The program includes breadfruit trees and cookbook sales, music, and keiki activities. Breadfruit and taro inspired dishes will be available for purchase.
Celebrity chef Sam Choy will share his expertise on cooking with ulu. Cooking demonstrations also include cultural practitioner and farmer Shirley Kauhaihao on selecting and preparing ulu. Culinary arts teacher Mariposa Blanco making ulu poke and ulu dough for pizza crust and tamales. Fae Hirayama, author of The Breadfruit Cookbook, will talk about using young immature ulu for appetizers and John Cadman, founder of Pono Pies, will talk about making healthy desserts with ulu, kalo, and other locally produced ingredients. Heifara Aiamu will show participants how to cook uru (breadfruit) Tahiti-style.
Hands-on demonstrations include Jerry Konanui on how to make ulu poi and renowned kapa artist Wesley Sen and expert weaver and educator Sabra Kauka will demonstrate how to make kapa with ulu bark. Additional cultural offerings include Stella Burgess with storytelling and William and Kuulei Biga on coconut plate weaving. For more information, visit the Breadfruit Festival Takes Root Facebook page.
Wednesday, September 18

Roy’s Poipu Craft Beer Night

Roy’s Ohana invites you to join them for Craft Beer Night. Craft beers are specially priced and ready to pair with your favorite menu items. For inquiries or to make reservations, call 808-742-5000. Craft beers include:

• Chimay Premiere ~ A Trappist ale gives off a light fruity apricot aroma with a creamy head.
• Hitachino Ginger Brew ~ Brewed with raw ginger and has complex flavors and aromas of ginger, citrus, and malt.
• Maui Brewing Co. Lemongrass Saison ~ Maui’s collaboration with Lost Abbey incorporates a local twist with the addition of lemongrass, which adds a hint of citrus punch and pepper.
• Big Island Brewhaus Overboard IPA ~ Dark golden with a medium head. Fresh hoppy, floral aroma with hints of pine, citrus, caramel, malt and biscuits.

Friday, September 20

A Taste of Kauai, Yesterday and Today includes lunch at Hanalei Bay. Marta Lane photo

A Taste of Kauai, Yesterday and Today

Waipa, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., $115
Tasting Kauai’s north shore tour is part agritourism and part ecotourism. We visit Waipa, one of 67 watersheds homesteaded by the first Polynesians, which remains undeveloped. This one-of-a-kind experience was designed by Tasting Kauai and the Waipa Foundation especially for those who wish to learn about traditional agriculture systems, endangered wildlife, and enjoy real Hawaiian food while saturated in Kauai’s rugged beauty.
Waipa is nestled in the Hanalei Valley which is a National Wildlife Refuge and endangered birds flourish here. We explore a vast loi (taro garden) fed by auwai, or irrigation system, that supplies water from mountain streams and learn about significant foods, food plants, growing methods, and overall Hawaiian agricultural and land management concepts, approaches, and complexes in ancient times and their transition to today.
At the “Poi Garage”, guests sample cooked taro corms, poi and kulolo, a traditional dessert made with coconut.
Lunch, prepared by Waipa’s chef, changes seasonally and is made with vegetables grown in on site gardens, locally sourced meat or fish, and mamaki tea with lemongrass and mint. Guests eat ohana (family) style while enjoying the beauty and breezes of Hanalei Bay. Proceeds from this tour go to restore native plants and to preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture through education. For more information, visit A Taste of  Kauai, Yesterday and Today, or visit check out our Facebook photo album. To make reservations, call 808-635-0257.
Saturday, September 21

4th Annual Community Appreciation Day

Papaya’s Natural Foods & Cafe, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., free
Papaya’s gives a big mahalo to the community by serving the community with a free plate lunch. Com early, because they’ve made enough to feed 500 people. Lunch begins at 11 a.m. and goes until they run out. Lunch includes:

• Marinated and Grilled GMO-free tofu
• Brown Rice with Papaya’s signature Sesame Gravy
• Pineapple Slaw with local pineapples, cilantro and zesty vinegar dressing
• House made guacamole, chips and a drink

There will also be live entertainment, samples, demos, keiki activities and an international peace day theme. I will be there signing copies of our book Tasting Kauai Restaurants alongside Pam Brown, who will be signing copies of her book, Kauai Stories. Hope to see you there!

Makana Terrace offers views of Mount Makana (seen in the upper left) and Hanalei Bay. In fact, all restaurants at the St. Regis Princeville do! Daniel Lane photo

4th Annual Westin Princeville Jazz and Wine Festival

The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, 5 p.m., $90 per person
Hawaii kamaaina and visitors from around the world are invited to mingle and savor an evening under the stars, featuring extraordinary wines, island-inspired cuisine from the island’s top chefs and live, contemporary jazz. One-hundred percent of the proceeds from the event’s Silent Auction will benefit the Kauai Lifeguard Association.

Westin Princeville Wine & Jass festival. Daniel Lane photo

Hawaiian Seafood Journey

Makana Terrace, 5:30 to 9 p.m., $90 tasting menu, $30 wine pairing
Makana Terrace, located in the St. Regis Princeville, will host a Hawaiian Seafood Journey. Guests can watch the sun set over Hanalei Bay and dine on a five-course meal featuring Kona lobster, Kauai Clams, Kauai Shrimp, onaga, opakapaka, hamachi and tuna. Click here to see the complete menu. For reservations, call 808-826-2260.
Friday, September 27

Wine Dinner Featuring Sarah Klein

La Spezia Restaurant and Wine Bar, 6 p.m., $75
The Wine Shop in Koloa, in partnership with Koloa’s new Italian Restaurant, La Spezia Restaurant and Wine Bar is hosting a wine event featuring a 4-course dinner and renowned Italian wine specialist, Sara Klein. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 27th at the restaurant in Koloa at a cost of $75 all inclusive per person.
They have carefully chosen an excellent combination of different Italian wines for each course. The 4-courses and their respective wine pairings are as follows:
1st Course
Local clams served on a pebbled beach of beluga lentils with arugula, fingerling potatoes and a chardonnay cream sauce ~ Tenuta di Nozzole “Bruniche” Chardonnay
2nd Course
Savory stuffed quail served in a nest of frisee, warm pancetta dressing, roasted root vegetables and pan jus ~ Michele Chiarlo “Le Orme” Barbera d’Asti
3rd Course
Lamb osso bucco served with creamy cannellini beans, chard, oyster mushrooms and a demi gremolata ~ Tenuta San Guido “Guidalberto” Toscana
4th Course
Zabaione with seasonal fruit ~ Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asti
Reservations are essential. Please contact La Spezia Restaurant and Wine Bar at 808-635-7856 to secure your seating.
Saturday, September 28

National Public Lands Day

Kokee State Park, volunteer work
Beautify Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow, and the historic C.C.C Camp by volunteering to work in forest gardens, grounds improvement and painting. If you’ve got a weed whip, bring it – there’s lots of trimming to do in preparation for the Emalani Festival. In a salute to the original “Civilian Conservation Corps” of the 1930s, Hui o Laka will launch “The New C.C.C.,” the “Civilian Conservation Corps of Kokee,” a citizens’ effort that has already begun to transform natural and cultural resources in Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park.
NPLD, supported in part by Toyota, celebrates its 20th anniversary. You’ll be part of the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in America, joining more than 170,000 citizens at over 2100 sites around the country. Reservations required. Call 808-335-9975, Ext 0 or sign up on Kokee Museum’s Facebook page (pronounced ko keh eh). There will be bottled water in the field and chili and rice for lunch. Bring salads, snacks, chips, or desserts to help round out the meal.
UPCOMING:

The cacao tree is where chocolate comes from. Daniel Lane photo

23rd Annual Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Conference and the California Rare Fruit Growers Fall Festival of Fruit

Members of the Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers will hold an eight day on Oahu, Maui and Kauai. While on the GArden Island, there will be a Kauai Coffee tour with Greg Williams and NTBG/Allerton Garden tour with Scott Sloan and Diane Ragone. There will be lunch, and exotic fruit tasting and free time at the park. Kauai member will meet and presentations onclude hands on grafting with Joe Sabol; Fruit Tours around the World with Roger Meyer; and Jujubes with Roger and Shirley; Florida fruit with Chris Rollins; Fruits of Ecuador with Jim West and Fruit from Australia with Rick Yessayian. To become a member of the Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers. Grower Membership is $35 per year, and is for back yard growers and hobbyists whose total sales are less than $1,000 per year. General Membership is $100 per year and is for those who sell over $1,000 per year. For more information, visit the Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers website.

Guests from Austria learn how to tell when a pineapple is ripe on A Culinary Romp Through Paradise. Marta Lane photo

A Culinary Romp Through Paradise

Various locations in Kapaa, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., $140
Tasting Kauai’s Culinary Tour offers an intimate glimpse into the Garden Island’s culinary scene. We start with a farm tour and learn about exotic fruit grown on Kauai. At the Kauai Marriott Resort, we join executive chef Guy Higa for an outdoor cooking demonstration and gourmet, four-course lunch made with Kauai grown ingredients. Our last stop is at The Feral Pig where we imbibe in handcrafted cocktails made with local ingredients.
You can visit our Kauai Culinary Tours page or our Facebook photo album to see how much fun the tour is. Chef Higa donates proceeds from his portion of the tour to the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen and Tasting Kauai donates proceeds to the Kauai Branch of the Hawaii Food Bank. For a complete list of 2013 dates, check out our Kauai Culinary Tours Calendar. Call 808-635-0257 to make a reservation.
ONGOING:

Steve, Allie, Christine and Kirk during our farmers market class. Marta Lane photo

Farmers Market Class

Wednesdays, 3 to 4 p.m., $30
Meet local farmers, learn how to select perfect produce as well as when it’s in season and how to cook with it during Tasting Kauai’s one-hour farmers market class. I saw friends at the farmers market who were visiting from Colorado. As we hugged and said hello, I saw a table full of near-rotten mangos. It was still snowing in Denver and my friends were excited about the big, beautiful tomatoes they just bought. Their faces fell when I told them they were not grown on Kauai. I felt bad for them, and was inspired to offer this class.
Farmers markets are an affordable way to immerse yourself in local culture and the best place to buy produce that’s so fresh, it was harvested that morning. But buying at the farmers market doesn’t always insure that it was grown on Kauai. It happens all over the world. In Hawaii, customers want mangos year-round. In Colorado, they want tomatoes in May. To make that sale, vendors buy imported mangoes or tomatoes and sell them as their own. Customers unfamiliar with the seasons can insure their dollars are spent on local products by learning how to identify locally grown produce.
There’s a whole world of delicious produce that many people never try. Let’s face it, some of it looks like it came from another planet. Once unfamiliar produce is demystified and cooking tips are shared, it may become a regular at dinner table. Many factors can make exotic produce expensive and the last thing you want to do is buy a pineapple that isn’t at peak perfection. This class will also teach you how to tell when produce is ripe as well as how to store it for best results. For reservations, call 808-635-0257.

Hanapepe Friday Night Festival and Art Walk

Hanapepe Town, 6 to 9 p.m.
Every Friday evening, Old Town Hanapepe bustles with people. A dozen art galleries stay open late, local crafters sell their wares, and there’s stilt walkers, classics cars, live music and entertainment. Two of our favorite food artisans are there. The Right Slice sells fresh-baked pie by the slice and whole and Midnight Bear Breads makes pizza fresh from a wood-burinig oven. parking is tricky. Call 808-335-6469 for more information.

Kapaa Art Walk

Old Town Kapaa, 5 to 9 p.m.
On the first Saturday of the month hundreds of people party in Old Town Kapaa. The street is filled with the sounds of laughter and music, smells of delicious local food, and the work of Kauai artists. In front of the Dragon Building, Anni Caporuscio (owner of Small Town Coffee and Blue House Booksellers) sings to a three piece band which includes a guitar player, drummer and washboard player. Art Cafe Hemingway and Java Kai open a new exhibit and serve food late. The Buttery hosts jewelers and other Kauai Made jewelry is available throughout.

Second Saturday at the Shops at Kukuiula

The Shops at Kukuiula, 6 to 9 p.m.
Meet local artists on the second Saturday of each month. Six art galleries are featured and previously an electric violin was played while an artist completed a painting; jazz was played outside of Halelea Gallery, where local artist Robin McCoy was featured. Restaurants pair with artists and provide food inspired by the gallery.

Kilauea Art Walk

Stone Building, 5 to 8 p.m.
Join more than 20 artisans on the last Saturday of the month at the Stone Building in Kilauea Town. There’s live music, original art, hand made apparel, jewelry, photography, custom slippers, painted glass bottles, ice cream and unique creations. Face painting henna tattoos. Stop by Kilauea Fish Market for dinner.