Pau Hana Friday for December 13

Photo courtesy of Koloa Rum Company. Daniel Lane photographer

Kauai Coffee and Koloa Rum Challenge

Koloa Rum Company and Kauai Coffee are excited to come together to hold the first ever “Kauai Coffee Koloa Rum Challenge” charity event.
The main criteria is that you use Kauai Coffee or Koloa Rum (or both) as an ingredient in your recipe creation to be judged in the categories of entrée, drink or dessert. Awards for the Challenge Champions in each of the three categories include a $300.00 cash prize and an embroidered chef’s jacket.
“Kauai Coffee is proud to be involved in another culinary challenge,” says Melissa Gregory of Kauai Coffee. “It is always exciting to see the various types of creations members of the community come up with and partnering with Koloa Rum just adds one more layer for creativity.”
Proceeds of this culinary challenge-style fundraiser will benefit Kauai Habitat for Humanity and Kauai Community College’s Culinary Institute of the Pacific. While promoting Kauai Made and Kauai Grown products, it is also designed to showcase the talents, skills and creativity of Kauai’s own.
“Whether you are a person who enjoys cooking or creating drinks at home, a professional chef or mixologist; get your apron on, create a recipe and step up to the Challenge for your bragging rights!” Says Jeanne Toulon, Director of Business and Public Relations for Koloa Rum.
The entry fee is $15.00 per submission. Other rules and bonus points apply – see the Kauai Coffee Koloa Rum Challenge website for full details, complete Challenge rules, including ingredient reimbursement details and tasting portion requirements. Online entries must be received by January 2, 2014.

Keoki’s Paradise executive chef. Cory Dotario. Daniel Lane photo

Keoki’s Paradise

Keoki’s Paradise adds Taco Tuesday to happy hour beginning December 17,  from 3 to 5 p.m. Tacos ($3 each) will be a choice of fish or kalua pork.
EVENTS: 
Friday, December 13

Aloha Spice Company

Hanapepe Art Night, 6 to 9 p.m.
This Friday Aloha Spice Company will be featuring and sampling their Rooster Poop (Salted Caramel Chocolate Macadamia Nuts) as well as Organic Aloha Chicken and Pork Rub and Organic Luau BBQ Rub on chicken. Samples will be given just outside the parking lot, in front of the darling Aloha Spice Company building.

Italian Wine Dinner

Nalu Kai, 5:45 p.m., $150
“I am doing an Italian wine dinner with Galen Crippin, the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Export Manager for United States, ” says Daniel Braun, owner of the Princeville Wine Market. “I have been able to secure an awesome venue for this dinner at Nalu Kai in the St. Regis Princeville Resort. Nalu Kai is a poolside restaurant that is perhaps the best location on the island. Chef Angèle Ting has put together an Italian menu using Hawaiian ingredients, and is offering a vegetarian option as well. Cocktail reception begins at 5:45 p.m., dinner will be served at 6 p.m. I think this will be a wonderful dinner and I hope that you can make it.”
Antipasto Passed

• Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus, Tomato Caprese Sate, Lump Crab Cake, Chorizo & Fennel Caponata ~ Prosecco Cocktail

Primi Piatti

• Grilled Kauai Prawns, Campanelle Pasta, Portobello Mushrooms, Truffle Oil ~ Frescobaldi, Vermentino, “Ammiraglia” 2012

Secondi Piatti

• Pistachio Crusted Hawaiian Ahi Tuna, Cauliflower Puree, Parmesan Crumble, Red Pepper Coulis ~ Frescobaldi, “Montesodi”, Chianti Rufina Riserva 2006

Secondi Meat Course

• Grilled Angus Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Fingerling Potato, Foie gras Cromesqui,, Porto Liquorice Reduction ~ Castelgiocondo, Brunello di Montalcino 2006

Il Dolci

• Winter Spiced Poached Pear, Trio of Biscotti ~ Frescobaldi, “Pomino” Vin Santo 2006

A credit card number is needed to hold a reservation. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. They will be dropping checks after the meal so if there are any special payment requests please let Daniel know ahead of time. To make reservations,  call the Princeville Wine Market at 808-826-0040.
Friday, December 13

Lunch on our tour includes dishes such as Kauai Fresh Farms salad with local pork belly and chef’s garden vinaigrette. Daniel 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 sample 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. This tour ends at Oasis on the Beach with a presentation by the Koloa Rum Co. Afterwards, mixologist Joel Downs will make two hand-crafted cocktails with Koloa Rum.
For more information, visit our Kauai Culinary Tours page or our Facebook photo album. 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 tour dates, check out our Kauai Culinary Tours Calendar. Call 808-635-0257 to make a reservation.

Buy Kauai Grown and Kauai Made holiday gifts at the Holiday Craft Fair.

Holiday Farmers Market & Craft Fair

Kauai Community College, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate Kauai-style with local farmers and product makers from around the island. Shop for Kauai Grown produce, flowers, specialty and holiday products, artfully crafted Kauai Made gifts, plus delicious local foods, holiday treats, demos and entertainment to enjoy.
Elvrine Chow of Heavenly Hakus and Terry and Johnny Gordines of Tropical Flowers Express will be cosponsoring a tent. Afterwards, Elvrine will do a demo at Princeville Library at 2:30 p.m.
Food vendors include Aunty Lilikoi Passion Fruit Products, Barkaroo Bakery (for our furry kids), Hula Baby Biscotti, Ko Bakery, Kauai Kookie, Kauai Nut Roasters, Moloaa Bay Coffee, Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts, Hanalei Taro & Juice Co., Hanalei Pasta, Haole Girl Island Sweets, Hawaii Island Juice, JC’s Puerto Rican Kitchen, Kauai Family Cafe, Midnight Bear Breads, Rafael’s Aloha Taco and The Greenery Cafe.
For more information, contact Melissa McFerrin at 808-652-3217 or email [email protected].

Italian basil in the garden. daniel Lane photo

Making Healing Holiday Gifts from the Garden Workshop

Kekaha Community Garden, 4552 Aukuu Rd,2 to 4 p.m., $5 minimum donation
Learn how to make and use healing body salves from garden plants. Workshop Covers:

• Salves
• Tinctures
• Healing Plants and Uses
• Expressing
• Infusing
• Poultices
• Tonics
• Recipes

Instructors Lisette Langlois and Lise Langlois Mathews are gardeners, herbalists, teachers and healers. For reservations, call 631-4982 or email [email protected]. For directions or to learn more about future workshops, youth field trips, free compost bin distribution events and garden memberships, visit the Kekaha Community Garden website.
Sunday, December 15

Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill

As a way to say thank you to Kauai residents, Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill will take 50-percent off the entire food bill if you can show a Hawaii driver’s license. Reservations are recommended, call 808-742-7117.

Lunch on the beach after A Taste of Kauai, Yesterday and Today. Daniel 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 a magical tour that’s part luau, part agritourism and part ecotourism. Our exclusive tour takes place at Waipa, which is nestled in the Hanalei Valley and is a National Wildlife Refuge. Guests explore a vast loi (taro garden) fed by auwai, or irrigation system, that supplies water from mountain streams, and learn about significant foods, growing methods, and overall Hawaiian agricultural and land management concepts and complexes in ancient times and their transition to today. Afterwards, guests sample Hawaii’s staff of life three ways.
Lunch changes seasonally and is made with vegetables grown in onsite 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 benefit the Hawaii Food Bank – Kauai Branch, help to restore native plants and 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.

Sunset on Kauai. Daniel Lane photo

3rd Annual New Year’s Eve Music Fest And Fireworks Celebration

3rd Annual New Year’s Eve Music Fest, 5 p.m., free
Poipu Beach Resort Association and Kalapaki Joe’s Announce the 3rd Annual New Year’s Eve Music Fest And Fireworks Celebration at Poipu Beach Park.
Poipu Beach Resort Association, in partnership with Kalapaki Joe’s, is hosting the New Year’s Eve celebration, which is complimentary and open to the public. The party includes live, local music; food vendors; keiki (children’s) tent; and culminates with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:20 p.m.,
The Music Fest features bands from the Islands including Russell Wellington, Cruz Control, The Greenstone Project and Revival.
Food booths are set up around the main county pavilion at Poipu Beach Park and spotlight local fare for families, from members of the Poipu Beach Resort Association. Food vendors include Kalapaki Joe’s and Uncle’s Shave Ice.
The Keiki Tent, sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Kauai, is located next to the beach playground and features Hawaiian games and much more. The tent is complimentary to the public, but donations to the club are highly recommended.
The fireworks show is hosted by Poipu Beach Resort Association and is a long-standing New Year’s Eve tradition in Poipu. Numerous sponsors from the Southside community, as well as the County of Kauai support this fun filled family event.
Parking in the Poipu area is on a first come first serve basis. Please be mindful of no parking signage.
Call Poipu Beach Resort Association at 808-742-7444 if you would like to request an ASL Interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support seven calendar days before the event.
UPCOMING:
Saturday, January 4

Fresh catch with pineapple salsa and Kaneshiro Farms pork  during A Taste of Kilohana. Marta Lane photo

A Taste of Kilohana

Kilohana Plantation, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., $115
A Taste of Kilohana is an exclusive, guided food tour that offers a seasonal slice of Kilohana Plantation. Our tour includes an off-the-menu, three-course, locally sourced meal that’s served in the Private Dining Room of Wilcox Mansion. Tasting Kauai donates a portion of the proceeds to the Kauai Branch of the Hawaii Food Bank.
Our unique tour begins with a ride in a open-air train through the 105-acre orchard which has more than 50 varieties of exotic fruit trees. Guests disembark and feed wild boar, goats and chickens and stroll through the orchard with Kai, Kilohana’s expert in local agriculture. After picking and eating exotic fruit, sit and relax as Kai demonstrates how to select and prepare tropical fruit, then taste the best of Kilohana in a super-fresh fruit salad.
After a short tour of the historic Manor House, guests learn how to make Gaylord’s signature Mai Tai with fresh-pressed sugarcane and lime juice inside Mahiko Lounge. Meet Gaylord’s executive chef Todd Barrett while he explains the day’s preparations and enjoy a three-course, locally sourced lunch in the Private Dining Room. Proceeds from this tour benefit the Hawaii Food Bank – Kauai Branch, help to restore native plants and preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture through education. For more information, visit A Taste of  Kilohana, or visit check out our Facebook photo album. To make reservations, call 808-635-0257.
Saturday, January 11

The Hawaiian name for breadfruit is ulu. Daniel Lane photo

Appetite for Breadfruit Workshop

Harrison Chandler Education Center at the National Tropical Botanical Garden Headquarters, 8:30 a.m. to noon, $12
The half-day Breadfruit—From Tree to Table workshop will assist Hawaii’s breadfruit growers in supplying grocery stores, restaurants and farmers markets with high quality breadfruit, and help chefs become more familiar with breadfruit handling and preparation in the kitchen.
Backyard growers and home users of breadfruit will also find the workshop pertinent to home and community use of breadfruit. The workshop teaches how to properly harvest, handle and utilize breadfruit to fully realize its commercial and community value.
Topics and speakers include: “Working with Variety”—an introduction to the three most common breadfruit varieties in Hawaii, presented by Dr. Diane Ragone, Director, Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. “Tree to Table”—harvesting techniques, tricks and tools, and postharvest handling, presented by Ian Cole, Collection Manager, Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. “Beyond Sticky” and “Some Like It Sweet”—basic preparation of breadfruit for use in a variety of dishes or for storage, and using breadfruit at all stages including making gourmet dishes from ripe breadfruit, presented by John Cadman, Pono Pies. “Going To Market”—marketing and value added products, presented by Craig Elevitch, Hawaii Homegrown Food Network and Hooulu ka Ulu project. “Ka Mai Ka Ulu”—revealing the cultural significance of ulu in Hawaii through moolelo and Cultural Collection items presented by the Bishop Museum Culture Education staff (Oahu only). “Food From the Gods”— breadfruit and the cultural importance in the Pacific Islands, presented by Wayne ‘Palala’ Harada (Kauai only.)
Due to the sales and distribution of thousands of breadfruit trees in Hawaii, the production of breadfruit is expected to increase dramatically over the next few years—representing millions of dollars in potential retail sales of breadfruit in the next 5 to 8 years. Breadfruit can also play an increased key role in island food self-sufficiency, as it has been a primary staple food in the Pacific for thousands of years.
Breadfruit—From Tree to Table is presented by the Hooulu ka Ulu—Revitalizing Breadfruit project and is cosponsored by the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Kamehameha Schools. The Oahu workshop is also presented by the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum.
All workshops are 8:30 a.m. to noon, dates and locations are as follows:
Maui: Thursday, January 9, 2014

• Community Services Building—UH Maui College, Kahului, Maui

Oahu: Friday, January 10, 2014

• Atherton Halau at the Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Oahu

Kauai: Saturday, January 11, 2014

• Harrison Chandler Education Center at the National Tropical Botanical Garden Headquarters, Kalaheo, Kauai

Space is limited and advance registration is required. The workshop is $12 per person. To register please visit www.breadfruit.info. To volunteer at the workshop, to donate breadfruit or for general inquiries, please email [email protected] or call 808-756-9437.
ONGOING:

Farmer John Wooten holds a jackfruit. Daniel 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-burning oven. parking is tricky. Call 808-335-6469 for more information.

Kapaa Art Walk in Old Town Kapaa. Daniel Lane photo

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.
 

Kauai Culinary Market at The Shops at Kukuiula in Poipu. Daniel Lane photo

Art Walk at Kukuiula

The Shops at Kukuiula, 6 to 9 p.m.
Join The Shops at Kukuiula for an enchanting evening of fine art, fine dining and live music under the stars on the second Saturday of each month. December highlights include:
RED KOI Gallery celebrates Art of Giving in partnership with Palm Palm. Experience hand painted wearable & fine art originals on silk by award-winning local artists with a live wearable silk demonstration. Discover art inspired gifts like Hawaiian Botanical etched stem ware, Vintage Fabric Handbags, original Kaua’i Oil Paintings, and other fine treasures. In the spirit of the holidays, 10 percent of Art Walk sales will be donated to local Children’s Art Programs on Kauai.
Renowned artist Tom Lieber opens his new exhibit Laa (“sacred” in Hawaiian) at galerie 103. Join the opening night reception and view the recent works of this exceptional painter and printmaker paired with a selection of contemporary and ancient Hawaii designs inspired kapa by Kauai artist Anne Punohu.
This month, Halelea Gallery features Anuenue and her sunrise shell jewelry and will be doing a donation giveaway of a Jamie Allen work of art to support an artist in need. This chic boutique within a gallery features original work by top Hawaii artists highlighting the Art of Hawaiian Living such as impressionist and plein air paintings, koa furniture, unique jewelry and locally made gifts and clothing.
Palms Gallery owner and artist, Craig Freeman will be at the easel for the evening. A percentage of sales on all his fine original paintings will be offered as a donation to the Koloa Elementary School during Art Walk this month. Twenty three artists are featured in this gallery, with the theme of Romantic Hawaii.
Meet the award-winning photographer at Scott Hanft Photography, known for a wide range subjects from the Garden Island, often from unique angles. The show features rare historical moments, captured over 24 years on island utilizing all the best modern print mediums.
Discover the award-winning work of Aaron Feinberg of aFeinberg Gallery. Aaron can typically be found hiking around local mountains, rainforests and beaches on Kaua`i and on the US mainland, in search of spectacular scenes.
Plus, enjoy Jazz by Hank Curtis and Steve Dubey, Latin rhythms by Amit Heri and Cary Valentine, and electric violin by young virtuoso Kim McDonough.
Extend your evening with many dining and lounge options for a sophisticated night out in Poipu. Participating restaurants include Merriman’s Fish House, Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill, Tortilla Republic, Living Foods and Dolphin Sushi.
On the sunny south shore of Kauai, nestled in renowned resort playground of Poipu, The Shops at Kukuiula is the island’s premier shopping, dining and fine art destination. Showcasing architecture that pays homage to Hawaii’s plantation past, the center is home to dozens of unique shops and boutiques, award-winning restaurants and contemporary art galleries. For more information visit The Shops At Kukuiula’s website, “like” The Shops at Kukuiula on Facebook, follow @ShopsAtKukuiula on Twitter, or call (808) 742-9545.

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.

Photos for this blog post were contributed by Daniel Lane of Pono Photo.