The Beach House at night.

The Beach House

Travel + Leisure recently announced the top 37 Most Romantic Restaurants in the United States. The Beach House Restaurant not only made the list, but was the only restaurant represented in the Hawaiian Islands. “This is a real honor for the staff, Kauai and the restaurant,” says General Manager Tim Obert.
Travel + Leisure says, “A great romantic restaurant should make you feel the way a great romantic partner does—appreciated, special, and like you’re the only person in the room.” We can’t argue with that!

2013 Small Business Administration winners

“The 2013 winners clearly show tenacity, creativity and the resourcefulness needed to overcome adversity,” says Jane Sawyer, SB district director. Sawyer also said these business owners demonstrate the “best of Hawaii and the promise for the future.”
Kauai winners include:

• Beatrice Allen of Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant, Fish Market and Sushi Lounge was named Small Business Person of the Year.
• Robert Gunter, president of Koloa Rum Co. in Kalaheo, was given the Small Business Exporter Award. Gunter opened markets across the U.S. and in Canada.

Nanea’s 5-course Tasting Journey at The Westin Princeville

This is a great value, and what’s wonderful is that there’s not minimum number of orders. One person can order an appetizer and entrée, and the other person can try the tasting. Nanea’s Five Course Tasting Journey is $55. If you’d like wine paired with each course it’s only an additional $20.
Caesar!
Kailani Farms baby romaine. Garlicky caesar dressing. White anchovy. Herbed tomato crostini.
Paired wine– Nanea by Testarossa. Chardonnay. Santa Barbara. Carneros. 2010
A Little Risotto
Hamakua funghi. Aborio rice. Madeira demi glace. Arugula. White truffle oil.
Paired wine– DeLoach. Pinot Noir. Monterey 2010
Daily Catch
Grilled fresh catch. Sweet Thai chili prawn. Molokai purple potato mash. Sweet chili butter. Balsamic reduction. Tropical fruit relish.
Paired wine– La Flor. Malbec. Bodega. Argentina 2011
Petite Filet of Beef
Coffee rubbed tenderloin. Yukon mash. Kaua’i vegetables. Madeira jus. Basil macadamia nut pesto. Balsamic reduction.
Paired wine– Cartlidge & Brown. Zinfandel. North Coast 2010
Chocolate and Port
Macadamia nut fudge brownie. Vanilla ice cream. Chocolate sauce. Fresh berries.
Paired wine– Taylor Fladgate. Late Bottle Vintage. Port. Portugal. 2005
Nanea supports local vendors, and always has a minimum of seven represented on their menus. Local farmers, ranchers and fishermen are listed on their menu.
EVENTS:
Sunday, February 17th

American Culinary Federation 27th Annual Breakfast Fundraiser

Kauai Community College,  7 to 11 a.m., $15
This event has been touted as “Kauai’s Biggest and Best Brunch.”  The annual KCC brunch is prepared by the culinary students at Kauai Community College with island chefs and includes eggs Benedict, omelets cooked to order, carved grilled beef teriyaki, pancakes, fresh fruits and pastries. There will also be freshly brewed Kauai Coffee, Meadow Gold juice, and Kauai Spring Water.
Tickets are available at the KCC cafeteria, Mark’s Place Puhi, Kalaheo Coffee Co. & Café, Kauai Coffee visitor center, Fish Express, Koloa Fish Market, Pono Market and Sole-Mates. All proceeds go towards scholarships and equipment for the Culinary Students at KCC.
Saturday, February 23 

Kauai Nursery & Landscaping

Compost and soil workshop, 9:05 to 10:05 a.m., free
Compost is a simple way to add nutrients to your soil. It not only encourages plant growth but restores vitality to depleted soil. It’s free, easy to make and good for the environment. For more information call 808-245-7747.
UPCOMING:
Saturday, March 9

CKMS Street Fair

Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Campus, 5 to 8 p.m.
Once a month, Chiefess students organize the CKMS Street fair, a fundraiser for student field trips. Choir students are responsible for the February event and proceeds will be used for a music competition in California. Food trucks include JC’s Puerto Rican Kitchen, Paco’s Tacos, Hanalei Taro & Juice Co., Kauai Marriott Resort, Yamato’s Ice Cream, as well as fresh squeezed juice, kettle corn, and saimin. Craft vendors will set up stalls and kids can play in the bounce house, get their face painted or play games. A bingo game starts at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place on campus at 4431 Nohou St., Lihue.
Friday, March 15

Sampling seasonal fruit at Kilohana Plantation. Daniel Lane photo

Kauai Culinary Tour

9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., $130
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. Our last stop is at The Feral Pig where we’ll learn about how the Koloa Rum Co. makes their award-winning rum. Afterwards, Dave Power, co owner and bartender will show us how to make two cocktails, which we get to drink! You can read what LandingStanding said about this tour, or visit our Kauai Culinary Tours page. We have a Facebook photo album that shows how much fun the tour is, and today we got a 5-Star TripAdvisor review for last week’s tour! For a complete list of 2013 dates, check out our Kauai Culinary Tours Calendar. Call 808-635-0257 to make a reservation.
 
 
ONGOING:

RumFire’s Hawaiian Paella is loaded with chunks of fresh fish, shrimp, and spiked with Portuguese sausage, corn and chayote squash. Daniel Lane photo

RumFire

Following its successful “You Dine, We Donate” charity program in 2012, RumFire Poipu Beach announces it will continue raising funds in February to benefit the 35th Annual Visitor Industry Kaua‘i Charity Walk. All food and beverage proceeds at RumFire Poipu Beach’s Table #53 will be donated to the non-profit event during the month-long fundraiser at the south shore’s newest hot spot.
Hosted by the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association Kaua‘i Chapter, the Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk is one of the largest fundraisers in the state, providing an opportunity for Hawai‘i’s visitor industry to collectively give back to its local communities. Since its inception in
1978, the Charity Walk has raised over $24 million for Hawai‘i charities, and all of Hawai‘i’s non-profit charities are eligible to benefit.
Patrons who are interested in participating in RumFire’s month-long “You Dine, We Donate” program are encouraged to make reservations in advance by calling 808-742-4786 and requesting Table #53. The table will be available on a first come, first serve basis. All food and beverage proceeds at Table #53 during dinner service will be donated to the HLTA Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, gratuity will be paid to the server and taxes will be remitted to the State of Hawaii.