NEWS:

Kauai Culinary Tour

Dave Power of The Feral Pig will be mixing drinks for our culinary tour. Daniel Lane photo

When we had to cancel our culinary tour last month, I was pretty depressed. We had an excellent foodie-fun-filled-day planned. But, thanks to my supportive husband, and the fantastic food growers and makers involved with the tour, we rescheduled it for July 13.

This time it’s on! We have met our minimum, and will be romping through Paradise on a culinary adventure come rain or shine. I’m so grateful that we gave it another try, because it’s a fantastic line up and it’s going to be a blast! We still have some spaces left, so visit our culinary tour page and reserve your spot. Executive chef Guy Higa is making allowances for those on alternative diets such as vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free.

Koa Kea Hotel and Resort

Kalua Pork “Luau” at Red Salt. Daniel Lane photo

Congratulations to Koa Kea, which houses one of our favorite restaurants Red Salt. The Resort has been honored among the world’s best hotels on the annual reader’s survey published by Travel + Leisure Magazine. The resort debuted at #87 in the world and #2 in Hawaii, and features an overall score of 92.44.

Tiki Tacos

This Saturday Tiki Tacos will have made-from-scratch chicken or pork tacos. One for $5 or two for $8. I made tamales once. It took all day with hubby’s help. I’m leaving it up to the experts now!

Olana Organic Farm

We are stoked that white pineapple season is back! And that Olana Organic Farm grows organic ones. They are low-acid, sweet and so tender, you can eat the core. Get your’s tomorrow at the Namahana Farmers Market by Banana Joe’s.

Java Kai Kapaa

Java Kai has free wi-fi. Daniel Lane photo

Java Kai has Taro Burgers! They’re not the typical ones with ground taro, formed into a patty. These babies have a thick slice of taro topped with pesto aioli, greens, and juicy tomatoes on a ciabatta roll. And it’s all locally sourced.

EVENTS:

Saturday, July 7

Japanese Cultural Festival

Kauai Museum, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m

Kauai Museum’s 4th Annual Japanese Cultural Festival features cultural exhibits such as sumo wrestling, music, mini bon dance, mini flower arranging workshop, and crafts.

A cooking demonstration for making chicken hekka (Japanese style chicken tenders with panko bread crumbs), is on the agenda. For sale will be various flavors of mochi, pickles, and sushi (not the fancy kind). The food will cook in a big wok over a gas burner, and will go until the food runs out. I’m told the chef’s family used to run a popular restaurant in Honolulu.

Kapaa Art Walk

5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The popular Kapaa Art Walk is in the heart of Old Town Kapaa. Vendors, restaurants and art galleries stay open late while crowds sample tasty treats, and check out what our local artists are creating. The town pulses with creative energy, food and music. Here are what some folks are doing this month:

a.ell atelier

Featuring Troy Carney and Kelly Keane, two of Kauai’s fine artists, as well as Braddah Dave’s Taro Burgers, Ayurvedic finger foods by the Glowing Body, and Matt Morelock on the banjo.

Paradise Beauty Salon and Spa

“Cuts for a Cause” features $20 haircuts and all proceeds go to Kauai Hospice. Get a free makeover, some nail and hair art, or enter the free raffle for a chance to win beauty products.

Pono Market

Kalua pork plate lunch, and kalua pork sandwiches topped with house-made barbecue sauce. They also provide wine and poke pairings!

Kauai Raceway Park, Mana

$12 per person, Kids 12 and under free

Killah Steak tacos. Daniel Lane photo

Garden Isle Racing Association (GIRA) is hosting the biggest drag race event of the season at Kauai Raceway Park. Bracket racing eliminations, King of the Track competition, Tribute to Rudy Parade. See Jr. Dragsters, Street Bikes, Street Class, Sport Compact, Muscle V8, Pro ET and Top Gun favorites. A parade honoring Rudy Ramos begins at 6 p.m.

Killah Steaks will be there with fresh, chopped steak tacos. Mele’s Kusina uses local beef in their hamburgers, and offer plate lunch, roast pork dinners and tasty garlic fries. Yamato’s Ice Cream truck serves home churned traditional scoops such as vanilla and chocolate, and ice cream using local fruit. For more information visit the Garden Island Racing website.

Sunday, July 8

JoAnn Yukimura Fundraiser

Smith’s Tropical Paradise, 4 to 7 p.m., $15 (suggested donation)

JoAnn Yukimura’s family has been on Kauai for four generations. She has been deeply involved in Kauai’s politics since 1974, and is running for reelection to the County Council. If reelected, some of Yukimura’s goals are to get off oil, achieve zero waste, provide permanently affordable housing, protect ag land and water, and improve county parks. The fundraiser promises good food, fun, music and dancing. For more information, visit JoAnn Yukimura’s website.

Friday, July 13

Kauai Culinary Tour

8 a.m. to 4 p.m., $100

Kauai Marriott Resort executive chef Guy Higa. Daniel Lane photo

Tasting Kauai’s culinary tour is designed to showcase the best of Kauai grown ingredients. Visit local farms, enjoy tasting menus prepared by Kauai’s best chefs, and sip paradise in a glass with the island’s best beverage makers. It’s going to be a blast! Call 635-0257 or check out our culinary tour page for details. Deadline to register is July 11. Alternative diets are accommodated.

Friday, July 20

Koloa Plantation Days

The 13th Annual Koloa Plantation Days is a 10-day festival honoring paniolo (cowboy)culture, food and local style rodeo. Get yer boots on and check out Roping and America West Barrel Roping, as well as a Paniolo Cookout sponsored by Kalapaki Joe’s. Most events are free, and the food promises to be authentic. For more information, and a list of events visit the Koloa Plantation Days website.

Tuesday, July 31

Hukilau Lanai Koloa Rum Dinner

The Koloa Rum Co. had partnered with the Hukilau Lanai to feature a rum dinner on “Black Tot Day”, the final day that the Royal Navy issued sailors with their daily rum ration. There will be plenty of rum for this dinner though. Check back for a complete post on this dinner.

ONGOING:

Friday, July 13 through Saturday July, 28

2012 Kauai Bon Dance Festival

For more than 500 years, Japanese bon dance festivals have honored the spirit’s of family members that have passed away. The festivals serve as both a ceremony of spiritual remembrance and a celebration of cultural heritage and community. According to tradition, it is believed the summer months are when ancestral spirits return to visit family and friends.

The dance is held at night and differs slightly depending on the Buddhist Mission, but generally involves people circling a high wooden yagura. The appropriate way to welcome the ancestors soul’s is to play happy music and create a feeling of happiness.

The festivals are also known for their array of Japanese foods for sale – andagi (sweet fried dough), grilled teriyaki beef, chicken skewers, musubi (rice balls wrapped in dried seaweed), and stir-fried noodles. Everyone is welcome regardless of religious background, ethnicity, or dancing abilities. Call 808-338-1847 for details