NEWS:

Kauai Farm Connection

Bloody Goose at Kalapaki Joe’s in Lihue. Daniel Lane photo

As the former Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) manager for the Kauai Farm Connection (KFC), I can tell you this organic farm in Kilauea grows good food. We’re happy to announce that Art Cafe Hemingway is now using their fruit and vegetables, which can be found on the gourmet European brunch menu.

If you like weekly boxes of farm-fresh, organic produce, join KFC for a new CSA season beginning October 1. If you prefer, sign up for customized weekly boxes. Deliveries are made to Papaya’s Natural Foods and Cafe in  Kapaa, or you can pickup at the farm In Kilauea.

The Gardens at Kauai Farm Connection. Daniel Lane photo

If you’d like to work in the gardens, KFC is looking for someone to work 10 to 15 hours a week. Requirements? A strong back, great attitude, and must be reliable. Pay starts at $10 an hour.

For more information, call 808-652-5110 or email KauaiFarmConnection@gmail.com

Koloa Rum Company

The Koloa Rum Company is located at the historic Kilohana Plantation in Lihue. Daniel Lane photo

The Koloa Rum Company is having their 3rd-Year Anniversary and Mahalo Sale. Take 20 percent off at the Company Store and Tasting Room or at the eStore. Choose from four award-winning rums, Koloa Rum Ready To Drink Mai Tai Cocktail, Kukui Brand Mai Tai Mix, Kukui Brand jams and jellies, Koloa Rum logo wear, rum fudge sauce, Koloa Rum Cake, gourmet sea salts from Pacifica Hawaii, Kauai Chocolate Company, Big Island Honey, Aloha Spice Company, Kauai Roastery Butter Rum flavored coffee, Oils of Aloha, Hawaiian Hula Dressing, Soaps by Auntie Ina, Mango Tree Sauces and Island Prince Cigars.

Sale begins Friday, September 28 at 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday September 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kauai Grill

Kauai Grill’s steamed onaga in coconut juice and parsnip/basil puree. Daniel Lane photo

Owned by the Michelin awarded chef Jean-George Vongerichten, the Kauai Grill in the St. Regis Princeville Resort has a new chef de cuisine. Look for new fall dining and cocktail menus as well as some wine additions. I will reveal the details in an upcoming issue of MidWeek Kauai.

Kauai Community College Fine Dining Menu

Tuesday, September 18, Wednesday, September 19, and Thursday, September 20

Starter

• Spinach Salad
• Panzanella
• Cream of Carrot Soup

Entrée

Entrée Selections are served with freshly baked breads and includes a choice of the starter and dessert.

• Taco Salad, $14.75
• Sautéed Salmon, spaetzle, spinaci alla romana, caper butter sauce, $18.50
• Sautéed Pork Loin Robert, braised red cabbage, roesti potatoes, $17.75
• Grilled Barbeque ½ Chicken, baked beans, roasted new potatoes, grilled corn, $16.50
• Braised Boneless Beef Short Rib, dauphine potatoes, $17.00

Dessert

• Carrot walnut cake
• Poached Pears in red wine, sabayon

EVENTS:

Saturday, September 15

September in the Gardens

Na Aina Kai, 3 to 6 p.m., $15

“September in the Gardens” is a Na Aina Kai annual fundraiser that enables the community to enjoy the gardens. There will be local entertainment, aerial silks, and food provided by Collin Darrell of Grow Culture.

Collin Darrell at the 2012 Kauai County Farm Fair Cook off. Daniel Lane photo

“As I strolled the gardens with representatives from Na Aina Kai, we came upon the Japanese Tea House and I immediately felt our inspiration,” says Darrell. “The gardens, of course, are the focus of this event, but Grown will be hosting a locally-sourced and garden-inspired food concession. Chef Jimmy Stafford, of local fame as well as a stint on the mainland, will be preparing a variety of small plates under $8. Grab a plate and roam the garden, savoring all the sensual experiences – sight, smell, sound and taste!”

Saturday, September 22

3rd Annual Westin Princeville Wine and Jazz Festival

5:30 to 9:30 p.m., $90

Nanea’s Deconstructed Ahi Wraps. Daniel Lane photo

Listen to jazz and eat gourmet food on the Westin’s main lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean high above Anini Beach. Kama aina 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 music. One-hundred percent of the proceeds from the event’s Silent Auction will benefit the Kauai Lifeguard Association.

Sesame Seed Seared Ahi at Gaylord’s. Daniel Lane photo

The pristine north shore of Kauai is the backdrop for the Westin Princeville Jazz and Wine Festival, which features delectable culinary dishes from the island’s premiere chefs, including The Westin Princville’s Nanea Restaurant & Bar and Wailele Bar. The event will also showcase cuisine from St. Regis Princeville’s Kauai Grill and Makana Terrace; Sheraton Kauai Resort’s RumFire and Lava’s on Poipu Beach; The Tavern at Princeville; BarAcuda; Gaylord’s at Kilohana, and a sweet ending from Sugar Mill Cupcakes.

RumFire’s Big Eye Tuna with Kauai Kunana Dairy feta. Daniel Lane photo

Guests can pair the extravagant fare with nearly 20 wines from some of wine countries’ most sought-after vineyards. Lively jazz music will be performed throughout this magical evening under the vast, moonlit sky, showcasing a new sound from award-winning Amy Hanaialii Gilliom, as well as Michael Ruff, Abe Lagrimas Jr., Dan Taba and Jeff Richman.

Rocky Road by Sugar Mill Cupcakes. Daniel Lane photo

The silent auction benefitting Kauai Lifeguard Association will include hotel stays, airfare, activities, dinner certificates and more as part of The Westin Princeville’s yearlong effort to give back to the community. The Kauai Lifeguard Association is a nonprofit organization that aims to maximize ocean safety in and around Kauai waters through education, training and maintaining high standards of professional and open-water lifesaving practices and techniques.

Tickets are $90 per person, and includes entertainment, an etched Jazz and Wine Festival wine glass, food, wine and non-alcoholic beverages (tax & gratuity included). For more information, or to purchase tickets, call The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas at 808-827-8808.

ONGOING:

Sunday, September 3 – Friday, September 21

Kauai Aloha Festivals

The Kauai Aloha Festivals celebrates Kauai’s native Hawaiian culture. Several events showcase Hawaiian music, dance, cuisine, arts and cultural practices. Kauai residents and visitors will be able to observe time-honored protocol and traditions in association with the Hawaiian culture as well as experience a broad range of Hawaiian dance, music and food.

Event locations include Smith’s Tropical Paradise, Kapaa First Hawaiian Church, Kauai Beach Resort, Kauai Marriott, and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. For more information, visit the Kauai Aloha Festivals website.