NEWS:
Winter Sun Margarita. Daniel Lane photo
Today’s Pau Hana Friday cocktail shot is from our last culinary tour. Besides the tasting, Stephanie Krieger of Nani Moon Mead gave us an exclusive tour of her meadery, and taught us how to make a Winter Sun Margarita. It was a refreshing ending to our day-long tour.
I always learn something on these tours. Guy Higa, executive chef of the Kauai Marriott Resort, does a cooking demonstration while he makes our four-course lunch. Last time, I learned that if you boil tofu for a minute, it takes the water out. I had no idea. I always pressed it between paper towels and hand cloths! This time, I learned that to make the best fried noodles, you must take them straight from the boiling water and into a hot pan with oil.
Grilled eggplant and marinated tomatoes. Marta Lane photo
Our first course was fat slices of eggplant grilled to creamy perfection and topped with a thick sauce that Chef Higa showed us how to make. Marinated cherry tomatoes were placed on top, and it was garnished with diced bell peppers and olive oil. So simple, and very delicious! I’ll post the recipe soon.
Quinoa Crouton with Kauai-grown greens. Marta Lane photo
For our second course, chef Higa used Kauai Fresh Farms lettuce and aquaponics greens grown at the Kauai Community College. They teach an aquaponics course, and sell the produce at the Saturday Kauai Community Market. A crispy quinoa “crouton” was placed on top and drizzled with a light vinaigrette.
Kaneshiro pork and Kauai Shrimp. Marta Lane photo
To my delight, chef Higa used Kaneshiro Farms pig for the third course. He roasted it whole, and used chunks of the tender pork in a stir-fry with local mushrooms, green beans and bean sprouts. Then, he topped it with plump Kauai Shrimp. A sliver of crispy pork skin was placed on top!
Lilikoi Panna Cotta. Marta Lane photo.
Dessert was a succulent Lilikoi Panna Cotta. Panna Cotta is an Italian dessert made with cream, milk and sugar. It’s cool and firm, and one of my favorite desserts. Adding passion fruit juice made it exceptional, and a coulis of Kula strawberries and poha berry jam gilded the lily.
Our next culinary tour is October 19. We are showcasing the same farm, chef and beverage. Once I get the new menu from chef Higa, I’ll add it here.
Kealia Sunday Market
The Kealia Sunday Market will be closed until the new year, and plans to reopen are on Sunday, January 13. If you’re a vendor interested in joining their hui, please call 808-635-5091.
Tropical Flowers Express
Terry of Tropical Flowers Express making one of her hand-tied bouquets. Daniel Lane photo
Tropical Flowers Express is a 2-acre farm located in upcountry Kapaa. Johnny and Terry Gordines grow, sell and ship Hawaiian tropical flowers on island, and across the United States via farmers markets and an online store. They also service local flower shops here on Kauai, and have contracts with numerous hotels.
I love getting Terry’s hand-tied bouquets and colorful tropical mix bouquets. They’re only $7, and last for weeks! Normally, Terry is at the Kukuiula Gourmet Market, and the Kauai Community Market, but they just started going to the Kapaa Sunshine Market. In my opinion, this market is the best on the island. It has a huge variety of local farmers, and the new Restore Kauai Market across the street sells value added products. Now, it just got better!
Uncle Mikey’s Dried Fruit.
Uncle Mikey’s dried starfruit is chewy with crunchy seeds. Daniel Lane photo
Mike Stewart, of Uncle Mikey’s Dried Fruit, has some yummy news. “Starfruit is finally in season,” he says, “and Uncle Mikey’s is drying loads again this year! Mango season has proven to be pretty awesome as well, and as I always say, ‘I never met a mango I didn’t like!’
“Also, after a couple of months of negotiations, Uncle Mikey’s will be in Kauai Foodland stores soon.
Mike Stewart with daughter Stephanie. Daniel Lane photo
“We also got reports that Uncle Mikey’s was sent to troops in Afghanistan, what an honor, it has got to be better than MREs!
“Two of our daughters, Stephanie and Michelle, are helping Uncle Mikey’s grow with all their hard work and positive vibes. Mahalo girls. Love you!
“All is good in Uncle Mikey land, wishing all success in all they do.”
Koloa Rum Company
Award-winning Koloa Rum. 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 Community College Fine Dining Menu
Tuesday, September 25, Wednesday, September 26, and Thursday, September 27.
Entrée selection served with freshly baked breads and includes a choice of starter and dessert.
Starter
- Manhattan Clam Chowder
- Warm French Potato Salad
- Roasted Beet Salad with Gorgonzola
Entrée
- Salad Nicoise with fresh Ahi, $17.50
- Tournedos Chasseur, stuffed baked potato, spinach timbales, $21.50
- Seafood Newburg, rice pilaf, $18.50
- Roast Duckling A L’orange, glazed sweet potatoes, green beans with roasted peppers and bacon, $18.75
- Navarin of Lamb, carrots, potato, turnip tourné, $17.50
Dessert
- French donuts, warm caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream
- Fresh fruit tart
Call 808-245-8365 for lunch reservations.
EVENTS:
Saturday, September 22
Kauai Nursery & Landscaping
Nani Kuehu and Sandy Nishek of Kauai Nursery & Landscaping. Daniel Lane photo
Kauai Nursery & Landscaping will be hosting a free workshop on grass. Learn about variety selection, methods for instillation, establishment, and maintenance. Class begins at 9:05 a.m., in the nursery conference room.
“There are several kinds of grass grown in Hawaii,” says Hiroko Letman. “We will explain how to choose for the customer’s needs, plus how to install, and maintain. It’s perfect for people who are thinking to renew their grass, or for new homeowners.”
For more information, call 808-245-7747.
Papaya’s Natural Foods & Cafe
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free
Papaya’s Natural Foods & Cafe is having their 3rd Annual Community Appreciation Day. At 11 a.m., get a free plate lunch of brown rice, tofu and a sesame gravy with local mixed greens and a cranberry orange vinaigrette. There will be live music, local food vendors, and massage.
3rd Annual Westin Princeville Wine and Jazz Festival
5:30 to 9:30 p.m., $90
Jesse Schwartz on our last culinary tour talks about the farm’s honey. Marta Lane photo
Jesse Swartz is the tour guide for the farm portion of our Kauai Culinary Tour. He’s also a sommelier and will be doing the wine for the 3rd Annual Westin Princeville Wine and Jazz Festival.
I spoke with him earlier this week, and he told me he’d be featuring D.O.C. wines from Italy, served in a govino glass. For details, read the 3rd Annual Westin Princeville Wine and Jazz Festival post.
Tickets are $90 per person, and includes entertainment, a govino 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.
Saturday, September 29
Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill
5 to 9 p.m., $45
Join Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill for “A Visit to Morocco” featuring Sudeeka Belly Dancers, exotic music, and a four-course dinner.
First Course (choose one)
- Chickpea and Orange Salad with Red Onions and Black Olives
- Melon Salad with Mint and Orange Water
- Spicy Eggplant Tomato Salad
Second Course
- Lamb Kefta with Cucumber Yogurt and Roasted Cumin
Third Course (choose one)
- Chicken Tagine with Clams and Vegetables
- Snapper Tagine with Preserved Lemons, Green Olives and Thyme
Fourth Course
- Beignets with Honey Orange Water Sorbet
For reservations call 808-742-7117.
Sunday, September 30
Startup Gardening with One Song Farm
9 a.m. to 1 p.m., $36
Lisa and Sun are holding a workshop that’s geared towards people who want to garden, grow food, and live sustainably.
Come learn the basics as they apply to Kauai:
- Soil testing and preparation
- Controlling weeds diseases and insects
- Making compost
- Monitoring your garden from seed to table
Lisa Fuller and Sun. Daniel Lane photo
Twenty-two years ago, Sun arrived on Kauai with a vision of organic and sustainable agriculture on the islands of Hawaii. Since then, he has committed his life to that vision. Through a lot of trial and error, Lisa and Sun have learned to work with the land and produce what grows easily on Kauai.
Sun and Lisa are farming at Kumu Aina, Land as Teacher, and their bio-intensive approach means fuel-free and machine-free gardening. Going beyond organic, they offer a low-tech way to grow food using a small space. The couple will share their extensive knowledge at the workshop.
For directions, contact Lisa and Sun at 808-635-3020.
Monday, October 1
Grown
Monday Night Dinner, Caffé Coco, 6 p.m., $50
Caffé Coco is continuing with Collin Darrell‘s Monday night dinners. The October event features Doug Kocol from Salt Kitchen and Tasting Bar on Oahu. Kocol’s charcutier versatility is a treat to experience, and his artesian techniques can apply to many ingredients. Collin is putting him to the ultimate test, and removing his key ingredient, meat. The tasting menu will include five vegetarian courses for $50 plus tax and gratuity. No BYOB fee.
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.
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