Kauai Pau Hana for March 23

Martini at Dondero's. Daniel Lane photo

Happy Aloha Friday everyone! I’m happy to say that all the farmers markets have recovered from the rain that pounded Kauai earlier this month. The markets aren’t as abundant as they usually are because most farmers watched their entire gardens wash away. It will be another three to four weeks before things are back to normal, but in the mean time, I hope you can support them by shopping at their markets before you hit the grocery store. You can read our article in this week’s MidWeek Kauai, where the farmers share how the storm affected their gardens.

I like to add links to articles we’ve done, or websites for the businesses that are listed. In some cases people only have a Facebook page, so I’ll link to that. That way, if you are interested in something, you can learn more about it. For some reason, every time I type the word “Kauai”, WordPress links it to our Farmers Market page. While we are trying to figure out why, don’t click on the link. (Post script: Dan fixed it!)

Mahi Mahi Tacos, cilantro jalapeno sauce and tangy hot sauce. Daniel Lane photo

You may have noticed Paco’s Tacos opened a third truck in Kapaa. Their store front in Hanapepe Town is doing a brisk business, and the truck in Kilauea is too. Owner, Tony Aguilar is trying to find his sweet spot, and moved his Kapaa truck to Wailua for a couple of weeks. Yesterday, he moved his truck back to Kapaa, near Otsuka’s Furniture, where he says it will stay. Chick here to read our story on Paco’s Tacos.

Tony mentioned that he is working on a Fiesta Americana for Cinco de Mayo that includes live music. He is still in the planning stages, doing some island-style negotiating, so I hope it all comes together. I want to go to his party and indulge in all things Mexican. Heck, I may even evoke my mother’s Spanish genes, and do a little salsa dance. Viva la taco!

Da Cha Tea is a Kauai owned business that blends 100 percent organic and Fair Trade tea. Stop by Java Kai, in Old Town Kapaa, and try the Organic White Hawaiian Blend with white peony, coconut, pineapple, and papaya. Sounds like a taste of Kauai!

For a rancher, Duane Shimogawa is pretty cool when I whip out my iPhone to take his picture. I'm a geek like that!

Yesterday, we met with Duane Shimogawa of Aakukui Ranch for an upcoming MidWeek Kauai article, and to snap some shots for the Kauai Grown campaign. There’s good news for the South side, Sueoka Store just started selling his grass-fed beef. Since we live in Kapaa, we’ll have to keep getting our local beef from Kojima’s. It isn’t Duane’s, but it’s delicious grass-fed beef at great prices.

Asparagus, Parmesan and black pepper pot pie at The Right Slice. Marta iPhone photo

If you haven’t been to The Right Slice in Puhi, maybe this picture will motivate you. We were running errands in the area, so we called ahead. While our pies baked, we stopped at The Wine Garden in Lihue and got a beverage to wash it down. Today’s pot pie specials are broccoli cheddar and chili. You can also get slices of Island Lime, Mango Lilikoi, Haupia Purple Sweet Potato, Chocolate Coconut Macaroon, or Lilikoi Cheesecake. We couldn’t help but get a couple slices of Island Lime. Sweet, tangy and buttery!

Sometimes, baker Sandy needs taste testers, and the only way to find out is to check their Facebook page. These positions usually get filled pretty quickly, and it seems like the “jobs” are usually taken by the time I log on. But today I got lucky! My assignment? Bring home a frozen Mango Lilikoi pie, take it home and bake it from frozen, take pictures and relay my experience within a week. Yea, I can do that!

Cas at Akamai Juice Company just called to tell me about her specials at the Hanalei Farmers Market this weekend. Since citrus season is almost over, she’ll celebrate with Akamai BOP, a diabetic- and Atkins-friendly drink make with apple banana, orange juice and pineapple. The “Rainy Day Special” will be a shot of noni, wellness drink and a fruit chaser for $4, normally it’s $5. Akamai’s organic Gingersop with local soursop, local ginger, and Kilauea honey is potent cancer fighter according to their Facebook page. Check out Akamai’s complete menu here.

For the chefs out there, the Hawaii Restaurant Association has put out the call for HRA Hall of Fame nominations. The requirements are:

• Contributed to the enhancement of the image and quality of the restaurant and food service industry in Hawaii
• Provided service to the industry through civic, philanthropic or educational outreach
• Demonstrated dedication and commitment to the growth of the industry.

Deadline for entries is Friday, April 13.

News from our friends at Sugar Mill Cupcakes

“Since 2010, SMC has sold over 24,649 cupcakes as a mobile cupcakery. Now that we have our storefront, I know that our 25,000 cake will be sold before Monday. To celebrate, I’m holding a contest! The lucky person who purchases our 25,000 cupcake this weekend will receive a prize package that includes:

A 4 pack of cupcakes each month for an entire year.

A custom (and ultra chic) SMC shirt and coffee mug.

And our new SMC VIP BLACK CARD (which gives the holder additional savings and gifts with certain purchases)

“Details will be posted on my website later today. Please spread the word! Good luck everyone and mahalo for your support. It’s because of all of you that I get to live my dream of ‘making the world sweet one cupcake at a time.'”

EVENTS

Kauai Independent Food Bank, Spring Food Drive March 1 – April  30
The Kauai Independent Food Bank hopes to raise 40,000 pounds of nutritious food and $40,000. Watch for the brown grocery bags and remittance envelopes in the Garden Island Newspaper in late February, fill them up, and take them to any of the following drop-off sites: Hanalei, Hanapepe, Kalaheo, Kapaa, Koloa, Lihue, and Waimea Fire Stations, as well as our Food Bank warehouse in Nawiliwili. Every dollar and pound of food donated will bring a smile to those in need.

2012 Prince Kuhio Celebration, March 11 – March 26
Only three days are left for the Prince Kuhio celebration. Last Monday, we listend to Auntie Jackie, whose family has been making salt for 7 generations, talk story about salt at the Hanapepe Salt Flats. If you’re interested in learning about the ancient Hawaiian tradition of salt making, check Monday’s “From Seed” post. In the mean time, click here for a list of the remaining Prince Kuhio events.

Ursa Swift of Midnight Bear Breads. Daniel Lane photo

Papaya’s Natural Foods and Cafe sells a lot of local produce and products. They also like to give their customers a free taste of what local vendors make and sell. Wednesday, the 28 from noon to 2 p.m., Kristal from Kauai Kombucha will be presenting a tasting of her locally made Kombucha. Kristal’s highly medicinal kombucha is made from Kauai’s in season fresh fruit, and includes Pinapple-Orange and Ginger-Lemon-Spirulina.

Thursday the 29, Ursa, founder and creator of Midnight Bear Breads will be offering samples of her bread. She uses organic flour and ingredients as well as local products whenever possible. She focuses on European style, artisan breads as well as healthy whole grain breads and a sweet bread. Chick here to read the article we did on her, or check her Facebook page for locations and specials.

Howard's Dream at Orchid Alley in Kapaa. Daniel Lane photo

Orchid Festival, March 30 and 31
The Garden Island Orchid Society’s annual Spring Fantasy Show is on March 30 and 31, at the United Church of Christ in Hanapepe. Hours are from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, and 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday the 31st. The Kauai Orchid and Art Festival showcases free Hawaiian music concerts, art exhibits, ono food and the Garden Island Orchid Society’s Orchid Show. Additional workshops for air painting and food demonstrations, as well as local food vendors, such as The Right Slice. In addition to the show, there will also be orchid plants. Orchid crafts and food for sale. There is no entrance fee. At the same time, the Kauai Art and Orchids Festival will be held in Historic Hanapepe town.

UPCOMING

Bread from Passion Bakery. Daniel Lane photo

Passion bakery bakes and sells springy olive oil, rosemary and sea salt focaccia, as well as sourdough, and whole wheat bread. There’s also taro buns, pies, cookies and gluten-free and vegan treats. Try a sample at Papaya’s Natural Foods and Cafe on Saturday the 31, from noon to 2 p.m. If you want to learn more, click here to read our MidWeek article.

9th Biannual Kauai Community Seed and Plant Exchange, April 1

Children of the Land's Paul Morimoto also performs at Luau Kalamaku. Daniel Lane photo

The Children of the Land Center for Polynesian Culture (Nā Keiki O Ka `Āina) will host this free event. Participants are asked to bring non-invasive, non-GMO, pre-cleaned, insect and disease free cuttings, potted plants, and seeds to share freely. Seed and plant check-in is from noon to 2 p.m. Presentations on the seed bank, la`au lapa`au, and Coco Palms mālama `āina project will happen from 2 to 3 p.m.; the pule, and exchange will follow at 3 p.m. Live music by Malama Pono Alstars from 3 to 5, then Cook Islands/Tahitian drumming begins at 5, followed by fire dancing and poi ball performance at the Center’s outdoor stage. The seed lab will be open with hands-on activities. People who have never been to a seed and plant exchange are encouraged to come. Event organizer Jill Richardson says, “The exchange is like a pot-luck for plant nuts–this event really shines because of the beautiful offerings that the others bring.” Come early to enjoy information booths, demonstrations, and live music. For more information please call 808-652-4118 or go to www.ribg.org

The Kaua`i Community Seed Bank is a collaborative project of Regenerations Botanical Garden and Children of the Land. It was established in 2007, born out of the idea that diverse varieties of plants could best be grown and maintained by the general public, thereby contributing to the global conservation of important and threatened plant life. The bank currently holds hundreds of varieties of edible, medicinal, and native seeds in cool dry storage, while its living plant collection is growing in numerous garden and farm locations around the island.

Merriman’s Fish House, April 2
Last week, I posted “In the Kitchen with the Executive Chef of Merriman’s Fish House Kauai”. Whew! That’s a long title, but we gotta show up on those Google search engines! Anyway, we were there to interview chef Mark Arriola for the upcoming Koloa Rum Dinner. The four course dinner showcases locally made, small-batch, award-winning Koloa Rum. After tasting the cocktails, and sampling the food, we can assure you that the evening will be spirited and delicious! Call 808-742-8385 for reservations, and read about it in the March 26 issue of MidWeek Kauai.

Speaking of rum, $18 buys you The Rum Experience at Koloa Rum, which begins on April 2 and is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 5:15. Meet in the Tasting Room with a 30-minute presentation of the history of rum, sugarcane and sugar in Hawaii. You’ll learn about rum production while tasting Koloa Rum, and you get to leave with a shot glass, coaster, and recipe featuring the Gaylord’s Mai Tai. After the presentation, head over to Gaylord’s and drink their Mai Tai. That way, when you get home with your bottle of rum, you know what it’s supposed to taste like! If you do it, post a picture of your drink on our Facebook page! Call 808-245-9593 to book your Rum Experience.

Lakakila Kitchen Kauai sources Kauai fresh fish and produce. Daniel Lane photo

Lanakila Kitchen
Starting Monday, April 2, Lanakila Kitchen Kauai will offer more dining options for its Kauai ohana with a new “Good to Go” dinner service. Lanakila Kitchen Kauai will prepare daily specials featuring fresh, local favorites, conveniently packaged good-to-go for the commute home. The $49 dinner serves up to four adults and includes a salad, side dish, main course and dessert.

Lanakila Kitchen Kauai continues offering hot, ono lunch plates but has updated its hours to 10 a .m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Good to Go dinners will be available for pick-up between 3 and 5:30 p.m. Call-in pre-orders are encouraged as dinners are limited. Lunch and dinner options are also available for contract meals services for groups.

The gang at Lanakila Kitchen Kauai. Daniel Lane photo

“Customers have been asking for take out dinner options and we’re happy to help,” said Carol Horner, Lanakila Kitchen Kauai Project Manager. “Our dinners are for those days when the long work day leaves you craving a good meal without the chore of cooking and dishes. And you can feel good knowing that the purchase of your meal directly supports training and employment opportunities for people with challenged lives on Kauai.”

Daily Good to Go specials can be found by calling the restaurant at (808) 332-5500. Lanakila Kitchen Kauai is located at 2-3687 Kaumualii Highway in Lawai, next to the post office. If you’d like to learn more about the contribution this restaurant makes to Kauai, click here to read our story. I was deeply touched by the confidence this program instills in the folks who live challenged lives brought on by physical or mental disability.

Garden Isle Racing Association, April 7
Due to rain flooding out the racetrack, the season of drag racing at Kauai Raceway Park in Mana begins on April 7. It’s $12 per person. Food trucks include Mele’s Kusina, Killah Steaks, and ice cream. For more information call Bobby Barros at (808) 635-6034.

Mahalo for reading, and tasting Kauai from seed to table!