NEWS:

Kauai White Pineapple

Island Orchid at Hukilau Lanai. Daniel Lane photo

Yeeehaw! It’s the season for luscious Kauai white pineapple! These babies are low-acid, sweet, and so tender, you can eat the core. Tim O’Connor of Olana Organic Farm says, “White pineapple is peaking right now. There’s lots of beautiful, super-sweet large fruit.”

Kauai white pineapple from Olana Organic Farm, Alana Farm, and Hole in the Mountain Farm is only available at farmers markets. Click on their links to see which markets each farm is at. North Country Farms also has white pineapple available at the Saturday Namahana market.

North Country Farms

Speaking of North Country Farms, Lee Roversi asks, “ I am curious if other farmers are experiencing the devastation from the sparrows and house finches. This is unprecedented in my experience. And I am left wondering why?”

Olana Organic Farm

Olana Organic Farm also has their first of the season Hulumanu avocado. “This wonderful variety is large with a shiny green skin and very creamy and tasty flesh,” says Tim. “A real summer treat! And yummy mangoes are not too far in our future.”

One Song Farm

Lisa Fuller and Sun. Daniel Lane photo.

Several months ago two of our favorite farmers Lisa Fuller and Sun, left the gardens at One Song Farm in Moloaa to start an organic, bio-intensive farm in Kalihiwai. They are building Kumu Ania, an educational center with more than 150 Kauai-grown seeds, and will offer workshops about perennial leaf plants that complete a life cycle, from seed to seed. The last time I saw them was their last day at the Kapaa market on Wednesday, April 25. So I was happy to receive this email from Lisa.

“So much change… so much good change. We are now settling in to the rhythms of Kilauea and Kalihiwai Ridge on Wai Koa Plantation. We signed a 25-year lease with the Porters (owners of the Wai Koa Plantation) to steward approximately six acres right next door to SOS Farm, Malama Kauai, and Richard & Greta. We’re going slow and are utilizing the immense support offered by this community, including earth work from the big machines at Kauai Fresh Farms. As of one hour ago, we had one acre of land opened up with the big ripper for the market garden, and the land under what will soon be the re-erected hoop houses.

“We are under contract with NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) to put the hoop houses back into production, and getting them up and increasing the fertility in the future growing spaces as quickly as possible are our main focuses at this time.

“We’re easily three months away from bringing any produce back to the market.

“Much love to the loyal customers and One Song supporters who have continued to send well wishes and hugs as we make this important transition. Much more exciting things to come… stay tuned.”

Sun & Lisa

SOS Farms

SOS Farms is taking new members for their ELS. Their Eat Local Service is a convenient way to shop. Every week, Kelly and Yuichi Sato pool from local farmers and vendors and offer members a selection of Kauai-grown and made products.

This pay-as-you-go service includes farm-fresh eggs and produce from SOS Farms, as well as cucumbers, mushrooms, taro, tomatoes, dried fruit, honey, pastries and bread. Wednesday home deliveries to Kilauea and Princeville are free for orders of $20 or more.

Kauai Roots Co-op

Ed Sint with freshly harvested heart of palm. Daniel Lane photo

Farmer Ed Sint, owner of Kauai Roots Co-op says, “We are putting more effort into our CSA program, and have added about 5000 SF to the co-op garden space to accommodate more restaurants and CSA sales. We are targeting the south shore and west side communities as it simplifies delivery and pick-up since we are located in Kalaheo.

“Over the next 90 days we will be gradually grow the CSA count as we gain knowledge as to the produce requirements of our customers. We are also planning to have “add-ons” such as bread, eggs and a select number of organic specialties such as pesto, kale salads and dressings. For more information, visit the Kauai Roots Co-op website.

“We are looking to hire 1-2 garden workers,” says Ed. “This is typical garden work that includes planting, harvesting, weeding and other garden related tasks. Also, time spent at farmers markets.”

EVENTS:

Sunday, July 22

St. Catherine’s School Garden

9:30 a.m. to noon

Malama Kauai needs volunteers for the St Catherine’s School Garden. All levels of skill and experience are welcome to help rejuvenate the soil, harvest sweet potatoes, install new garden boxes, and helping to create an outdoor learning environment for students and teachers.

Bring a shovel or digging fork (if you have one), gloves, a hat and water. For more information, call Sam Henriques at 808-651-2885 or Colleen Carroll at 808-634-3021

Saturday, July 28

Hanalei Canoe Club’s 39th Annual Luau and Silent Auction, 4:30 to 9 p.m.

This fundraiser helps to sponsor the youth program at the State Outrigger Canoe Championship Races on Oahu in August. Includes local entertainment, silent auction, a local style luau, canoe rides on the Hanalei River, logo wear, shave ice, fresh coconuts, and more. Tickets are available at Healthy Hut in Kilauea, Hanalei Surf Company in Hanalei, Federico’s in Princeville, from a canoe club member, and outside Foodland in Princeville on certain days near the event date. For more information call 808-639-4048,  or visit the The Hanalei Canoe Club website.

Monday, July 30

Grow Culture

Dumpling House Dinner, Caffe Coco, $50, 6 p.m.

Collin Darrell of Grow Culture is rolling out his pop-up restaurant, Grown. He’s turning Caffe Coco into a dumpling house for one night only. Kauai Grill’s chef de cuisine Garrison Price will hand-make these delicacies using Kauai-grown ingredients. Collin says there will be plenty of vegetarian options available, and promises to give me more information before my next Pau Hana Friday post.

The evening will accommodate one seating for 30 people. BYOB and CS (chopsticks). This is going to be great! I mean, where can you go get a whole bunch of dumplings on Kauai?

Tuesday, July 31

Hukilau Lanai

Four-Course Dinner featuring Koloa Rum, $68, 6 p.m.

Executive chef Ron Miller and his staff have created an enticing menu of locally grown food and wrapped it around locally made Koloa Rum. If you come to this website often, you know we are big fans of the Hukilau Lanai, and the Koloa Rum Company. So we’re looking forward to this fresh and creative four-course dinner.

First Course

T.L.C Daiquiri. Fresh squeezed Tahitian lime juice, Koloa White Rum and a powdered coconut rim. Served up, and chilled to perfection.

Pineapple Tomato Gazpacho with White Rum Pineapple Sorbet.

Second Course

Kauai Shrimp Smoked with Rum-soaked Wood and Corn Flan with Koloa Spice Rum. Kailani Farms Arugula, and Koloa Dark Rum vinaigrette.

White wine paring

Third Course

Fresh Island Catch with local carrot, ginger and Koloa Spice Rum puree. Kaneshiro Farms pork tenderloin with Koloa White Rum and lemongrass demi-glace.

Red wine paring

Fourth Course

The Dessert Trio includes:

Spice: Rum cake, banana compote, and Hawaiian sea salt
White: Rum Raspberry Coconut Tiramisu
Dark: Rum and Chocolate Mousse Tartlet with Toasted Mac nuts

Cha Cha Chocolate with chipotle infused Koloa Dark Rum and a hint of chocolate.

The cost is $68 and includes tax and gratuity. Call Hukilau Lanai at 808-822-0600 to make prepaid reservations.

Saturday, August 11

Kauai Nursery & Landscaping

Pest ID and Control workshop, Free, 9 a.m.

Every month Kauai Nursery & Landscaping gives free workshops. August’s Pest Control and ID workshop includes diagnosing plant diseases with a certified landscape technician, and examining plant problems and learning solutions. If you have a pest, bring it in, or a small cutting of the problem for diagnosis.

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.

Friday, July 20 through Sunday, July 29

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.

Free events includes guided walks through historical parts of Koloa, movie night, Polynesian review, and traditional Hawaiian games. For more information, and a list of events visit the Koloa Plantation Days website.