Cover: Macadamia nut crusted Monchong at Makana Terrace. Daniel Lane photo

“Where should I eat on Kaua’i?” is a common question. The answer is in our new guidebook, Tasting Kauai: Restaurants, From Food Trucks to Fine Dining, A Guide to Eating Well on the Garden Island. Now available in digital and print versions, the exclusive listing features 69 restaurants that make fresh food from scratch, using local ingredients whenever possible.

For more than three years, we have contributed two weekly food columns to MidWeek Kauai. In my column “Tastes of Kauai”, I profile restaurants, chefs, food artisans and beverage makers. My “Farmers Markets” column introduces family farmers, what they grow and where it can be found. Dan’s vivid photographs run in both columns.

We compiled our favorites into a useful guidebook that takes readers on a culinary romp through paradise. Nineteen colorful images evoke the senses. Whimsical graphics indicate price range, free Wi-Fi, food trucks and when reservations are recommended. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free icons offer at-a-glance options for those on alternative diets, and a “slippah code” lets readers know what to wear. A pink hibiscus indicates the best of the best.

Back cover: Saimin at Oasis on the Beach, Pipikaula Flatbread at RumFire, Margaritas at Tortilla Republic, cupcakes at Cakes by Kristin. Daniel Lane photos

Kindle and print versions are available on Amazon as well as nine locations on Kauai. E-books can be read on any smart phone or computer and include an interactive table of contents and links to websites for current hours and menus.

Today’s technology enables us to print-on-demand and quickly remove eateries that have closed. The guidebook will be updated annually to include more restaurants that make fresh food from scratch, using local ingredients whenever possible.

We will sign copies at Blue House Booksellers during the Old Kapaa Town Art Walk on September 7, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Anni Caporuscio, owner of Small Town Coffee, opened Blue House Booksellers on August 19, 2013. Located in the Dragon Building in Kapaa, this is one of two bookstores on Kauai. This will be the first book signing for us as well as Anni!

On Wednesday, September 4 at 12:30 p.m., I will talk about the use of local produce in Kauai’s restaurants with KKCR’s “In the Garden, on the Farm” hosts Paul Massey and Robin Torquati.

For ordering information, visit Tasting Kauai: Restaurants.

Photography, graphics and layout by Daniel Lane of Pono Photo.