Dark & Stormy, Kōloa Style with Koloa Rum will be featured on this month’s A Culinary Romp Through Paradise. Daniel Lane photo

Roy’s Poipu

Roy’s Poipu Bar & Grill announces a new Courtyard Happy Hour. Nightly from 5:30-6:30
Drinks:

• Daou Vineyards, “The Pessimist” Paso Robles California 2011, $6
• Quivira Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County California 2011, $6
• Minted “Yuzu-Tini”
A Refreshing Roy’s Style Martini of Yuzu Sake, Skyy Ginger Vodka, and Muddled Mint Leaves and Cucumber, $7
• South Of the Border Margarita
 A Fiery Twist on a Classic: 1800 Reposado Tequila, Muddled Cilantro and Fresh Jalapenos, Habanero Salt Rim, $7
• Beer Selection
 Heineken, Kona Brewing Company Fire Rock Pale Ale, Guinness Extra Stout, $4

Pupus:

• Smoked Salmon Rangoons Scallion Aioli, Red Onion Caper Relish, $7
• Surf and Turf Szechuan Style Baby Back Ribs and Seafood Dumplings, $10
• Poipu Hale Meatloaf “Moco” Shiitake Mushroom Pan Gravy, Slow Cooked Egg, Gremolata Onion Ring, $10
• Salmon “Toro” Sashimi Yuzu Shiro Soy Vinaigrette, Crispy Salmon Skin, Pickled Radish, Tobiko, $8
• Seared Beef Tenderloin Tataki Tomato Ogo Relish, Hawaiian Chili Pepper Water, Citrus Soy, $7
• Roy’s Style Surfboard Trio Kalbi Beef Gyozas, “Local Kine” Ahi Poke, Seared Shrimp Sticks, $12

Caffe Coco

Hollan Hamid of Caffe Coco says, “We have great Hawaiian music on Sunday nights with braddah L from 6:30 to close. It goes perfect with our food!”

First course on a previous Culinary Romp Through Paradise. Grilled eggplant with Lebanese dressing and marinated tomatoes. Daniel Lane photo

One Song Farm

Lisa Fuller of One Song Farm says, “Our eggplants are going off! These round, sweet, purple and white striped beauties are delicious in all ways and stand up to all types of preparation. Meaty and hearty, they are excellent for grilling, babaganouj and dishes like eggplant parmesan. No need to do any salt soak pre-prep. To top it off, they have been selected over the past five years by us for flavor and color. Kauai grown seeds for Kauai grown food. Come get your eggplant! Saturdays from 9 a.m to noon at the Namahana farmers market, by Kauai Mini Golf in Kilauea. Get there early and see all the beautiful food we have to offer.”
EVENTS: 
Saturday, October 5th

Wine Tasting

The Wine Shop, 4 to 7 p.m., free
The Wine Shop will showcase four wines from Joel Gott: Pinot Gris, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and his newest creation, Alakai, which is a Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Petit Syrah blend. Pinot Gris is light, fruity and has a nice hint of acidity. California Zinfandel is a big, hearty, and bold wine. Cabernet is not as heavy as the Zinfandel and Alakai is a light blend. For more information, call 808-742-7305. 
Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6

Photo by Daniel Lane

17th Annual Coconut Festival

Kapaa Beach Park, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., free
Coconut Festival honors the coconut, called nui in Hawaiian, with unique coconut crafts, coconut games, coconut food and contests. Some of Hawaii’s best crafters, artists and entertainers will sell their products. Non stop music includes taiko drumming, hula, Makuakane on Saturday and Hawaii’s top selling female artist Amy Hanaialii on Sunday. With a children’s stage, petting zoo, inflatables and coconut activities, there’s fun for keiki. You can learn how to repot and landscape with orchids with Neill Sams of Orchid Alley on Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. A coconut pie eating contest is held both days at noon in front of the main stage. Cooking demonstrations using coconut by island chefs including:
Saturday

• 11 a.m. Oasis on the Beach ~ Sean Smull
• noon Hukilau Lanai ~ Adam Phelps
• 2 p.m. Aston Aloha Beach Resort ~ Greg Stoll
• 3 p.m. Buttery Cafe ~ Jade Brooks

Sunday

• 11 a.m. Shivalik ~ Robert Shakur
• noon Kauai Marriott Resort ~ Guy Higa
• 2 p.m. Heart Flame Bakery ~ Lisa Lang
• 3 p.m. Cooking contest

Friday, October 11

Breezy and beautiful gourmet lunch and cooking demonstration at the Kauai Marriott Resort. Daniel Lane photo

A Culinary Romp Through Paradise

Various locations in Kapaa, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., $140
Tasting Kauai’s Culinary Tour offers an intimate glimpse into the Garden Island’s culinary scene. We start with a farm tour and learn about exotic fruit grown on Kauai. At the Kauai Marriott Resort, we join executive chef Guy Higa for an outdoor cooking demonstration and gourmet, four-course lunch made with Kauai grown ingredients.
This tour ends at Oasis on the Beach with a presentation from Koloa Rum Co. president, Bob Gunter. We’ll also drink a Koloa Coconut Lavender Daiquiri and a Dark & Stormy, Koloa Style. Bartender Joel Downs uses fresh juices in his drinks as well as house-made lavender simple syrup and ginger beer. Here are the recipes.
You can visit our Kauai Culinary Tours page or our Facebook photo album to see how much fun the tour is. Chef Higa donates proceeds from his portion of the tour to the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen and Tasting Kauai donates proceeds to the Kauai Branch of the Hawaii Food Bank. For a complete list of tour dates, check out our Kauai Culinary Tours Calendar. Call 808-635-0257 to make a reservation.
Saturday, October 12

Car Shines for Kauai Grinds

Kauai Veteran’s Center, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., free
The King’s Chapel, Kauai church will host a car, truck and bike show to benefit the Hawaii Foodbank. Entry fees are $5 donation or five cans of food. There will be live entertainment, free popcorn and shave ice, kids activities and a special appearance from Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. To honor veterans, each entry will display the American flag and a Veterans Choice category will be judged by veterans.  For more information, call Edward Batara at 808-645-1888.
Sunday, October 13

Bo Ssam Dining Experience

Josselin’s Tapas Bar and Grill, 5 to 9 p.m., $200
For one night only, Josselin’s Tapas Bar and Grill is hosting a Bo Ssam Dining Experience. This is a chance to hang out with friends in one of Kauai’s trendy restaurants and share food made by one of Kauai’s legendary chefs. Incase you don’t know,  this post describes what bo ssam is. The price includes enough food for four to six people and there will be shochu, sake and sake cocktails available to complete the experience. For reservations, call 808-742-7117.

Stacy Sproat-Beck makes poi the traditional way during a taro tasting. Daniel Lane photo

A Taste of Kauai, Yesterday and Today

Waipa, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., $115
Tasting Kauai’s north shore tour is part agritourism and part ecotourism. We visit Waipa, one of 67 watersheds homesteaded by the first Polynesians, which remains undeveloped. This one-of-a-kind experience was designed by Tasting Kauai and the Waipa Foundation especially for those who wish to learn about traditional agriculture systems, endangered wildlife, and enjoy real Hawaiian food while saturated in Kauai’s rugged beauty.
Waipa is nestled in the Hanalei Valley which is a National Wildlife Refuge and endangered birds flourish here. We explore a vast loi (taro garden) fed by auwai, or irrigation system, that supplies water from mountain streams and learn about significant foods, food plants, growing methods, and overall Hawaiian agricultural and land management concepts, approaches, and complexes in ancient times and their transition to today.
At the “Poi Garage”, guests sample cooked taro corms, poi and kulolo, a traditional dessert made with coconut.
Lunch, prepared by Waipa’s chef, changes seasonally and is made with vegetables grown in on site gardens, locally sourced meat or fish, and mamaki tea with lemongrass and mint. Guests eat ohana (family) style while enjoying the beauty and breezes of Hanalei Bay. Proceeds from this tour go to restore native plants and to preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture through education. For more information, visit A Taste of  Kauai, Yesterday and Today, or visit check out our Facebook photo album. To make reservations, call 808-635-0257.
October 17 through October 19

Auntie Janet holds up a picture of her family. Daniel Lane photo

Na Lima Hana Festival

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Na Lima Hana means many hands working and indeed, this is what it takes to make this festival happen. Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture and tradition and participate in workshops. Learn about lei making, weaving with endemic plants, uses of medicinal plants, salt making, drum making, lomilomi (traditional massage), lau hala weaving, kapa (tapa) making, carving, ancient chants, hula kahiko, the uses of kalo (taro) and stone carving. Enjoy Hawaiian food and entertainment too. Many events are free of charge to the public.
The Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association Kauai Chapter will be hosting a day-long conference, titled, “The Bones of our Ancestors“, which includes a cultural field trip, discussion and demonstration. The theme, kumuhonua, means “learning by going back to the source.” All cultural practitioners convey the original sources of their knowledge, explaining how a particular cultural skill, craft, practice or tradition was taught to them.
On Friday at 10:30 a.m., watch the Employee Amateur “Chop Box” in Grand Ballroom. Four entrants compete to prepare an entrée from unknown ingredients in the contest designed after Food Network’s “Chopped”. At 11:30 a.m., the professionals compete. On Saturday at 9:30 a.m. listen to ‘Anake Janet Kahalekomo talk about making sea salt.To learn more about the ancient Hawaiian art of making salt, read “Harvesting Hanapepe Sea Salt“. Visit the Na Lima Hana website for more information.
Saturday, October 19

Festival of Stars & Flavors of Waimea

CB Hoffgard Park, noon to sunset, free
Na Mele No Kaumualii will honor King Kaumualii by showcasing original compositions including songs, chants and poems. Musical compositions are about significant events and places connected to Kauai’s beloved King. Ethnic food will be provided by West Kauai businesses. King Kaumualii will be remembered through music and songwriter, producer and musician Ken Makuakane. The event is coordinated by West Kauai Visitor Center and sponsored by Kauai Economic Development Board, West Kauai Professional and Business Association, For Kauai Magazine, and Hawaii Tourism Authority.
Friday, October 25

Restaurant Guidebook Signing

Talk Story Bookstore, 5:30 to 9 p.m., free
Join Tasting Kauai at Talk Story Bookstore during Hanapepe Art Night. After hubby and I enjoy some fresh made pizza from Midnight Bear Breads, and maybe a slice of pie from The Right Slice, we’ll sign copies of our new book, Tasting Kauai: Restaurants. Come, enjoy a delightful evening of food, music and art, and talk story with us. We’d love to meet you!
Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26

13th Annual Fall Festival

Kauai Christian Academy campus, 4000 Kilauea Road, Kilauea, 4 to 9 p.m., free
Kauai Christian Academy celebrates its 40 anniversary during their Fall Festival. The carnival atmosphere will have games, food, entertainment, and a “super-deluxe” silent auction. Live entertainment includes a bluegrass band and adult and keiki hula. Silent auction prizes include top hotel stays, zipline tours, boat tours, helicopter clothing, artwork, spa treatments and food items. For more information, call 808-639-4307.
Sunday, October 27

Lisa and Sun work the land by hand. Daniel Lane photo

Sustainable Island Tastes from the Garden

One Song Farm, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., $36
After this workshop, bio-intensive farmers Lisa Fuller and Sun will offer a tasting of foods that grows well on Kauai. During the workshop, Lisa will teach bio-intensive gardening basics and how to grown a lot of food in a small space. Sun’s workshop is for advanced gardeners and focuses on overcoming the challenges of growing food on Kauai and how do it successfully. At noon, sample plants that grow well and are good for you. Discussion includes recipes and plant care. For reservations, call 635-3020.
UPCOMING:
Friday, November 1

Princeville Wine Tasting

The Cliffs at Princeville, 5:30 to 8 p.m., $65 ($30 tax deductible), $75 at door
The Rotary Club of Hanalei will hold its annual wine tasting event at the Cliffs at Princeville. Paradise Beverages, Chambers & Chambers and Southern will showcase close to 25 wines.
“We also have a very special guest,” says John Young, assistant general manager at the Cliffs at Princeville. “Barry Kinman, owner and winemaker for Bear Cave Cellars, will be pouring one of his winery favorites. This event is unique because  guests may purchase wine directly from the vendors, at reduced prices. So, everything being poured will also be available for purchase!”
Wine orders will be delivered one to two weeks after the event.
“We will have the Kapaa Middle School ukulele band and choir performing to support their annual Mainland competition fundraising efforts,” explains Young. “They have entertained our guests in the past and are always well received, so we are thrilled they have agreed to join us for this event.”
Kauai Coffee will close the evening and a Kahiko chant, with sounds of the Pacific ocean, will follow. The event will be on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There is plenty of parking and guests will be shuttled to and from their cars. The onsite parking lot is at the end of Edward Road, in front of the property.
Nanea, the Westin Princeville’s signature restaurant, will provide pupus. Here’s the menu:

• Crispy crab cakes, Moloaa shaved fennel, grain mustard aioli, togarashi
• Grilled flat bread, two ways
• Kalua chicken, Kauai tomato, buffalo mozzarella, macadamia nut pesto
• Caramelized Maui onion, prosciutto, Kauai Kunana Dairy goat cheese, balsamic gastrique
• Ahi poke salad station, onions, carrots, heart of palm, tomato, won ton strips, miso ginger hoisin vin
• Edemame guacamole, lomi tomato, taro chips
• Watercress tofu salad
• Cheese tray
• Assorted fruit
• Triple chocolate brownie
• Haupia pie

For more information or reservations, call John Young at 808-826-2008.
ONGOING:

Ryan and Sarah Wooton at the farmers market in Kapaa. Daniel Lane photo.

Farmers Market Class

Wednesdays, 3 to 4 p.m., $30
Meet local farmers, learn how to select perfect produce as well as when it’s in season and how to cook with it during Tasting Kauai’s one-hour farmers market class. I saw friends at the farmers market who were visiting from Colorado. As we hugged and said hello, I saw a table full of near-rotten mangos. It was still snowing in Denver and my friends were excited about the big, beautiful tomatoes they just bought. Their faces fell when I told them they were not grown on Kauai. I felt bad for them, and was inspired to offer this class.
Farmers markets are an affordable way to immerse yourself in local culture and the best place to buy produce that’s so fresh, it was harvested that morning. But buying at the farmers market doesn’t always insure that it was grown on Kauai. It happens all over the world. In Hawaii, customers want mangos year-round. In Colorado, they want tomatoes in May. To make that sale, vendors buy imported mangoes or tomatoes and sell them as their own. Customers unfamiliar with the seasons can insure their dollars are spent on local products by learning how to identify locally grown produce.
There’s a whole world of delicious produce that many people never try. Let’s face it, some of it looks like it came from another planet. Once unfamiliar produce is demystified and cooking tips are shared, it may become a regular at dinner table. Many factors can make exotic produce expensive and the last thing you want to do is buy a pineapple that isn’t at peak perfection. This class will also teach you how to tell when produce is ripe as well as how to store it for best results. For reservations, call 808-635-0257.

Hanapepe Friday Night Festival and Art Walk

Hanapepe Town, 6 to 9 p.m.
Every Friday evening, Old Town Hanapepe bustles with people. A dozen art galleries stay open late, local crafters sell their wares, and there’s stilt walkers, classics cars, live music and entertainment. Two of our favorite food artisans are there. The Right Slice sells fresh-baked pie by the slice and whole and Midnight Bear Breads makes pizza fresh from a wood-burinig oven. parking is tricky. Call 808-335-6469 for more information.

Kapaa Art Walk in Old Town Kapaa. Daniel Lane photo

Kapaa Art Walk

Old Town Kapaa, 5 to 9 p.m.
On the first Saturday of the month hundreds of people party in Old Town Kapaa. The street is filled with the sounds of laughter and music, smells of delicious local food, and the work of Kauai artists. In front of the Dragon Building, Anni Caporuscio (owner of Small Town Coffee and Blue House Booksellers) sings to a three-piece band which includes a guitar player, drummer and washboard player. Art Cafe Hemingway and Java Kai open a new exhibit and serve food late. The Buttery hosts jewelers and other Kauai Made jewelry is available throughout.

Second Saturday at the Shops at Kukuiula

The Shops at Kukuiula, 6 to 9 p.m.
Meet local artists on the second Saturday of each month. Six art galleries are featured and previously, an electric violin was played while an artist completed a painting; jazz was played outside of Halelea Gallery where local artist Robin McCoy was featured. Restaurants pair with artists and provide food inspired by their work.

Kilauea Art Walk

Stone Building, 5 to 8 p.m.
Join more than 20 artisans on the last Saturday of the month at the Stone Building in Kilauea Town. There’s live music, original art, hand-made apparel, jewelry, photography, custom slippers, painted glass bottles, ice cream and unique creations. Face painting henna tattoos. Stop by Kilauea Fish Market for dinner.