WAILUA — The Rotary Club of Kapa‘a Foundation may have sold 400 less tickets than in previous years, but there were still an estimated crowd of over a thousand people that mingled throughout the Smith’s Tropical Paradise in Wailua to
WAILUA — The Rotary Club of Kapa‘a Foundation may have sold 400 less tickets than in previous years, but there were still an estimated crowd of over a thousand people that mingled throughout the Smith’s Tropical Paradise in Wailua to enjoy the 16th Annual Taste of Hawai‘i that took place Sunday.
One patron who has been to several of the previous Taste events noted that there may have been several fewer tents offering gourmet offerings, but that didn’t seem to deter the estimated audience of over a thousand people from enjoying a variety of dishes, desserts, and beverages made more palatable by the musical entertainment that started while people waited in line for the 11:30 a.m. opening.
Simon Jongert, the general manager for the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club, rolled up his sleeves and tried his hand at creating some of the Tataki duck breast with Kaua‘i Coffee glaze served on hapa sushi with chef Guy Higa directing the operation.
Kyle Zakahi and Larry Hawelo, managers for Jamba Juice and Starbucks coffee had their crews going non-stop as patrons made their way through the tropical garden setting looking for the new entry into this year’s event, the pair of managers demonstrating the spirit and enthusiasm that has captured the hearts of their local patrons.
Russ Talvi of Gaylord’s was still in a state of shock as he met with King Auto Center manager Jose Aguayo. Talvi, whose booth was combined with the Hukilau Restaurant, had just become a father on Sunday morning, his wife Paige of Hukilau, giving birth to a baby boy giving Talvi an opportunity to pass out cigars in addition to their entrees.
Kaua‘i boy Conrad Nonaka returned with chef Alan Wong to help at that booth, while over at the Kapiolani Community College booth, chef Eddie Fernandez also returned to his Kaua‘i roots.
Throughout the afternoon, coach Orlando “O” Anaya kept driving the utility vehicle filled with ice, trash bags, and members of the Mokihana Aquatics swim club who worked alongside the Interact Club of Kapa‘a High School to keep the area policed as well as dispense cold drinks to quench patrons’ thirst.
“We couldn’t have done it without them,” a Rotarian said while catching his breath after browsing through the constant stream of shoppers at the Silent Auction section that was livened up by the sounds of Tommy & Malia.
