LIHU‘E — Taste of Hawai‘i is trying something new this year. An inaugural 21-day celebration featuring local culinary talent on Kaua‘i will kick off May 18, leading up to the 21st Annual Taste of Hawai‘i event on June 7. “It’s
LIHU‘E — Taste of Hawai‘i is trying something new this year.
An inaugural 21-day celebration featuring local culinary talent on Kaua‘i will kick off May 18, leading up to the 21st Annual Taste of Hawai‘i event on June 7.
“It’s a way to bring together both large and small businesses and shed light on local produce and local talent,” said Amanda Corby of Moana Events and the Taste of Hawai‘i Event consultant in a phone interview on Wednesday.
Special culinary events will occur throughout the island for three weeks, and attendees can get a behind-the-scenes experience with their favorite local restaurant or culinary-based business.
“The 21 Days of Taste: A Three-Week Celebration leading up to the 21st Annual Taste of Hawai‘i provides an outlet for participants to share their passion through educating and engaging attendees in a fun and friendly atmosphere,” Corby said in a written statement.
She adds that each event has been “custom tailored by the presenting host to highlight their unique culinary talents and emphasize the importance of supporting local products.”
Bringing the island’s businesses together was a breeze, according to Corby.
“It has been really inspiring to see how businesses of all sizes support each other in any way they can.”
Participants were also reportedly enthusiastic about becoming a part of the festivities.
“I think they were most excited at the opportunity to get creative and provide their consumers with a hands-on understanding of what they do.”
Funds raised during the events go to the rotary of Kapa‘a in support of the organizations which rely on their financial assistance.
“The fees for attending events vary, but are minimal, given the experience guests will receive.”
Corby hopes that the 21 Days of Taste will become an annual celebration.
“… our hope is that these events are a success and will continue to be for years to come,” she said. “Kaua‘i has so much amazing local produce and talent and through these events we hope the community will be reminded just how lucky we are to have all of this at our fingertips.”
For more information, visit www.tasteofhawaii.com
21 Days of Taste Calendar of Events
• Date: May 18
Who: Sweet Marie’s
What: Gluten Free
Cooking Class
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Verde’s,
4-1101 Kuhio Hwy., Kapa‘a
Contact: Marie 823-0227
Cost: $25
• Date: May 20
Who: Genki Sushi
What: Sushi Making Class
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy., Lihu‘e
Contact: Hilary 632-2450
Cost: $10
• Date: May 25
Who: Brick Oven Pizza
What: Pizza Making Class
Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 4361 Kuhio Hwy., Kapa‘a
Contact: Corey 332-8561
Cost: $10
• Date: May 26
Who: Kaua‘i Chocolate Company
What: Chocolate Making Demonstration & Truffle Tasting
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 4341 Waialo Rd., Ele’ele
Contact: Don 335-0448
Cost: $10
• Date: May 30
Who: Kaua‘i Agricultural Initiative Farmers Market
What: Farmers Market
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Mayor’s Aloha Garden, Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall
Contact: Barbara 338-0111
Cost: $15 for event booth; free for pubic to attend
• Date: May 31
Who: Kauai Nut Roasters, Hurricane Cheesecake & Carneros della Notte Wine
What: Salad Creations, Cheesecake Sampling & Wine Tasting
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Vertigo/Riptydz, 2978 Umi St., Lihu‘e
Contact: Christine 284-2741
Cost: $20
• Date: June 1
Who: Icing on the Cake
What: Creative Cupcakes Class
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: TBD
Contact: Andrea 823-1210
Cost: $10
• Date: June 3
Who: Koloa Rum & Gaylords
What: Mixology Course & Food Pairing
Time: 6pm-8pm
Where: Gaylord’s, 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy.
Contact: Kimberly 245-9593
Cost: $40
• Daily May 18 to June 7
Who: Papayas Natural Foods & Café
What: Taste of Hawai‘i Special Entrée Featuring All Local Ingredients
Time: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 4-831 Kuhio Hwy., Kapa‘a,
Contact: Jessica 823-0190
Price: Varies, a portion of Special Entrée price benefits Taste of Hawai‘i
