PO‘IPU — The Shops at Kukui‘ula is expanding upon its popular, weekly community market with the debut of Flavors of Kukui‘ula. The event is from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, and people are invited to an evening featuring locally-grown cuisine,
PO‘IPU — The Shops at Kukui‘ula is expanding upon its popular, weekly community market with the debut of Flavors of Kukui‘ula.
The event is from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, and people are invited to an evening featuring locally-grown cuisine, a culinary market, music, art and a one-night-only shopping and dining specials.
“Normally, the Kaua‘i Culinary Market runs from 4 to 6 p.m.,” said Stacy Chiba, the assistant real estate manager for The Shops at Kukui‘ula. “For the Flavors of Kukui‘ula, we’re telling vendors to be prepared for an additional hour of sales and to bring more product. We’re also featuring music by the Greenstone Project in the Palm Court area from 5 to 7 p.m.”
Chiba said the event provides an opportunity for shoppers to learn more about some of the changes taking place with the center’s tenants such as the new afternoon menu featured at Merriman’s downstairs and a new Thai shave ice creation at Uncle’s.
During the Flavors event, Chiba said restaurants in The Shops at Kukui‘ula will join the culinary market vendors in setting up grills and mini stations, serving up Kaua‘i-grown tapas with other shops showcasing Kaua‘i-based brands and goods.
“I’m excited,” said Jim Moffatt, owner of Living Foods, a tenant at The Shops at Kukui‘ula. He said he is already anticipating where he is going to set up a grill outside the Living Foods store.
Sandy Poehnelt of The Right Slice, a popular vendor with the shoppers, said she was told about the Flavors event following the close of Wednesday’s market.
“They’re giving us just one week’s notice,” Poehnelt said. “They told us to come early, bring extra product, and be prepared to stay later.”
Aletha Thomas of The Monkeypod Jam, another weekly vendor, said she was already prepared with her Valentine’s Special of three product wrapped in a cellophane gift package.
Melissa McFerrin, the event coordinator for the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau, said the excitement will continue beyond the Flavors of Kukui‘ula to the Kaua‘i Community Market Feb. 9 at Kaua‘i Community College.
“Sunday is the start of Chinese New Year, and we’re telling our food vendors and produce suppliers to feature the food which is enjoyed for Chinese New Year,” McFerrin said. “It’s also a week before Valentine’s Day, so we’re asking our vendors to have their Valentine’s specials available for shoppers.”
Visit www.theshopsatkukuiula.com or call 742-9545 for more information.
