Poipu food festival flames on

KUKU‘IULA — The Poipu Food and Wine Festival continues this week with daily features at The Shops at Kukuiula and culminating with the “Let’s Do Brunch” from 8 to 10 a.m. Sunday at the Palm Court.

“The Poipu Food and Wine Festival helps benefit the Kauai Community College culinary-arts program,” Nia Klutke said. “Proceeds will be used to help send five students to the culinary-arts competition on Oahu.”

Duane Miyasato, an instructor with the KCC culinary-arts program, said the four-day event also helps the local high school culinary-arts program.

“Chef Ben Takahashi of The Club at Kukuiula will be spotlighted Friday evening, with Kui Souza and the Waimea High School culinary-arts academy,” Miyasato said.

“His demonstration will be from the pages of the signature cookbook being distributed during the Sunday brunch, and sales of that onaga dish will benefit the Waimea High School culinary-arts program.”

Takahashi will be joined by Chef Roy Yamaguchi of Eating House 1849 at the Palm Court during the Flavors of Kukuiula from 5:30 to 8:30 tonight. The chefs will also be joined by the sommelier from Merriman’s Fish House, featuring Koloa Rum concoctions.

The demonstrations are the center of a variety of themed festival specials from restaurants and merchants of The Shops at Kukuiula, including a special wine-appreciation class and tastings at Coldwell Banker Makai Properties, and entertainment featuring Falling Down Romance and Call it Joy! and Cory Mira.

Glasses for Saturday’s Sip and Shop event as well as tickets and cookbooks for the Sunday finale brunch will be available at the Palm Court.

The Sip and Shop is scheduled 6 to 8 p.m. A commemorative glass earns complimentary pours from the Kauai Beer Company, Living Foods Market, and The Wine Shop in the Palm Court area.

It also comes with a passport containing specials from merchants.