Hundreds of Kauaians and visitors alike anxiously wait for the gates to open while delicious aromas waft towards the crowd. Let the salvation begin!
By Melissa K. Ha’o
(Kaua`i)– What do you get when you mix more than forty chefs and a thousand hungry Kauaians? You get the Taste of Hawaii of course. Known to many as the Ultimate Sunday Brunch it is a chance for patrons to sample the unique culinary cuisine from the chefs of Kaua`i and the other islands.
Those of you who have been to the event may agree with the chef from Party Sushi who said, “This is the perfect chance for us to meet good people and get some good public relations. We don’t advertise like the bigger restaurants, so this is a good chance for people to get to know us.” This was the seventh year that Party Sushi has attended this event. It is a great way to get the word out about your restaurant. Chefs compete with one another for the ultimate bragging rights.
This was the twenty-fourth annual event held by the Rotary Club of Kauai, and hopefully it will not be the last. While some favorites were missing, there were some newbie’s to see and enjoy too. All in all, this was the event of the year, the place to be on Sunday, and the one not to miss. If you were there, you understand, if you missed it, hope to see you there next year.
: The boys and girls of Tiki Tacos work feverishly to feed their long line of hungry guest.
Thai food is incredible and these ladies did not disappoint with their Green Papaya Salad, from Sukhothai in Kapa'a.
Scotty’s Beachside Barbecue, known for their (OMG) outstanding views, they share with us here a Smoked Tender Spicy Beef on fluffy Jasmine rice and garnished with island-style Cucumber Kim-Chee. Tender doesn’t begin to describe how this just melted in your mouth.
Melissa Hosono, from Red Hot Mama's in Wainiha, served patrons a rather spicy but awesome gazpacho. May have had to go back once or five times for more!
Derek Foley from Jamba Juice at Kukui Grove Market Place prepares hundreds and hundreds of Watermelon Splash Smoothies.
(In the background) Girls from Nani Moon Mead prepare to share their tasty drinks with some of the hot chefs at other booths, while two guest make it over one of the many beautiful bridges throughout the park.
: A light shower drove guest under tents. They may have been getting wet, but they were still having fun!
The gang at the Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui had a very efficient assembly line going. “We have been to all twenty-four of these. We love it! It’s for such a good cause, and it’s so much fun,” says Tylun Pang.
Two ladies create a seafood dish famous in many parts of the world. This Seafood Newburg Omelet topped with sour cream and a dollop of roe was an interesting change from the other booths.
A close up look at the Seafood Newburg Omelet served by the folks at the Kauai Marriott Resort’s Kukui’s Restaurant.
Kenseth Minard munches on one of the pies handed out by the Right Slice Bakery.
: The Right Slice Bakery serves up pies on a stick. Sandy Poehnelt, owner, says, "This is a great way to support the community. It’s a good cause. And you get to meet all the "foodies," You have to like food to come to this
Andy Kerr, and his little tag-a-long, know how to do it in style. No slowing this dad down from trying all of the tasty dishes.
;
Holy perfect Macadamia nut pastry, Batman!! The gang at The Right Slice Bakery definitely has it right with this treat.
The gang at the Aston Aloha Beach Resort: The Palms Restaurant gets my vote for best looking presentation. Their Poisson Cru a Polynesian "Raw Fish" Salad was served in a beautifully cut cucumber "bowl." It was almost, ALMOST, too beautiful to eat.
Kiana, Selina, and Patricia work at a feverish pace to keep the hungry hoards happy. They had a lot of different elements to prepare before it could be served. (Sheraton's RumFire)
;
Lynell Tokuda and family take a short break as they decide where to go next. They have already made two circuits, and are getting ready to hit their favorites one more time.
;
Maiah (in blue) and Kai (in black), from Mermaids, serve drinks on this warm Sunday. They had a Hibiscus Tea, Lemonade, and a rather tasty Thai Iced Tea. These went very nicely with stir-fries and salads that Mermaids were also sharing with guests.
Here Nikki (in black) and Shaleeh (in pink) prepare the food from Mermaids Cafe, a little shop in Kapa'a. The smells coming out of this tent were out of this world.
When all the food is gone and there is just the vote left…. This was on the minds of several chefs. Really had to put some thought into the tables I voted for, mostly because they were just all so delicious.