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Addison Bulosan is the new owner of Tasting Kauai. Dear fans of Tasting Kauai. This is the last blog post I’ll make.   Last September, when Dan and I went to visit my 88-year-old parents in Colorado, mom said she wanted to tour retirement communities. She said the house her and dad were living in for 47 years was was finally too much. She needed a smaller place. When their favorite complex had an opening in October, we moved back three weeks later. We got them settled into a two bedroom apartment in the independent living section. We visit them every Saturday and help them run errands, fix things in the apartment, make phone calls to credit card companies on their behalf, and go out to lunch.  Being so far away from Kauai made it tricky to be responsive when…

The Filipino trinity: tomato, onion, pork. Roots in Culture’s Lechon Kawali with crispy pork belly mixed with tomatoes, onion, shredded carrots, and roasted garlic, tossed in a chili vinaigrette. The summer just got hotter on the South Side! Chef Mark Ruiz and General Manager Tricia Ruiz, owners of Roots in Culture food truck, are trading…

  Seared ahi and squid ink aioli at The Lanai. Daniel Lane photo The Shops at Kukuiula is hosting “Dine Out For Kauai’s Farmers,” a restaurant week event happening May 23-29, 2018.  Each participating restaurant will offer special prix fixe menus, and a portion of those proceeds will go to the Kauai Relief and Recovery Fund…

Tourists nowadays have access to scores of diverse resources, with each one—at least in theory— making travel just a bit easier and more convenient. Despite this embarrassing abundance of resources, however, the best recourse for travelers is still to do some serious research to find the right kind of information that will help them in…

The bridge over Wailua River during the Kauai flood. Photo texted to me by Judy Carpentina of Haole Girl Island Sweets. Many visitors want a Kauai flood update. Indeed, last weekend’s flood prompted some of our guests to call and ask if our food tours are still operating, specifically on the north shore. The answer is yes. We…

Lava Lava Beach Club’s pineapple fried rice with shrimp, soybeans, egg and a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Photo courtesy of Lava Lava Beach Club. When Chef Kim Brun left Lava Lava Beach Club after helping the new restaurant open in 2015, something told her to keep her emblazoned Sous Chef coat. And it’s a…

Koloa Rum Company’s Inaugural Kauai Reserve Three-Year Aged Hawaiian Rum is now being sold in Hawaii and will be available for purchase in California and other West Coast markets in February. Photo courtesy of Koloa Rum Co. Hawaii’s award-winning Koloa Rum Company has announced the launch of its first-ever Kauai Reserve Three-Year Aged Hawaiian Rum.Artfully crafted in single-batches at its Kalaheo…

Inside Coconut’s Fish Cafe. Photo by Megan Fox. Last week there was a grand opening of Coconut’s Fish Cafe, the chain’s first location on Kauai, and they’re open now to the public. The restaurant’s decor is bright and fun (the surfboard tables are too cute), and a fast-casual ordering and seating style, which makes it a…

Our Kauai Food Tour -South Shore concludes at Kauai’s premiere gourmet farmers market at the Shops at Kukuiula. Daniel Lane photo The Shops at Kukuiula and Poipu Beach Resort Association’s 2nd Annual Poipu Food & Wine Festival runs through November 12. Similar to last year’s inaugural event, this year’s festival supports the Culinary Arts Program…

Pumpkin Crunch, Sweet Potato Haupia Pie, and Pineapple Cheesecake. Photo by Megan Fox Sam Choy is a Hawaii favorite – and there’s good reason. Well-known globally as a James Beard Award-winning chef, prolific cookbook author, and Iron Chef America personality, Chef Choy’s roots and passion come from the oceans and farmlands of Hawaii. An Oahu…

Sam Choy in his home kitchen with a bowl of poke and grape tomatoes. Photo courtesy of Sam Choy. When I interviewed Sam Choy over the phone for an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, he graciously answered a few questions for Tasting Kauai’s readers. As a regional legend, it’s simpler to link to Sam Choy’s bio, than list his lengthy accomplishments. We discussed food and travel, then Sam shared tips on finding the tastiest bite of culture.  The first time food and travel intersected for Sam, he was representing America and seafood at the World and Food Show in Anuga, Germany then Sial, France. “You get to see and taste food from other cultures, and each country puts their best foot forward,” says Choy. “You get to taste it, smell it, hold it. It’s a good learning experience.” Sam…

Sam Choy, internationally renowned television personality and restaurateur, will share his culinary secrets, while preparing family-style signature cuisine and hosting a talk story event. Photo courtesy of Sam Choy. Koloa Landing Resort announces the first annual “Choy of Cooking” with Sam Choy on Friday, October 20 at the Holoholo Grill. The internationally renowned television personality and restaurateur will be sharing his culinary secrets, while preparing family-style signature cuisine and hosting a talk story event. Guests will be treated to an evening of entertainment, education and endless memories with a legendary local personality. At the end of the night, guests can take home personalized recipe cards of Chef Choy’s favorites to continue the culinary adventure at home. To kick off this ongoing event series, Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. is announcing a proclamation honoring Sam Choy Day. At the “Choy of…