The Poipu Beach Resort Association (PBRA) will host the 3rd Annual Poipu Food & Wine Festival, from November 7th through November 9th. The two-day event will celebrate Kauai’s diverse culinary resources and talents, while supporting the Culinary Arts Program at Kauai Community College (KCC). Events include:
Wednesday, November 7th | Market to Menu + Poipu Culinary Market | 3:30pm – 6:00pm
Hawaiian regional cuisine is blossoming and every Wednesday the Kauai Culinary Market is hosted by The Shops at Kukui`ula in partnership with the Kauai County Farm Bureau from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. in the traditional pau hana (after work) style. Live island music fills the air; fresh, locally-grown fruits, vegetables and coffee, along with spices, jams and cheeses fill farmers’ stands.
Unique to the weekly market is the ‘Market to Menu’ chef competition, beginning at 4pm where two chefs, Chef Esteban Alicea of Merriman’s Fish House and Chef Fetuele Taala of the Dolphin Restaurant & Fish Market, create a dish utilizing Rancher’s Daughter’s Reserve Beef, fresh produce and mystery ingredients from the Kauai Culinary Market. Chef Sato of The Halekulani, Chef Takahashi of The Club at Kukui`ula and Chef Orly, Master Pastry Chef and winner of Food Network’s Halloween Wars will serve as the judging panel. Celebrity Chef Celeste Rogers, winner of Food Networks “Chopped” Competition will serve as the events emcee. Free with beer and wine for purchase.
Thursday, November 8th | In the Kitchen | 10am – 5pm (various classes)
Participate in a hands-on cooking class with some of the island’s top chefs in their own restaurant. Classes at $50 per person will be limited in size and include a tasting and a commemorative gift. Registration online at www.poipufoodandwinefestival.com.
10-11am Eating House 1849
11:30-12:30pm Chef Mark Ruiz, Kiawe Roots , Fried Brussel Sprouts with Candied Macadamia Nuts an Lilikoi Honey Vinaigrette
1-2pm The Club at Kukuiula
2:30-3:30pm Celebrity Chef Celeste Rogers at Private Home, Kukui`ula
4-5pm Chef Bobby Henningsen, Tortilla Republic, Green Chile Short Ribs & Handcrafted Tacos
Friday, November 9th | Flavors of Poipu + KCC Chef Demonstration | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Groove to the music of top island artists, while enjoying local delicacies served street-food style along with an outdoor beer and wine garden at this festive pau hana party at the Shops at Kukui`ula. This Flavors features the Kauai Community College (KCC) Culinary Arts Program with a special culinary demonstration at 5:45pm, where students will prepare tantalizing local specialties utilizing Kaua’i grown ingredients while showcasing their skills. FREE with plates available for purchase, proceeds to benefit KCC.
For more details on this festival and to purchase tickets, visit www.poipufoodandwinefestival.com or contact the PBRA at info@newpoipu.wpengine.com or 808.742.7444
The Poipu Food & Wine Festival is made possible through the support of Kauai County’s CPEP (grant) program and in partnership with Kukui‘ula Development Company Hawaii, The Shops at Kukui‘ula and the Kauai Community College (KCC) Culinary Arts Program.