Hawaiian food

Ono Hawaiian Grinds

Aloha Folks,


People who live in Hawaii know without a doubt, that ono (delicious) food in Hawaii is easy to come by. One of my reasons for this post today is to help spread the word to visitors that eating your way across Hawaii is a perfectly acceptable pastime.


I am 1,000 percent behind our local farmers and coffee growers. I buy local as much as possible, and grow a fair amount of the fruit that I serve for breakfast. I hope to have fresh duck and chicken eggs available for guests in another few months as well. My little bed and breakfast farm is growing.


Last weekend was the 3rd Annual Maui Agriculture Festival at the lovely 60 acre Tropical Plantation in Waikapu at the base of the lush West Maui Mountains.

I spent a few hours sampling goodies in the booths, buying flowers, and watching the beautiful hula dancers. The Taiko drummers were getting ready to perform as I was leaving. I am posting a shot of them in preparation. It really was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon.


I am also posting a picture of Jessie from "Coffees of Hawaii", on Molokai. Jessie was recently a guest at Hale Ho'okipa Inn and she shared samples of all the delicious coffee at breakfast. I prefer tea to coffee, so I cannot speak from experience, but my guests all raved about their morning coffee.

You can order on line at Coffees of Hawaii. If you can't make it to Hawaii, some of our best products can make it to you. Treat yourself and check out a few to sample. Other choices would be Maui Grown Coffee and my webmaster's favorite organic Kona coffee.


Kumu Farms from Molokai also had a booth at the Ag Fest. I buy papayas from these folks when I don't have any ripe ones. They yeild 20,000 pounds of papaya each week. The Kumu Farms has been in operation for almost 30 years and they also grow many of the fresh herbs that are in the markets.


O'o Farm in upcountry Maui offers an Organic Lunch Tour. They grow fine organic produce and supply two top restaurants on Maui, Pacific'O and I'O. Visit their web site to book a lunch tour for part of your upcountry adventure.


See what I mean, and this is only a small portion of all the ono grinds available on Maui. Check out the great magazine called Edible Hawaiian Islands. I really love this publication. The photos are always awesome, and there are some ono recipes as well. How about Coconut Ginger Chicken Soup? I may try that out tonight...I have to pick lemon grass from the garden for this yummy soup. If you'd like to subscribe and stay in the know about good food in the islands, you'll love having this hardcopy magazine http://www.ediblecommunities.com/hawaiianislands/subscribe/subscribe.htm


We are becoming known for our great foods on Maui....the world is finding out what we have always known. I want to do my part in spreading the word.. OK, now I am getting hungry, so I will say Aloha, a hui hou.


Come, work up an appetite on Maui, you'll be soooo happy that you did.

Cherie

Great Hawaiian music and ono grinds

The Hula Honeys play Hawaiian music on Maui
Aloha,

"Deep into Haiku" is a great little cafe with some of the yummiest food, chillingest atmosphere and the bestest(!) music on the map.

I am talking about a really great way to celebrate making it through Monday. The Hana Hou Cafe, with the fab Hula Honeys playing old style Hawaiian music and talking story with the patrons, is my favorite place to be on a Monday night.

The Hula Honeys playing Hawaiian music on MauiThe "Hana Hou Cafe" serves fresh local food, featuring the Maui Cattle Company beef, and fresh fish caught by our Maui fishermen. This is not designer food with two inches of food on the plate, we're talking left overs for lunch the next day. I happen to really love Creme Brulee, and Hana Hou Cafe makes a delicious desert. They also feature live music 5 nights a week. We have many talented musicians on Maui, and it's great to enjoy them in an intimate setting.

Besides ono grinds, patrons are treated to some of the best music in the islands. I really love listening to the Hula Honeys...it takes me back to a simpler, sweeter time. Ginger and Robyn both grew up in Honolulu and were exposed to the music of yesteryear. They sing Hapa/Haole music, swing music and Hawaiian music.

The Hula Honeys Hawaiian Music Band
They are funny, engaging and sweet as all heck. Robyn performs hula when the mood strikes, and it is always a treat. On my special birthday a few years back, they played on the back porch. This is what I mean by "chicken skin", a full moon with all my friends and family relaxing and enjoying "back yard" style hula and music. I will always remember that wonderful night.!

Their Bassist Jonathan Drechsler is from New York and has played with many noted musicians. These talented folks are great, I love supporting them, and playing their great cd at breakfast. Their new release will be out soon. A number of guests are excited enough to make it down to the Hana Hou, have dinner, chill out and take their magical music home to the mainland. You can check out the music at The Hula Honeys Hawaiian music web site. Hope you enjoy! Ginger and Robyn also host a great show on Manao Radio.

Aloha for now...looks like a beach afternoon...

Cherie