Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [42]
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TOP PICKS – PRODUCE MARKETS
Here’s a list of recommended farmers markets, produce stands and grocers that stock a lot of locally grown produce. Beware of markets selling imported produce, flowers and manmade junk. For a complete list of farmers markets, see www.ediblehawaiianislands.com.
Hawai′i the Big Island
Hilo Farmers Market (Click here)
Waimea Farmers Market (Click here)
Keauhou Farmers Market (Click here)
Kaua′i
Kilauea Neighborhood Center Sunshine Market (Kilauea Neighborhood Center, Keneke St; Thursday, 4.30pm)
Kapa′a New Park Sunshine Market (Click here)
Banana Joe’s Fruitstand (Click here)
Maui
Maui Swap Meet (Click here)
Huelo Lookout (Click here)
Laulima Farms (Click here)
Moloka′i
Saturday morning market (Click here)
O′ahu
Saturday Farmers Market at KCC (Click here)
People’s Open Market (p133 and Click here)
Kokua Market (Click here)
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MUST-TRY TASTES
Leonard’s malasadas, Portuguese fried dough, served warm and sugar-coated (O′ahu; Click here)
Two Ladies Kitchen mochi, Japanese sticky-rice cake (Hawai′i the Big Island; Click here)
Kumu Farms Macadamia Nut Pesto, sold at Friendly Market (Moloka′i; Click here)
frozen-fruit frosties at Banana Joe’s (Kaua′i; Click here)
Sam Sato’s manju, Japanese cake filled with sweet bean paste (Maui; Click here)
manapua (Hawaii version of Chinese-style steamed or baked buns) in local flavors (eg kalua pig, sweet potato, coconut) from Royal Kitchen (O′ahu; Click here) or Chun Wah Kam Noodle Factory (O′ahu; Click here)
coconut macaroons from Icing on the Cake (Kaua′i; Click here)
Bubbies mochi ice cream (O′ahu; Click here)
Molokai Roadside Marinade, sold at Friendly Market (Moloka′i; Click here)
seared ahi wraps at Kilauea Fish Market (Kaua′i; Click here)
Surfing Goat Dairy chevre cheese (Maui; Click here)
loco moco at Café 100 (Hawai′i the Big Island; Click here)
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While standard cutlery (forks, spoons, knives) is the norm, you’ll also see chopsticks widely used. Considering the number they go through, Hawaii must have a stake in disposable wooden chopsticks.
When dining out, you might find that even top-end restaurants are relatively casual (called ‘island casual’ here), with no jackets or ties required. Tourists can even get away with neat khaki shorts and an aloha shirt at resorts. In general, service at fancy restaurants might seem a tad unpolished (although polite) to those harking from big cities.
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VEGETARIANS & VEGANS
While locals are diehard eaters of sashimi and Spam, vegetarians and vegans won’t go hungry. Top-end restaurants almost always include meatless selections (such as grilled vegetable, garden pastas, creative uses of tofu). The multitude of Asian eateries ensures vegetable and tofu options, even in rural towns, while healthy versions of traditional local fare are now available, especially at establishments run by mainlanders influenced by ‘California cuisine.’ Popular offerings include tofu (or fresh ahi for fish-only eaters) wraps, meal-sized salads and grilled-vegetable sandwiches or plates (often with wholewheat bread or brown rice).
That said, finding an exclusively vegetarian restaurant isn’t easy. Vegans, especially, must seek out the few eateries that use no animal products. When ordering at restaurants, be sure to ask whether a dish is indeed meatless; soups and sauces often contain meat, chicken or fish broth.
The most economical way to ensure no meat or animal ingredients: forage at farmers markets and health food stores.
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EATING WITH KIDS
Hawaii is a family-oriented and unfussy place, so all restaurants welcome children. High chairs are usually available, but it pays to inquire ahead of time. Even the finest resort restaurants accommodate children (often with kid-specific menus). That said, consider your child’s temperament: neighboring tables will not appreciate noisy interruptions during their four-star, wallet-draining meal.
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