A Tropical Taste of my Travels- A Hawaiian Farmer's Market

Hello fellow Spooners and Happy Monday! A lot has happened in the past few weeks since I've written. Allow me to update you.

1. I traveled home to Kauai along with 30 family members to celebrate my Granddad's 90th Birthday. Can you believe that? He worked out every single morning. Simply astonishing...
2. While I was there I had my first taste of Spam Musubi (A little like spam sushi). Although this is a popular snack in Hawaii, and I should have eaten it hundreds of times during my childhood, I was never one to accept Spam, even it if was fried and wrapped in seaweed and rice. Surprisingly it was not bad. If you don't mind the taste of cat food ;)
3. I witnessed a toe molestation! As my cousins and I were happily enjoying a lunch at Tropical Taco with our feet dangling from the patio, an 80 year old man with his wife walking by extended his index finger to stroke my cousins middle toe that was painted a bright blue. He gave the toe 2 quick strokes as he casually passed. Not a word was said and no eye contact was made, but the deed had been done. "That's what you get for being a toe slut" I explained to my cousin.
4. I learned a new joke: Knock knock. Whose there? Smell Mop. Smell mop who? Haha Get it?
5. I discovered my love for almond butter. Just try it and you will know what I mean.
6. I over-ate everyday. How can you not when your surrounded by ripe mangoes, sweet coconuts, fresh fish and creamy smoothies and purple sweet potatoes. Oooh and lots of POKE!!!
7. I was introduced to Uncrustables- pre-made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! This is obviously the creation of Smuckers and pharmaceutical companies in a conspiracy theory to increase obesity and unhealthiness in children. I plan on getting to the bottom of this immediately!
8. I got a job! Starting in August I'll be working full time for a Special Events Company. Yay for me!
9. I remembered just how much I love my family.

That being said, I wanted to devote this blog post to the Hanalei Farmers Market which I visited twice during my stay. I thought it would be fun for you to see how a tropical farmers market differs from a "mainland" one. Both times I went it rained on and off which made for a beautiful foggy effect in the mountains with lots of waterfalls. The feeling of this Market was so different compared to the ones I go to in LA.

The market was held in an empty grass lot behind a soccer field right next to family owned taro fields. Instead of walking on concrete you meandered through dirt roads and onto grassy patches where you could sit and enjoy a bag of lychees while looking up at the beautiful view of mountains and waterfalls. Live Hawaiian music played in the background and people strolled aimlessly eyeing the produce and sipping on a smoothie or fresh coconut. The farms had hippy names like "One Song" and I noticed many people snacking on freshly purchased arugula or watercress as they shopped. Although there were many locals that had come for their weeks supply of produce, I noticed an equal amount of tourists that had made the drive just to browse, buy a fresh mango, or buy something from one of the shell jewelry stands.

Everyone was so friendly and so calm. No one was in a hurry and no one was dressed up. Bathing suits, slippers, shorts and a t-shirt were the standard attire. There was no sound of traffic or car horns and the air smelled fresh and sweet after the rain. My sister and I went with my Grandparents to show them around. Everyone was so nice and helpful which made the experience enjoyable, especially my Grandmother who likes to ask lots of questions. :)

If you are ever in Hawaii I would highly recommend checking out a farmers market. It is honestly a wonderfully relaxing and positive experience.

There was live Hawaiian music under the green roof to the left

Hawaiian Farmers Market Shopping Attire

Fresh tangy pineapples- YUM!

Strolling the market with my Gramcrackers. Isn't she cute?

Sunrise Shells and niihau shell necklaces. The big sunrise shells are extremely difficult to find and must be searched for during the early morning. Hence the name SUNRISE shell. I have still never found one :(

I watched this woman knock out 15 coconuts in 5 minutes. That takes some serious skill and muscle.

I'm not sure what the orange part of the fruit is but the tops are raw cashew nuts!

Home baked goods

Hawaiian Ginger and Birds of Paradise are the local flowers sold at the market

Lei making while selling your produce is quite typical

Just enjoying a freshly opened coconut's tender meat with breathtaking views of the mountains behind. No big deal...

My sister and I with our Grandparents.

Our family attempt at a goodbye Hula

A Whole Lotta Class- Some Noteworthy Experiences From Napa

Oh Napa.

Your rolling hills,

Barrels of wine,

Wicked ass food,

And sunshine,

I love you.

I was fortunate enough to spend this Memorial day weekend in one of my favorite places, Napa. I had forgotten how much I love Northern California, especially when it is sunny and 90 degrees out. No seriously, I love hot weather. I had been to Napa many times before for the typical wine tasting trips with lots of eating and boozing. But this time was different. I went with my family, and they don't drink. So what the hell do you do in Napa without wine? Let me tell you, it may have been my favorite visit so far. This may be the Grandma in me speaking, but between bird watching, water aerobics, sightseeing, bargain shopping, croquet, and a "Rock n Roll" workout class that featured the music of John Mayer, I was in heaven.

Obviously what I was most excited for was the food. Particularly Saturday nights reservation at Ubuntu, a restaurant I had been dying to try for the past year. I had heard about this revolutionary vegetarian restaurant from a friend who always knows the best spots for dining and is usually very reliable. He told me their unusual menu would please even the most carnivorous person and the Chef who was an absolute genius, had won a Michelin star for his creations. Obviously I was excited. I called 3 weeks in advance to book a table and spread my excitement with my sister and dad every time I spoke to them.

Saturday night approached and I was in excited. As we hopped in the car with our stomachs growling, we speculated about the many tasty vegetarian treats we would feast on. Would they have a vegetarian lasagna covered in thick layers of melted cheese with a pesto spread? Or perhaps a macaroni and cheese with truffle oil? Would a fabulous and exotic soup with mind blowing flavors be on the menu? Pizza? Chili? Amazing salads? The most flavorful tofu you had ever tasted? Our minds soared as our hunger intensified. I should mention that at some point during the car ride, I texted my friend to let him know about our future eating plans. His response was short. "New Chef, can't promise anything" "Oh whatever," I thought, "it can't change that much."

Flash forward to Ubuntu. I'm not sure if you can read the menu below but let me help you. MENU ITEM EXAMPLE: Arbuckle grits, slowly cooked with goats why, salsa MARO spezzato fresh ricotta, blackened and braised FAVAS, lavender mint.

There are 4 items in this dish that I can not verify. This is not always a negative thing, but in this case it was. See below to follow the course of our dinner.

Unfortunately the best part of the meal came first and was free. Their amuse bouche of deep fried fava beans. Obviously the best part was the fried goodness.

The Beet salad with a goat cheese horchata. Or as what my dad referred to as "Goat spit."

The second salad with burratta and greens. The cheese was the only part worth mentioning and the only thing I can say about that is that I wish there would have been much more.

"The Dragon!" As they called it. Or as I would appropriately rename it. "The Disappointment!" Smoked yams with turnips and a poached egg just seems wrong.

Yes it looked beautiful. But how can you be excited for a third course salad?

Feasting on turnips and whey

Finally! Something hot with some substance! This was honestly the only decent dish. At the time it seemed amazing, but I have no doubt it was only because by the time it finally came we were ready to eat our feet and were beginning to become nauseous from healthy overload.

Grits with strawberry jam. Need I say more?

I don't usually like potatoes. But potatoes atop of overworked scrambled eggs? It wasn't long before I had my head deep inside the toilet. After dinner there was only one thing on our mind- FAT. We needed some ASAP. We salvaged our stomachs on the ride home with malt balls, a milkshake and gummy bears from Dean & Deluca.

Though Ubuntu was disappointing, there certainly were other points of the trip that made up for it. My favorite would have to be the day we played croquet, (we're a classy family like that.) As we were about to take over the court in our bathing suits and tie dye, we were rudely informed that the dress code was all white. Of course we did not have all white clothing, what kind of family travels with all white jumpsuits? So we were faced with no other choice than to visit the local thrift store to purchase the necessary items. My dad found a white local hardware shirt for $4.90 and my sister got a great deal on a juicy couture tennis outfit for $0. I searched in vain for a ridiculously pompous outfit (something befitting a European Elitist) but had to settle for a pair of used banana republic shorts for $12 bucks. Adorned with our new purchases, we returned to the court resembling a white trash family more than ever. As I proudly swung my mallet and hit my ball into an elder ladies shin, I couldn't help but think how oddly at home I finally felt.

Humboltd's Finest

A post by my friend Jason Paluska, a cheese addict...

(photo courtesy of a gluten-free guide)

I have developed, a sincere and honest, lifetime addiction to Humboldt County’s finest, most captivating specimen of enchantment and bliss. No not marijuana. I'm talking about Truffle Tremor CHEESE.

Unassuming at first glance, take a closer look. Breathe in its peppery aroma. The snowy white exterior begins to release from its creamy and decadent counterpart. Taste the different layers of textures throughout which makes this cheese, that much more interesting. The earthiness of goats cheese is unprecedented. Pairing with truffles has become classic. But to make these two glide in harmony across your palate in such a perfect wave is genius.

Holy F*** I have to hold back completely right now from picking it up off the counter and eating it whole. One bite, and you can't believe how much you enjoy it. The layers will slowly unveil themselves as you begin to slightly chew, smile, swallow, and go back for much more.

Cypress Grove is the dairy farm where this cheese originates. Mary Keehn is the reason behind one of the most balanced, richest, and divine creation of our modern day. Are you impressed with Iphones and hybrid cars? I believe Truffle Tremor will graciously leave them in the world of outdated technology. You think that’s cocky? Parmesan cheese, a.k.a., Parmigiano- Reggiano goes back to the year 1348. Where will your Iphone be 700 years from now?? Ha! Cheese wins!!!

The Facts

Ingredients
Pasteurized cultured goat milk, salt, truffle (Tuber aestivum Vittadini), enzymes

Size of Wheel
3 lb / 1 per case

Shelf Life
6 weeks uncut

Type
Ripened Goat’s Milk Cheese

Handling Tips
To maintain original condition: keep cheese cold (33F - 35F) and wrapped in waxed paper. Never use plastic wrap!! Cheeses need to breathe.
To speed ripening: place in a warmer part of refrigerator and increase humidity.
To serve: Remove from the refrigerator only the portion you plan to serve, and bring to room temperature. Rewrap in waxed paper.

Award Winning accomplishments :
Gold, Outstanding Cheese or Dairy, NASFT, 2009
Gold, California State Fair Cheese Competition, 2009
First Place, American Cheese Society, 2009

Bull's Feet, A Beer and The Beach.

And we're back! It has been far too long since my last post but how can you blame me? A week of kayaking, beach bumming, camping, relaxing and stuffing yourself with local food and drink from the Caribbean... can sidetrack you.

Although my vacation was technically spent in America, the US Virgin Islands felt anything but familiar. I guess I would describe them as a much more cool, relaxed and drunk America. I spent most of my time on the Island of St. Croix, but did hop a sea plane and ferry to St. John, for a 2 day camping excursion. St. John was absolutely beautiful but the 2 day adventure made me realize that I do enjoy the finer things in life, (3 days without a shower can do that). Here are some of the things I saw, enjoyed, contemplated and experience on my island adventure.

10 Things I learned in the Virgin Islands:

1. People drive on the left side of the road
2. You can walk around with your beverage. Bars give you convenient plastic to-go cups to take to the next bar, or for your ride home.
3. When driving home at night, be weary of wild horses standing in the road
4. Food is ridiculously expensive. Their supermarkets are like Costco with Whole Foods pricing. I'm talking $6 for a box of Cheerios and $4 for a small bag of Doritos. Their selection is also very limited. We went to 3 different grocery stores to find Buttermilk and still came up empty handed.
5. Do not bury your feet deep into the wet sand at night to hide from mosquitos. Though the mosquitos will go hungry, the sand fleas will feast.
6. If you are going camping, bring a flashlight... and toilet paper.
7. A beer for breakfast is OK.
8. If you hear about a tsunami warning do not be alarmed! It is probably a rumor started on twitter earlier that day.
9. They do not have official tsunami alarms so you should probably listen to that rumor, just in case.
10. The only cheap product is rum, and lots of it.

What I ate and saw in the Virgin Islands:

A local plate lunch of rice and beans, macaroni and cheese, stewed conch, fried sweet plantains, and johnny cakes which are fried cornmeal flatbreads.

A Mango Colada from Glady's Cafe. Fresh mango, coconut cream, hint of lime and rum. Honestly, the best drink i've ever had.

Conch in garlic butter with a side of sweet potato, plantains and fungi- a cornmeal mush

Papayas the size of melons

Trunk Bay on St. John. One of the most beautiful beaches I've been to

A local trying to open a coconut from the wrong end

Ginourmous dogs that wanted to eat me

Cool taxis

Guava Paste! A slice of this on a cracker with cream cheese = a slice of heaven

Fancy Police Officers



Bull Foot. A popular lunch item


No dining experience is complete without a Homer Simpson dark chocolate

Check back soon for a review on Bacchus, a fine dining restaurant on the Island of St. Coix