Plantation era food had three important criteria — it had to taste good, it didn’t cost a lot to prepare, and it was quick and easy to make.
The chef’s demonstration by Executive Chef Mark Arriola of Living Foods fit all the criteria, and added the benefit of a mouth-watering aroma while cooking on Wednesday at the Palm Court of The Shops at Kuku‘iula, which presented a trio of events celebrating Koloa Plantation Days.
Utilizing ulu, or breadfruit, and Kaua‘i Shrimp that is produced locally in Kekaha, Arriola whipped the ingredients together to form Kaua‘i Shrimp-ulu fritters that were served on a bed of cilantro lime yogurt that was eagerly snatched up by the viewers of the demonstration that finished ahead of its designated time frame as a testament to how quick and easy the dish is to prepare.
Vendors from the Kaua‘i Culinary Market were able to sample the dish ahead of time, as Living Foods set up an outside food station where shoppers could get the dish ahead of the demonstration while supplies lasted.
The chef’s demonstration also served to preview other offerings of plantation era foods that will be available at Friday’s Flavors of Kukui‘ula that starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Palm Court, the same area where Arriola demonstrated his aromatic presentation.
Living Foods will have local kalbi short ribs, house-made kimchi and black rice as a food offering available for purchase.
The Dolphin Po‘ipu, serving up its pau hana offerings during the Wednesday demonstration, will unleash its kitchen staff to offer a bento box containing inari chicken, sweet Thai dressing on mixed greens and shrimp.
Hapa Ramen and Whiskey made good on Michael Littman’s promise on having fried noodles, rice and daikon available street food style, and Merriman’s will have oysters available before Wally Rita and Los Kauaianos close the night with kachi-kachi music and dancing.
Wally Rita and Los Kauaianos will be on the entertainment lineup with Tsunami Taiko and Hi‘ipoi Kanahele on Saturday during the Anne S. Knudsen Park (Koloa ball park) celebration that closes the historic Koloa Plantation Days parade with an array of crafters and more plantation days food offerings. The park celebration starts at 9 a.m. The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
The Cosme ‘Ohana of Sumiko’s, a longtime favorite from the Hanapepe Art Night, will have offerings of chicken papaya, pork peas, blood meat, pancit, pork chicharron and cheesecake tarts in addition to its snacks, including sweet popcorn, shave ice and cotton candy.
Kylie Kuhlmann expands the McFarm Offerings with an assortment of coffee and tea to wash everything down, and the Grace and Tafiti ‘ohana will represent the KJ’s Lunchmobile &Catering.
The Dosono ‘ohana dons the Kaua‘i Kim Chee wear and Paisley &Hunter offer more plantation era days cuisine.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
