See You At The Market

I am passionate about food, and one of my favorite activities, at home or abroad, is visiting the local farmers' market. Cities like Portland, Boulder and Austin are well known for markets that attract both locals and visitors. In many cities around the globe the local market is the meeting place for friends and families, a social as well as shopping experience.

In 2003, the Kapiolani Community College (KCC)Farmers' Market was founded, and has been introducing thousands of locals and visitors to some of Hawaii's best local produce and products ever since. The islands continue to promote farm-to-table cuisine under the leadership of co-founder Dean Okimoto.

My next trip to Oahu will include a trip to this market, located at the Kapiolani Community College on Saturdays. 7,000-10,000 visitors frequent the market on any given week. Although it's still a small market by big city standards (60 vendors), it is unique. Some of the products you might find at this market include papaya, mangoes, lychee and lilikoi, and they're some of the best in the worlds because of the climate and soil of Hawaii. Many of the vendors sell prepared foods, including barbequed fresh abalone for at $5 for two pieces. Other vendors sell fried green tomatoes, pesto pizza with fresh vine-ripened tomatoes, a cheese omelet with fresh tatsoi and Hamakua mushrooms, taro poke, and fresh roasted corn with different toppings. Next time you're in Oahu, take a break from the beach and go to the market for lunch. It's a great way to mingle with locals and taste the local fare. If you're in a condo or timeshare, stock up on some local fruit and produce to eat during your stay.

The farm-to-table movement has really taken off in Hawaii, and in Oahu alone there are a dozen or so local markets every week. Well known local chefs like Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong's involvement has really moved things along. Some of the well known restaurants where local seafood and agricultural products are featured include Roy, Alan Wong's, DK Kodama's, Hiroshi's, the Sheraton Waikiki, 12th Avenue Grill, Indigo, Kaiwa, and Kakaako Kitchen.

Next time you're in Oahu, on a Saturday, put the KCC farmers' market on your to do list. You may just get hooked like I did, and want to visit one in every city you visit, domestic or foreign.

Mark your calendars. On May 10, Hagen Dazs will be handing out free ice cream cones from 4-8pm. Check their website for the nearest location. Thanks, Lynda, for giving me a heads up on this.