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James "Kimo" Rosen is a retired professional photographer amongst other things is a Humorist writer. Rosen currently resides on the tropical island of Kaua'i with his best friend and spiritual adviser, Ivanka "Costco" Obama, The Bipartisan Dog!    Sunrise/Weather Photos, May- 2022 These photos appeared on Hawaii News Now Blog #2085~Kimo's world #331 Taste of Hawaii Paying it forward |
The Taste of Hawaii would be celebrating its 34th anniversary this coming Sunday, June 5th
however, when I texted 'The Taste' if the event would be held this year they texted back, "Many restaurants are struggling with staffing. As such, sadly, we will not have a Taste of Hawaii this year. Please plan to attend 2023!"
however, when I texted 'The Taste' if the event would be held this year they texted back, "Many restaurants are struggling with staffing. As such, sadly, we will not have a Taste of Hawaii this year. Please plan to attend 2023!"
The 'Taste' did not take place in 2018 after severe floods ravaged the Garden Island's North shore.jpeg)
and many other parts of the state while a good majority of Kauai Rotarians were busy volunteering to help distressed flood victims. The 2020 and 2021 'Taste of Hawaii' were also canceled due to the Pandemic, which means in the last five years 'The Taste' has been canceled four times.
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and many other parts of the state while a good majority of Kauai Rotarians were busy volunteering to help distressed flood victims. The 2020 and 2021 'Taste of Hawaii' were also canceled due to the Pandemic, which means in the last five years 'The Taste' has been canceled four times.
'The Taste of Hawaii' is Kauai's signature event held at Smiths Tropical Paradise where many visitors schedule their vacations around which is always the first Sunday in June and in the past has featured over 50 chefs strutting their signature dishes, plus approximately 15 beer, wine, and soft drink beverage vendors allowing you to
eat and drink to your heart's content. There are also give or take 10 musical bands from Rock'n' roll to Big band allowing you to dance and burn off a few calories and then take a breather over at the silent auction.
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| Councilman Bernard Carvalho Jr. and Mayor Derek Kawakami boogie the day away at the 2015 'Taste.' Ironically back then their roles were reversed, Bernard was Mayor and Derek was a councilman... |
eat and drink to your heart's content. There are also give or take 10 musical bands from Rock'n' roll to Big band allowing you to dance and burn off a few calories and then take a breather over at the silent auction.
I always look forward to 'The Taste of Hawaii' as do many locals along with the visitors.
The $100.00 price tag for the ticket currently seems cheap with how expensive everything has skyrocketed. I imagine when 'The Taste' eventually resumes that the $100.00 price tag will be a real deal if the price tag isn't increased.
The $100.00 price tag for the ticket currently seems cheap with how expensive everything has skyrocketed. I imagine when 'The Taste' eventually resumes that the $100.00 price tag will be a real deal if the price tag isn't increased.
Inflation is so bad, 
that companies are afraid to raise prices, therefore, a new word was recently coined called shrinkflation,(sic) the bag of chips, can of coffee, or even that plate lunch is the same price, it's just a smaller shrunken amount.
that companies are afraid to raise prices, therefore, a new word was recently coined called shrinkflation,(sic) the bag of chips, can of coffee, or even that plate lunch is the same price, it's just a smaller shrunken amount.
There’s a Seinfeld episode
where George believes he is being short-changed after Jerry’s girlfriend accidentally sees him in his birthday suit after swimming in cold water. That would also be shrinkflation or shrinkage. LOL
where George believes he is being short-changed after Jerry’s girlfriend accidentally sees him in his birthday suit after swimming in cold water. That would also be shrinkflation or shrinkage. LOL
The Taste may want to consider the shrinkflation concept since most everyone loves 'The Taste,' not only for the food, music, and drink but for the
fellowship and Aloha. Why not keep 'The Taste' functioning with fewer vendors, and fewer musicians, but at least reopen the event, even if it's not as big as it used to be? Shrinkflation may not be so bad in the case of 'The Taste' if that's what it takes to keep it alive.
fellowship and Aloha. Why not keep 'The Taste' functioning with fewer vendors, and fewer musicians, but at least reopen the event, even if it's not as big as it used to be? Shrinkflation may not be so bad in the case of 'The Taste' if that's what it takes to keep it alive.
Since 'The Taste' is not happening this year why not celebrate 'The Taste' by paying it forward with some deep soul searching with a donation to your
favorite charity and or supporting a local restaurant on the first Sunday in June by taking a friend, family member, or even a homeless person to lunch. Let's call this, "The Taste of Hawaii goes dakine, or simply, 'The Taste of Hawaii' paying it forward!"
favorite charity and or supporting a local restaurant on the first Sunday in June by taking a friend, family member, or even a homeless person to lunch. Let's call this, "The Taste of Hawaii goes dakine, or simply, 'The Taste of Hawaii' paying it forward!"
'The Taste' is a community event sponsored by the Kapa'a Rotarians. All profits go
towards scholarships for our local youth and fund international projects such as providing safe drinking water and sanitation in schools for people in poverty-stricken areas around the world.
towards scholarships for our local youth and fund international projects such as providing safe drinking water and sanitation in schools for people in poverty-stricken areas around the world.
There is not a better event in the state of Hawaii. In the past, many politicians and 
VIPs frequented 'The Taste' along with news personalities, singers, actors, rock stars, and even yours truly.
VIPs frequented 'The Taste' along with news personalities, singers, actors, rock stars, and even yours truly.
We miss you and all
your Aloha 'Taste of Hawaii' and hope to see you next year, even if you're shrunk!
your Aloha 'Taste of Hawaii' and hope to see you next year, even if you're shrunk!
An edited version of this blog appeared as an Op-ed/column
in the Monday, 06-06-22 edition of the Garden Island news
with the title, "Please bring back Taste of Hawaii"
Hana Hou (Encore)
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10 comments:
Bill Gaus said via email with a throwback photo of himself as a young stud with a beautiful young wahine back in 1988! “Yes Kimo, the Taste of Hawaii first started in June of 1988 - and was pretty much started by Jean Marie-Josselin working with the Kapaa Rotary. Back then, Taste of Hawaii was in the Coconut Grove at Coco Palms where Jean-Marie was Executive Chef - prior to his award-winning restaurants: A Pacific Cafe and currently JO2 in Kapaa. Taste of Hawaii featured Sam Choy, Alan Wong, and a young Chef Roy - along with Jean-Marie. (At the time, I managed the Lagoon Dining Room at Coco Palms - so, I helped out Jean-Marie with tables, settings etc.) Back then I believe Taste of Hawaii cost around $40 - which was definitely a bargain with all the amazing food there! I definitely still have a lot of fond memories of Taste of Hawaii back then!”
🌴Mahalo nui loa Bill🌴
What a great photo! A young stud with a beautiful wahine!🤙🇺🇸Happy Memorial Day!
(Note, check Facebook timeline for the photo, cannot post photos in comments on blogger)
Happy Memorial Day to you and Ivanka!
To all my Rotarian friends, and as a retired Rotarian, I second James Kimo Rosen’s request
I don't think anyone realizes just how much work goes into this event-I would love to see it return but understand why it's not possible right now-looking forward to the future 2023!
Barbara Watts it takes a ton of volunteers giving massive amounts of time and energy.
Restaurants are dealing with so many changes and staffing issues that we felt this year we could not ask to add our event to their plate. It is very heartwarming to know Taste of Hawai’i is missed and our community is ready to support it. We are planning for next year.
I was there as a Rotarian for the first one at Coco Palms!
Mahalo for the insightful article! Much appreciated!
You're welcome!Hoping things come together for 2023!
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