Ryan Pointer

In the island town of Kapa’a, Kaua’i, VIP Treats & Sweets is modestly established under the ownership of Marlana Patterson, initiating its journey in 2015 and quietly expanding with a new outlet opened on April 1, 2023. Originating with a focus on providing wholesale bread for various local establishments, the bakery has slowly evolved, offering a diverse array of baked goods including a variety of breads and cakes, with distinct flavors and fillings, such as “chocolate with strawberry guava filling and chiffon with vanilla bean pastry cream.”

Marlana herself stated in a recent video interview with Kauai TV host, Amanda Smith, “So I started out doing the wholesale breads for different restaurants. I actually started with Wahoos. Now we have various accounts for different restaurants, and we also do for Malama Kauai and Nourish Kauai.” Her initial endeavor in wholesale bread gradually incorporated a wider array of treats, some of which, like the cheesecakes, have become notable among locals and visitors alike: “I try to have a cheesecake every week. I am known for that. I have actually people that come from like Kīlauea just to see what’s in that dessert case.”

As the bakery evolved, so did its menu, oscillating with different delicacies and sweet treats, always surprising its patrons. “Everything’s made from scratch,” Marlana explained, demonstrating a commitment to crafting items in-house, including their utilization of local ingredients, a principle that Marlana emphasizes: “If it’s something Kauai grows, then I will use it. I won’t buy the store ones. No store-bought oranges, no store-bought lemons. It has to be local.”

The bakery’s artisanal approach extends to its bread creations, notably its sourdough. Marlana devoted significant time and care into crafting its formula, stating, “It took me a year to perfect my sourdough. I did create my own culture. I feed it about every four to five days, and I created the culture back in August of 2015, so it is 8 years old this month.”

Malasadas, Portuguese donuts, feature prominently as well, freshly made to order. As Marlana noted during her discussion with Smith, the preparation is meticulous and uncompromising: “We fry them to order. It takes about 10 minutes. We have to make sure it’s perfect. I’m very, very picky; it’s got to be perfect, and sometimes it’s not, but I try my best.”

VIP Treats & Sweets offers more than simply baked goods; it encapsulates a personal dream and unwavering determination from its owner. Marlana reflected, “Ever since I was in high school, I said I was going to start my own business…I never gave up.” This undeterred spirit culminated into a place where every customer is met with the assurance that “everyone’s a VIP here; everybody’s a VIP here.” Thus, underlining a foundational principle of the establishment: to ensure every visitor feels regarded and valued, mirroring the careful attention and valuation Marlana bestows upon her baked creations.

The immersive account provided by Smith’s visit to the bakery subtly peels back layers, revealing not just the culinary artifacts, but the diligent persistence, local dedication, and culinary creativity embedded within VIP Treats & Sweets. The undulating narrative of its journey from a wholesale bread provider to a local bakery underscores a narrative of adaptability, community involvement, and an unwavering adherence to a dream, establishing the bakery as a modest yet intrinsic fragment of Kapa’a’s local business tapestry.

VIP Treats & Sweets Website | Facebook | Instagram

Nestled in old Kapa’a town on Kauai, Bubble n’ Boba becomes visible as a local establishment that has forged its space within the community by providing an assortment of non-dairy milk and fruit teas. The inception of the business, as per Sydney Stevens during a casual interaction with host Amanda Smith on Kaua‘i TV, was rather personal: “My love for boba tea just came from my pregnancy craving, believe it or not. I had to have it every day.” In a bid to merge personal interests with enterprise, Stevens dove into the world of boba, crafting a menu that intertwines traditional Taiwan Style bubble tea — utilizing a non-dairy creamer — with flavors that resonate with the locale.

Stevens articulated a particularly popular offering, the Tiger Sugar Milk Tea, describing it as “brown sugar milk tea,” which is intricately mingled with “Assam black fresh loose leaf brewed tea,” invariably served with boba. However, she emphasized the careful and time-consuming procedure involved in preparing boba, which “does take an hour to cook,” and is refreshed every four hours to ensure freshness.

Smith’s observation, upon trying the Tiger Milk Tea, encapsulates the experience of subtlety in flavor that Bubble n’ Boba seems to aim for: “It’s not too aggressive, it’s not too sweet, and I can taste all the flavor of the tea.” A thorough exploration of the taste profile exposes the drinker to a balance wherein the tea, brown sugar (specifically a dark, black sugar), and milk harmonize without one overpowering the other.

Extending the flavor palette to evoke a sense of place, the establishment curates offerings that echo the indigenous palate of Hawaii. Stevens pointed out a few, mentioning “The Lilikoi tea,” which is a considerable favorite among patrons. Varieties of fruit teas, like mango and guava, also hold a place in the menu, providing an option to merge flavors, for instance, “Lilikoi and guava for like a passion fruit guava.”

In a maneuver that threads innovation with traditional taste profiles, the business also features a bubble waffle, crafted from tapioca starch and flavored with Ube, offering a chewy interior and a crisp exterior. Smith, upon trying it, noted a “little crunchiness at the top” and affirmed the presence of the Ube flavoring.

While the business thrives in its stationary location next to Pono Market, it occasionally steps outside of its regular space, as Stevens expressed a fondness for participating in “farmers markets” and “night markets,” even making occasional appearances “in Princeville.”

Through the lens of a neutral observer, Bubble n’ Boba surfaces as an establishment that, rooted in a personal penchant for boba tea, has spiraled into a community locale that not only seeks to offer a balance of traditional and local flavors but also manages to intertwine a piece of personal narrative with every cup served. It has solidified its place by conscientiously merging traditional tea beverages with flavors that sing of its geographical and cultural location, all while being tethered to a genuine personal narrative of its founder.

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Nestled within the scenic bounds of Kaua’i’s Hanalei Center, Bar Acuda provides a distinctive culinary encounter, where Hawaiian inspirations meet traditional tapas, crafted and conceptualized by chef-owners Hanna and Kenny Uddifa. The restaurant’s ethos, woven into a vibrant menu, encompasses a commitment to fresh, seasonal, and notably local ingredients, culminating in a gamut of offerings that range from brioche rolls to Seared Hawaiian Fish, underscored by a beverage selection that mirrors a similar refinement in approach. Yet, the dining experience proffered seeks not merely to satiate but also to elicit a dialogic engagement with tradition, locality, and innovative culinary craft.

In an exploration with Amanda Smith, host of Kauai TV, the Uddifas elucidate the underpinnings of their culinary philosophy and approach at Bar Acuda. They affirm, “We really focus on Mediterranean and Spanish flavors,” grounding their culinary articulations in a potent blend of local sourcing and international flair. One item, the local cucumber salad, is emblematic of this intersection. As Kenny demonstrated the preparation, utilizing “Japanese cucumber…from Hula Farms in Kilauea,” he intertwines local produce with a dressing made of white balsamic, shallots, and extra virgin olive oil. Amanda noted that the salad had “a good balance of the salt, acid, oil, the heat,” and the mint made it feel “like I’m eating like a cucumber off the vine.”

Supporting local farmers is pivotal to the operational model of Bar Acuda. The chefs highlighted a synergistic relationship with area farmers, stating that, due to their longstanding establishment, farmers often seek their input on crop decisions, asking, “what do you want us to grow because they know we’ll purchase it.” This co-creative relationship not only substantiates their commitment to local sourcing but also facilitates an active engagement with the regional agricultural community, fostering a cyclical economic and environmental sustenance.

The restaurant’s North Shore honeycomb dish further exemplifies their commitment to locality and fresh produce, employing thinly sliced apples in a meticulous arrangement to complement the in-house made brioche. The Uddifas affirm the concerted effort in not only curating dishes but also in fabricating a space where diners engage with a myriad of culinary influences, from Hawaii and San Francisco to the Mediterranean and the Basque country in Spain, constructing “this own unique thing that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world.”

Furthermore, Bar Acuda’s beverage offerings, particularly within their cocktail selection, mirror a meticulousness not dissimilar to their culinary counterparts. The Hanalei mule, as highlighted, employs Maui vodka and lilikoi puree, offering a “really nice bright acidic touch,” alongside ginger beer and a hint of jalapeno syrup, to cultivate a beverage that is simultaneously refreshing and carries “just a little bit of a kick.”

In encapsulation, Bar Acuda stands not merely as a restaurant but as a locus where local ingredients, culinary innovation, and a multitude of global influences converge, crafting not only a meal but an experiential journey through varied culinary landscapes, grounded distinctly in the terrains of Hanalei. This melange of tradition, locality, and inventive cuisine crafts a narrative wherein guests, through every bite and sip, traverse through a myriad of geographies and cultures, all while remaining firmly situated within the bounds of Kaua’i.

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Embedded within the lush landscape of the Island of Kaua‘i, Hoku Foods cultivates not merely a shopping experience but a tether to the local agricultural community, advocating for a symbiotic relationship between consumer and producer. The company began its journey as a food buying club with a singular mission, as elucidated by one of its leads, Erik, during an interaction with Amanda Smith, host of Kauai TV: “[To] bring high-quality organic food to the island as cost affordably as possible.”

Erik articulates a clear modus operandi for Hoku Foods, emphasizing an ecological and communal tether: “Hoku is a place to buy affordable healthy products that serve the life of creatures, people, and Mother Earth. So everything we do… all goes back to that mission.” This mandate encapsulates not only the selection of products but also their processing, packaging, and overall impact on the environment and local economy.

The products found within the aisles of Hoku Foods’ markets in Koloa Village and Kapaa extend from a vibrant array of local produce to specialty dietary items, each imbued with a commitment to health and sustainability. The freshness of the produce is underscored by Margaret, another principal figure at Hoku Foods, who notes, “Our kale that was in the ground this morning [is now] in Koloa at the Old Koloa Regenerative Farm.”

The meticulousness of their product curation was heralded by a customer named Pearl, who expressed to Erik, “I love the fact that I can shop at your store and I don’t need to read labels… because you guys have already done all of that for us.” This attention to detail not only underscores a dedication to quality but also a responsibility towards their consumers, providing them with not merely products but a certain assurance regarding their purchases.

Concurrently, the market propels a devotion to local agriculture. Jessica Murray, the store manager, highlights their partnership with various local farmers, such as “Sally Rizzo from Old Koloa Regenerative Farm” and herb suppliers from “Cool Water Aquaponics.” These partnerships weave Hoku Foods into the larger tapestry of Kaua‘i’s agricultural framework, grounding its operations within the locale it inhabits.

Moreover, Erik illuminated Hoku’s environmentally-conscious approach towards packaging, stating, “When it comes to single-use drinks, we choose not to carry anything in plastic.” Thus, decisions transcending product selection to include packaging underscore a comprehensive, mindful approach towards retail operation, framing each decision within the matrix of ecological and communal impact.

Their array of products is not merely a reflection of mindful sourcing but also a response to diverse dietary needs and preferences. A section of their market is dedicated to local artisans and producers, offering items like Kitchary Queen’s nutritious ready-to-cook meals and a variety of fermented foods from Kaua‘i Ferment. Thus, each item carries within it a thread that ties back to the local community and Hoku Foods’ foundational commitment to nurturing these relationships.

However, the expansiveness of their offerings is not merely a product of wide-ranging local partnerships but also a reflection of their consumer-oriented approach. As Erik emphasizes, the selection at Hoku Foods is “very thoughtfully curated” with an inherent respect towards the dietary needs and preferences of their clientele, offering “choices for people that are dairy-free… gluten-free, people that are vegan, people that are meat eaters.”

Ultimately, Hoku Foods operates not merely as a marketplace but as a conduit, navigating between consumers and local producers, forming a network that subtly propels each entity forward. Through their journey, Hoku Foods provides an understated, yet invaluable, cornerstone within Kaua‘i’s agricultural and retail framework, each product, and partnership a quiet testament to their foundational mission and the complex web of relationships they navigate and nurture.

Hoku Foods Website | | Instagram

Kauai Ferments, a Hawaiian establishment specializing in traditional fermentation processes, situates itself firmly in Puhi, Kaua’i, offering products ranging from Sparkling Water Kefir to an array of lacto-fermented vegetables, such as raw sauerkraut and kimchi. Established around six years ago, as owner Amanda related in a discussion with Kauai TV host Amanda Smith, the business was birthed from Amanda’s personal experiences with minor health issues and the notable impact fermented foods had upon them. Amanda illuminated, “I found consuming fermented foods really helped me. So I wanted to share these superfoods with people on Kauai.”

Rooted in a methodological commitment to eschewing modern shortcuts, Kauai Ferments opts against using heat, vinegar, and plastic in both the fermentation and packaging processes, thus nurturing the naturally occurring probiotics in their products. Amanda articulated, “When you consume any of our products, you are consuming beneficial bacteria, but it’s very traditional fermentation, all small batch.” Moreover, the potential health implications of these products are not merely tangential. With a palpable focus on gut health, evidenced through the company’s subtle motto “Trust Your Gut,” the offerings from Kauai Ferments serve as a conduit not only for savory experiences but also for the promotion of digestive wellness, due to the probiotics and beneficial bacteria inherent in fermented foods.

In the words of Amanda, “Our digestive tract contains trillions of microbes, so you want to feed those microbes as well as populate your gut with that bacteria. It keeps everything running in your body well and affects your digestion, ability to fight disease, and your immunity.”

A particularly intriguing product from their assortment is the Sparkling Water Kefir, which is often juxtaposed with kombucha due to its fermented nature but carries distinctive qualities. Amanda explains, “It’s lightly fizzy…it’s not over the top,” also noting its absence of acidity and caffeine, qualities that make it child-friendly and diversely applicable. The kefir is offered in a variety of flavors, which range from lilikoi and soursop to ginger turmeric, and sometimes involve health-boosting ingredients like Roselle hibiscus petals, recognized for their vitamin C and antioxidant content.

Further venturing into the realm of ready-to-consume foods, Kauai Ferments has instituted a range of grab-and-go meals that thoughtfully weave their fermented offerings into palatable, nutrient-dense options. For instance, their kale Caesar salad is paired with a dressing that harnesses the potent crunch of fermented onions, while their kimchi spring rolls have found popularity, partially attributable to their “salty, savory” kimchi cashew paste and the harmoniously sweet and savory dipping sauce, “The Salty Date.” The owner shared about their offerings, “We make a bunch of different meals. We have our kale Caesar salad that has some fermented onion in the Caesar dressing…This is called our kimchi spring rolls. It’s probably the most popular grab-and-go.”

Steadfast in their commitment to leveraging local and organic ingredients, Amanda affirmed, “In all our grab-and-go items, we source locally two to three times a week from local farmers and go to farmers’ markets.” This unwavering devotion to the community and quality does not merely resonate through their product offerings but also interweaves itself into the foundational ethics and practices of Kauai Ferments.

As they continue to offer products that straddle the intersection of tradition, health, and culinary enjoyment, Kauai Ferments retains a discernible respect for the methods of the past, while concurrently proffering products that speak to contemporary palates and wellness trends. Furthermore, through both their tangible products and their mindful sourcing and creation practices, the establishment emerges as a purveyor of both nourishing foods and community sustenance within Puhi, crafting a narrative that is as much about flavorful, healthful foods as it is about local engagement and traditional methodologies.

Kaua‘i Ferments Website | Facebook | Instagram

Zorbas Kauai, situated on Kaua’i, introduces diners to a Northern Mediterranean culinary journey with particular attention to Greek cuisine. The restaurant, recognizable by its full bar and a combination of modern and classical aesthetics, offers an assortment of dishes that are woven from the rich culinary traditions of the northern Mediterranean regions.

In a documented visit by Kauai TV, hosted by Amanda Smith, Chef George presents himself not merely as a culinary expert but as someone deeply entrenched in the heritage that inspires his cuisine. He states, “I’m of Greek heritage, and I highlight dishes from those areas. It’s comfortable for me.” Chef George’s professional pathway also traversed through various Italian and Greek restaurants in Long Island, New York, providing a versatile culinary background. The area, “full of Italian restaurants,” enriched his understanding and implementation of robust, traditionally Mediterranean flavors.

Exploration of the menu reveals a detailed attention to culinary processes. The shrimp scampi, for instance, delivers “a full-flavored bomb,” in the words of Chef George, not traditionally inclusive of prosciutto, but rather featuring it as an additive to infuse a distinctive, flavorful note. The inclusion of Italy-imported prosciutto and Parmesan enriches the scampi, while the white wine’s function is not merely aromatic but a tactical culinary maneuver, lifting and blending the flavors seared onto the pan into the sauce.

The nuanced creation process is also observed in the preparation of the moussaka. This dish, analogized by Chef George as “a Greek version” of Italian lasagna and Irish shepherd’s pie, demands a meticulous layering of potato, eggplant, chopped meat, and béchamel sauce. His remark, “I make my own sauce,” underlines a devotion to authentic, handcrafted culinary preparation. The moussaka, he explains, embodies multiple cooking stages – from cooking each ingredient separately to a final assemblage that is then cooked, cooled, cut, and served.

Furthermore, the Lamb Gyro, a dish apparently reminiscent for many of traditional Greek food, is crafted from rotisserie lamb seasoned with “zesty Greek spices.” Chef George enriches the narrative of this dish with personal notes, reminiscing, “I grew up eating these,” and sharing the childhood memory of himself as “the kid in the back sitting on a bucket polishing spoons, eating gyros.” This dish, served with lettuce in the wrap and fries on the side, presents a New York style, diverging slightly from the Greek manner of serving potatoes in the wrap.

Smith’s reactions to the dishes, such as highlighting the “crunch from the outside of the lamb” and noting the gyro as reminiscent of “eating healthy,” indicate a thoughtful balancing act in the cuisine between robust, hearty flavors and fresh, crisp ingredients.

In the background of the culinary narrative sits the recently remodeled Zorbas, where both its physical space and its offerings communicate a melding of traditional and contemporary, the foreign and the local, thereby providing a Northern Mediterranean dining endeavor on the shores of Kaua’i. Through an alignment of Chef George’s culinary and cultural background, the cuisine at Zorbas Kauai is not merely an offering but a sharing of a rich, flavorful heritage with its patrons.

Zorba’s Website | | Instagram

Inside the warm ambiance of Kiawe Roots in Lawai, Hawaii, co-founders Mark and Tricia Ruiz have nurtured not merely an entrepreneurial endeavor but a culinary narrative steeped in familial tradition and rich, diversified heritage. The Ruiz’s, in association with part-owner Rodney ‘Kaulana’ Baptiste, have crafted an establishment that deftly melds their diverse culinary backgrounds and Kaua’i’s lush, abundant flavors into a tangible, edible experience.

With Tricia Ruiz offering insight into the deep-rooted family aspect of the establishment, she expressed, “We are Filipino, Portuguese, Puerto Rican, Hawaiian, Japanese, and they have a little bit of French as well. We always had this dream with my wife coming back home and making the food that we love to eat when we’re all as a family cooking out in the backyard.” Her words underscored an essence of home and heritage intertwined with their offerings.

One such offering, the Jawaiian Jerk Pork Ribs, embodies the establishment’s capability to juxtapose flavors and culinary traditions. A spice-laden dry rub encapsulates the ribs, a culinary dialogue that speaks of “allspice, chili peppers, sugar, garlic, salt,” as was articulated by Tricia Ruiz during a segment with Kauai TV. It’s a dish that subtly maneuvers between the realms of sweetness and spice, with Amanda Smith, the host, affirming its prowess by noting, “It’s got sweetness, it’s got spiciness…the sauce is perfect.”

The culinary dialogue that Kiawe Roots engages in traverses beyond the conventional, introducing diners to renditions of familiar dishes that nod respectfully to tradition while boldly asserting their own unique variations. Grandpa’s chili, according to Tricia, maintains its bean-less composition, honoring “Mark and Kaulana’s Grandpa’s recipe,” but doesn’t shy away from a “modern flair” introduced through a cilantro crema, blending historical and contemporary culinary narratives into a cohesive, flavorful experience.

The lineage of familial recipes carries forward with the presence of Dad’s Fried Chicken Wings, originating from Tricia’s father. With a method involving marination “for at least a day in our ginger marinade,” which encompasses ingredients such as “ginger, garlic, rice wine sake, pepper, and salt,” the dish is not only a testament to culinary artistry but a tangible connection to the past, passed through generations and now presented to guests.

Yet, amidst the robust, hearty offerings, Kiawe Roots maintains an aspect of innovation and refreshment within its dishes. A particular mention was made regarding the cantaloupe namasu, a deviation from conventional accompaniments, offering “a little crunch” to the aforementioned ribs and integrating a distinctive, refreshing twist to their culinary tale.

The Sunrise, Kiawe Roots’ innovative culinary approach to Loco Moco, exemplifies their capability to marry tradition and innovation. With a composition involving rice, pulled pork, an egg, and a calamansi mango vinaigrette, the dish ventures beyond the expected, illustrating the establishment’s proclivity for culinary creativity and exploration within the bounds of familiar landscapes.

A deeper look into the establishment through the experiences shared on Kauai TV and by the Ruiz family themselves provides a lens through which one can perceive Kiawe Roots not merely as a dining locale but a confluence where culinary tradition, familial narratives, and innovative approaches to food coalesce into an entity that shares and celebrates a rich, diverse heritage through every plate served.

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Nested on the North Shore of Kauai, Wiki Pizza comes to life under the stewardship of founders Jimit and Shinthi Mehta, wherein the coupling of culinary and travel experiences has given rise to an entity that ardently celebrates the art and science of pizza-making. It’s not merely about an offering; it’s a portrayal of a journey wherein Jimit expresses that “a good pizza takes a lot of love and effort to put together,” emphasizing the pivotal role of numerous elements including “time, temperature, right equipment, the dough, the cheese, and the sauce” in the creation of exemplary pizzas.

Pizzas here aren’t just about the toppings; it’s an intricate science and a continuous pursuit to achieve the ideal crust through the stringent fermentation process, enduring up to 72 hours. This method, a true testament to the establishment’s allegiance to crafting a crust that triumphs in both lightness and crispiness, was conceived with more than just a notion of flavor. It bore roots from an inspiration “to bring amazing pizza to Kauai using high-quality ingredients,” as stated by Chef Alastair. When it comes to the creations like the “Shaka Shaka” pizza, which is distinctively adorned with locally sourced Maui Gold Pineapples and Mango Habanero BBQ sauce, there’s a visible reflection of Wiki Pizza’s dedication to intertwining traditional pizza artistry with innovative creations.

The duo behind Wiki Pizza, conversing with Amanda Smith, delves into the essentials of pizza crafting, highlighting the employment of various flours, such as the double zero Caputo flour imported from Italy, and its scientific implications on the pizza’s texture and flavor. To Chef Alastair, it’s “a never-ending pursuit of perfection for Wiki Pizza,” wherein every ingredient from the extra virgin olive oil to the flours, each with their own distinctive origins and characteristics, is a calculated step towards achieving a holistic flavor experience. This meticulous approach to ingredient selection, down to the various flour types and their respective influences on the flavor and texture of the pizza, unequivocally exemplifies their commitment to creating a distinguished culinary journey through their offerings.

Moreover, the crafting of pizza here is seen as a scientific pursuit, “similar to wine or coffee,” implying an infinite exploration into achieving a symphonic balance amongst the ingredients. To Jimit and Shinthi, it’s more than just a culinary venture; it’s an endless pursuit where the fervency for understanding and mastering the depth and breadth of pizza creation is perpetually in motion. Chef Alastair, who is heralded as “the best pizza maker I’ve ever met” by Shinthi, manifests his dedication through a relentless pursuit to comprehend every aspect of pizza creation, from the “science” of flour utilization to the selection of toppings and sauces.

Customer accolades, especially those that hail from regions renowned for their own pizza creations like New Jersey, as cited by Shinthi, bring forth a rewarding affirmation: “That’s the best pizza I’ve ever had in my life.” These assertions stand as validations of the craftsmanship and passion that is embedded within the walls of Wiki Pizza, where every pie is not merely a meal but a culmination of an unyielding journey towards perfection in pizza crafting. Consequently, Wiki Pizza doesn’t just serve; it narrates a saga where every bite is a chapter, unfolding the tales of travels, experiences, and an unwavering commitment to the artistry of pizza creation.

Wiki Pizza Website | | Instagram

In the quaint region of Old Koloa Town, The Fresh Shave resides as a provider of handcrafted shave ice, intertwining its product with the philosophy and methodology underpinned by considerations of quality, locality, and sustainability. Shave ice, as described by the owners Priscilla and Daniel in their discourse with Kauai TV’s Amanda Smith, is rendered with “a little twist”. Noteworthy is the fact that the entirety of their offerings is handcrafted, ensuring “everything is made in-house” and solely employs “local produce and organic cane sugar” for sweetening. The narrative of their products is deeply rooted in an “education-forward approach to this business”, gleaned from their previous vocations as teachers.

A striking aspect of The Fresh Shave’s offerings is the meticulous design in its menu, with each product embodying its own distinctiveness through variations in blend and toppings. For instance, an item named “The Handle Bar” marries the flavors of pineapple and coconut, while “The Professor” offers a fusion of berries and acai, accentuated with Kauai honey, bananas, and shredded coconut. This coupling of ingredients is not arbitrary, but rather adheres to a principle where each shave ice variant is christened after different mustache styles, a unique facet of their set menu.

Moreover, particular attention is accorded to the manufacturing process of these shave ice concoctions, from the employment of in-house made syrups to ensuring the resultant ice shavings closely resemble “pencil shavings rather than tiny little ice bowls”. One of their creations, “The Fu Manchu”, is significantly popular among patrons, described by Priscilla as embodying strawberry syrup which is “topped with strawberry puree, sweet cream, and apple bananas”, and likened to “pouring melting vanilla ice cream right on top”.

Another offering, “The Imperial”, is delineated as a merger of strawberry and coconut syrup, interspersed with fresh-cut pineapple and topped with coconut cream. Priscilla and Daniel articulate a layered experience where patrons can envisage it as a “snowy volcano”, with Amanda adding her sensory experience likening it to a “lava flow”. Both these descriptions paint a vivid albeit metaphoric picture of the product, intertwining taste and visual aesthetics.

In an additional offering, “The Chevron”, the blend of coconut and lime is touted to resemble the taste of a “coconut key lime pie on ice”, topped with coconut chia seed cream which incorporates soaked chia seeds for “a little extra protein boost”. The sensory experience, as recounted by Amanda, evokes being “on the beach” with a “piña colada” yet with a dash of health-conscious ingenuity.

The owners extend this conscientious approach to involve their keiki (children) in aspects of the production process, such as “harvesting the bananas from our backyard” or joining them on trips to local farms, nurturing in them an understanding and respect for the journey food undertakes from farm to table. This underpinning ethos not only surfaces through their personal practices but is also palpable in the customer experience they aim to create at The Fresh Shave.

The Fresh Shave weaves a thoughtful intersection of quality, sustainability, and community within its offerings, the exactitude with which each shave ice variant is crafted and presented reflects a nuanced interplay between the owners’ educational philosophies, sustainable practices, and artisanal craft, rendering each serving not merely a consumable but a nuanced, thoughtfully curated experience.

Fresh Shave Website | Facebook | Instagram