FRIDAY - Heidi
A toast before heading over to The Grand Tasting
This year's Grand Tasting takes place at the Aloha Garden Pavilion of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. This is my first time attending any event related to The Kapalua Wine & Food Festival
Valerie and Heather
Valerie, Katheryn, and Heather
I have to decide quickly whether my priority should be to take photographs (while there is still plenty of natural light) or eat (before the lines get too long)
Valerie reminds me that "Wine" is listed before "Food" in the name of this festival
After quickly sampling a few of the food items, I decide to grab a few shots of the event
The natural light fades as the crowd grows
Violinist Aaron Meyer takes the stage while the other performers are on their break
Upside-down parasols soften and filter the color of the overhead lights...each wine and food station has signage
The wine flows at Sparkling Wines from Around the World
Haiku Tomato Stand
From Maui Cattle Company - Teriyaki New York Salad, Local Baby Spinach, Wasabi Vinaigrette Smoked BBQ Brisket, Truffle Polenta, Warm Corn & Coconut Muffins
Live performances keep the atmosphere festive
Hawaiian Chocolate Decadence Cake from the Islands Finest Desserts
Also from the Islands Finest Desserts, Maui Gold Pineapple Caramel Cake (served with Kula Lavendar and Coconut Sorbet)...this was my fave
I quickly run back to our room to grab my longer lens hoping I can use it to get more interesting shots of The Grand Tasting
Sparkling Wines from Around the World
Upcountry Farms
I started the evening with the Makawao Corn & Shrimp Risotto Grilled Maui Farms Antipasti from Upcountry Farms. It was good enough to merit grabbing another plate!
Their Surfing Goat Dairy Cheese, Roasted Beets, Waipoli Greens Salad equally deserves a second helping
