Made In Hawai'i

Every year I attend the Made In Hawai'i show at the Blaisdell. This year I made the mistake of showing up with a wallet full of cash. That's just as wreckless as going grocery shopping when you're hungry. Both lead to impulse buys. However, an impulse buy at the Made in Hawai'i show isn't always a bad thing! This year, I had a limit: once my bag was full, I was pau. May favorite finds? Wailalua Chocolate and Kau'u coffee. One day I'll share with you favorite chocolates and coffees, but today I present...

Waialua Chocolate. Mmmmhmmm. I picked up a couple bars from Malie Kai Chocolates. The chocolate is single origin and estate-grown. You may have read about them in either of our daily papers or maybe you saw them at the Fancy Food Show held in Chicago last year. FAWN-SAY indeed. How does it taste? Delicious. I was happy to pick up the last bar of dark chocolate at the booth. I took home a bar of milk chocolate as well, both surprisingly pleasant. I didn't expect the harmonious balance that the chocolatiers had achieved with the flavor and texture. Some think it may be a little on the sweet side, but the mouth feel is undeniably smooth. Malie Kai Chocolate is available in retail outlets here as well as Mainland US, Canada and Japan. Pick up a bar and see if that beats your single origin Columbian cacao.

Ka'u Coffee. Oh, yes. Have I mentioned how much I love coffee? I picked up a pound of medium-dark roast beans from Aikane Plantation. Step out of your comfort zone and try the different coffees our islands have to offer. KA'U Coffee, often overshadowed by Kona coffee, has been recognized on an international level and yet many continue to overlook it. The sips I had on Sunday were a welcome respite from the sense overload I was experiencing. I find it incredibly smooth with full-bodied flavor that doesn't leave a bitter aftertaste. Since I drink my coffee black, I like a flavor and roast that don't require sugar or milk to impart flavor or mask acidity. Wanna try Ka'u coffee and don't know where to start? Try this one. I'm not sure where it retails, but it is available through their website.

I'm am an equal opportunity sipper and nibbler, as far from a snob as one can be. When I find something I like, I do what everyone does, I tell my friends. But I never stop trying. As soon as I collect the labels of my current favorite coffees and chocolates, I'll let you know. If you have any to suggest, bring 'em on! I'm always looking for a new favorite.