Show 330, June 29, 2019: Hawaii’s Chef / Restaurateur Peter Merriman Part One

Peter Merriman's of Merriman's HawaiiPeter Merriman (the Founder of Hawaii Regional Cuisine) has been a culinary pioneer in Hawaii for over 30 years. Known as the original “locavore,” Peter is a vocal champion of Hawaii’s farmers, ranchers and fishermen. His restaurants, starting with the iconic Merriman’s Waimea in 1988, showcase island grown and harvested foods through simple preparations that reflect the myriad flavors of Hawaii’s multiculturalism. Dubbed the “Pied Piper of Hawaii Regional Cuisine” by The Los Angeles Times, he is a continuing inspiration to Hawaii’s thriving culinary scene.”

“Some Thirty years ago, no one dreamed of growing vine ripened tomatoes, fresh sweet corn or crisp baby lettuce in Hawaii. Sugar cane and pineapple plantations dominated the farming landscape, and most food was shipped to Hawaii from thousands of miles away.”

“Chef Peter Merriman had a vision for the growth of local agriculture and the potential of Hawaii’s rich volcanic soils. He, along with twelve other prominent chefs, encouraged farmers to grow local produce, raise meats locally, and start a healthier more sustainable Hawaii.”

Chef Merriman has expanded slowly but there are now also distinctive Merriman’s on Maui, Kauai, and Oahu. All the menus are a little different to showcase the best in local ingredients. Significantly, locals are a big part of each restaurant’s regular clientele.

Chef Peter Merriman is our very special guest.

Show 330, June 29, 2019: Hawaii’s Chef / Restaurateur Peter Merriman Part Two

Peter Merriman's of Merriman's HawaiiPeter Merriman (the Founder of Hawaii Regional Cuisine) has been a culinary pioneer in Hawaii for over 30 years. Known as the original “locavore,” Peter is a vocal champion of Hawaii’s farmers, ranchers and fishermen. His restaurants, starting with the iconic Merriman’s Waimea in 1988, showcase island grown and harvested foods through simple preparations that reflect the myriad flavors of Hawaii’s multiculturalism.”

“In 1988, Peter opened his signature upcountry restaurant, Merriman’s, in Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii. He was proclaimed, “A gourmet in cowboy country” by Hana Hou!, the Magazine of Hawaiian Airlines. The New York Times raved “Everything at Merriman’s…features the freshest local ingredients paired in exciting ways,” and San Francisco Magazine exclaimed “His Wok-charred Ahi is to die for!””

“Two more fine dining restaurants were added to the Merriman’s Hawaii group in 2008 and 2009 – Merriman’s Kapalua, on the grounds of the scenic resort on Maui’s West Side, and Merriman’s Fish House in Poipu, Kauai. Downstairs from the fish house, Peter offers casual dining at Merriman’s Gourmet Pizza & Burgers.”

Last year Peter launched his most ambitious Merriman’s to date, Merriman’s Honolulu, located at the base of the Anaha luxury, high-rise condominium tower at Ward Village. It’s 6,000 square feet and seats 200 guests with patio dining, too. A menu highlight is poke prepared table side. Peter’s son is the welcoming maître d’ there.

Show 3: October 20, 2012: Barbara Fairchild Part One

Barbara Fairchild’s (ex-Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appetit Magazine) commentary on her just completed dining adventures in Kauai.

Barbara worked her way down the Garden Island from North (rustic Hanalei and the very upscale Princeville) to South (resort area of Poipu.)

In Hanalei (which Barbara found charming) she recommends Chef Jim Moffat’s small plates Bar Acuda (just celebrating their 7th anniversary,) Hanalei Coffee Roasters, and the seafood and vegetarian-centric Postcards Café. For that one, very special fine-dining experience Barbara suggests Kauai Grill at the St. Regis Princeville Resort. It’s from New York –based celebrity Chef Jean-George Vongerichten. French flair with accent of Hawaii.

A must stop on the way South is the new Garden Café at Common Ground in Kilauea. It’s a large farm-to-table, model sustainable operation with crops grown on site. Also in the area is the iconic, roadside burger joint, Duane’s Ono-Char Burger. The island’s famous & colorful wild chickens will join you for al fresco dining.

In the area of Lihue, Barbara discovered the casual Feral Pig Pub & Diner. It’s a real find! The show-stopper is their Kauai Cubano sandwich with Kalua pork and ham!

Near Poipu is a new development including The Shops at Kukuiula. Two famous practitioners of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine have restaurants there. Chef Jean-Marie Josselin operates Josselin Tapas Bar & Grill which gets excellent reviews from Barbara and Chef Peter Merriman owns Merriman’s Fish House and the more casual Downstairs Cafe. There is also a Lappert’s Ice Cream & Coffee parlor there. Sounds like a week’s worth of appealing dining options in one beautiful spot.

Show 3: October 20, 2012: Barbara Fairchild Part Two

Barbara Fairchild’s (ex-Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appetit Magazine) commentary on her just completed dining adventures in Kauai.

Barbara worked her way down the Garden Island from North (rustic Hanalei and the very upscale Princeville) to South (resort area of Poipu.)

In Hanalei (which Barbara found charming) she recommends Chef Jim Moffat’s small plates Bar Acuda (just celebrating their 7th anniversary,) Hanalei Coffee Roasters, and the seafood and vegetarian-centric Postcards Café. For that one, very special fine-dining experience Barbara suggests Kauai Grill at the St. Regis Princeville Resort. It’s from New York –based celebrity Chef Jean-George Vongerichten. French flair with accent of Hawaii.

A must stop on the way South is the new Garden Café at Common Ground in Kilauea. It’s a large farm-to-table, model sustainable operation with crops grown on site. Also in the area is the iconic, roadside burger joint, Duane’s Ono-Char Burger. The island’s famous & colorful wild chickens will join you for al fresco dining.

In the area of Lihue, Barbara discovered the casual Feral Pig Pub & Diner. It’s a real find! The show-stopper is their Kauai Cubano sandwich with Kalua pork and ham!

Near Poipu is a new development including The Shops at Kukuiula. Two famous practitioners of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine have restaurants there. Chef Jean-Marie Josselin operates Josselin Tapas Bar & Grill which gets excellent reviews from Barbara and Chef Peter Merriman owns Merriman’s Fish House and the more casual Downstairs Cafe. There is also a Lappert’s Ice Cream & Coffee parlor there. Sounds like a week’s worth of appealing dining options in one beautiful spot.