This slideshow requires JavaScript.

With Kīhei’s 4th Friday town party fast approaching, we thought we’d give you a heads-up that our mini-farmers’ market is happening once again outside Fork & Salad in Azeka Mauka.

Our debut farmers’ market happened August 26 during Fork & Salad’s Grand Opening celebration, and we’re happy to report that customers were really stoked!  They were excited to see so many unique and fresh locally-grown vegetables, meet the farmers and learn first-hand about what’s available.

“The more people start eating like this and realize where it’s coming from, the more they appreciate the products and they can taste the difference,” says Fork & Salad co-owner/chef Jaron Blosser.

Kumu Farms in Waikapū and Oko‘a Farms in Kula brought all kinds of amazing produce, such as kale, spinach, root veggies, papaya, citrus, star fruit and avocado, along with unique items like durian, mangosteen, rambutan, and purple carrots!  They were happy and grateful to meet a new demographic, share their passion and engage with the community during 4th Friday.

“Awesome venue we’re at; able to share good times, good fruit,” Ryan Earehart from Oko‘a Farms told us, in between helping customers.

Our goal is to offer a mini farmers’ market every 4th Friday. It’s a great way for people to shop for fresh local produce conveniently.  Typical markets are early in the day, so, like many things, we’re doing it differently:  by starting in the evening at 6 p.m., shoppers get a more flexible time of day at a really family-friendly event.

This is also a great chance to increase awareness about the farm-to-table movement, by sharing that direct connection with the farmers who provide so many great ingredients that are right inside the doors of Fork & Salad when you get hungry!

Take it from Manu Vinciguerra at Kumu Farms, who says this:  “It’s very important for people to see what the farmers grow, where the food comes from. It’s lots of fun to engage more people, to educate and show them what we grow, to show them how they execute it in the kitchen.  It’s a direct line, partnership and relationship, crucial for a local farm because that’s our mission:  to feed the people!”

So come meet these amazing farmers, check out some epic produce, stop in for dinner and enjoy our beer garden at 4th Friday on September 23!  #EatLocalEatHealthy