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The new buzz word is Hamakua, that is, Hamakua Mushrooms. Located in the Hamakua District (natch!) on the Big Island with an ocean view on the northeast side, this farm is adding another layer of richness to Hawaii with its dedication to organic practices and sustainable philosophy.
It's been quite a while since we've mentioned a restaurant on our website. It seems as if it gets more and more challenging to find that exceptional establishment that pleases all your senses and invites you to return again and again, not just as a guest or patron but rather as a good friend. The Pump Cafe in Springfield is one of those very special finds.
The Pump Cafe must surely be labeled a "diner" with its casual atmosphere, distinct exterior structure, and an inviting L shaped counter. Our introduction to it was pure serendipity, a very fortunate happenstance indeed. We'd left Mt. Hood early on the morning on the day after Christmas and headed to Lane County to keep a long-standing appointment. Our business taken care of, we asked one of the staff members for a breakfast recommendation. Without hesitation, he replied: The Pump Cafe.
We weren't disappointed. The menu was extensive without being overwhelming. Our choices arrived hot off the grill, and the plates held generous portions, cooked to perfection. The decor was interesting, too, with many artifacts from the building's gas station era hanging on the walls.
Outside, along the west wall of the building was a small, pleasantly landscaped area for warmer-weather dining. As we walked through the garden space, we grinned as we watched a family posing for photographs under the trellis. You could tell from their expressions that they'd enjoyed a memorable occasion with family and friends at The Pump Cafe, and that they were delighted to be preserving that moment on film.
We simply can't resist watching Simply Ming on PBS. Ming Tsai consistently has something interesting to share in his studio kitchen. For example, a recent show highlighted the following spring roll preparation which we found particularly tasty and showy on the serving plate. We wanted to share it with you, dear readers, as a special holiday feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
No, don't be intimidated by the thought of creating these savory, fried appetizers. They're quick and easy to assemble and are guaranteed to dazzle your family and guests during the holidays ... or any day! Dare we say, you may quickly move into the status of Celebrity Chef at your upcoming soiree, thanks to this extravagent hors d'oeuvre.
Ming - we send you our sincere apologies for embellishing your scrumptous spring rolls with Golden Chanterelles. You must know that we avid mushroomers just can't stop ourselves from including these gifts from the forest floor in all our kitchen creations!
These eye-catching mushrooms were growing
on a stump in Kanazawa, Japan's Kenrokuen Gardens.