I’ve been wanting to visit O’o Farm on Maui for a while now. Especially after eating Chef James McDonald’s food at the 2010 Kapalua Wine & Food Festival. Outstanding! And though I’m sure his dishes derive their flavor from his culinary skills, I also wanted to check out where their ingredients hail from — O`o Farm in Upcountry.
And what better place to try out these Adidas tennis shoes from the Fairmont Kea Lani’s Fit program. Purple and orange laces — what’s not to love!
Wanted to hop on this swing and investigate the yurts on the eight-acre property. But the smell of food cooking sent me in another direction.
Hard at work preparing our lunch was Chef Caroline Schaub, who recently relocated from the CIA in Northern California to Maui for, and I quote, “My boyfriend and the windsurfing.” Thank you boyfriend and Maui waves. Lunch wouldn’t have been the same without her. Though the tour was still ahead of us, we got a sneak peek at the menu.
As you can see from the ax above, this is a working farm, and there are no exceptions, especially not for guests. It was time for us to go out and gather more elements for our lunch. We were happy to oblige.
Future Farmer of America, Autumn and her mom Emily were ready to dig in.
Of course we got to taste as well. Rick proclaimed this edible flower a dead ringer for garlic fries.
Our guide, Richard Clark, showed us the ropes, along with Ludwig Baker and Denver Henry. This is an example of what their compost accomplishes. Rich, rich soil.
Something else rich was tickling my nose. I’d already tasted these straight from the vine (I don’t recommend this) –
So followed my nose up to where the farm’s coffee beans were being roasted.
Ancil Clancy was all about the beans and told us about their journey to our coffee cups.
Hard to believe these would be transformed into something warm hot and delicious.
Dinner bell! Lunch is served.
The thinnest sliced beets ever.
My plate with the tofu and roasted veggies and freshly baked foccachia. Bless you, Chef Caroline!
This potato dish made the rounds.
And for dessert, too!
Not to be left out — coffee, of course!
And a table circled by new friends. Thanks for bringing that bottle of wine Rick & Steve. Perfect pairing!
Shouldn’t you be seated at this table, too? Next time you’re in Maui pay O`o Farms a visit. They’ll welcome you with open arms and foccacia. For more information visit http://www.oofarm.com/.
