Two fun eateries new to Kauai’s south shore have strong locavore credentials. Here’s the scoop:
The Fresh Shave
We’re certainly fans of traditional shave ice, but those violently neon-hued syrups can be a bit worrisome. Now Daniel and Priscilla Soule have opened The Fresh Shave, a vintage trailer and food truck that dispenses seasonal, locavore shave ice ($6), all in colors that can be found in nature, and with a mustache theme (yes, really).
Fresh pineapple and shredded coconut top the Handle Bar ($6) while pureed strawberries and chunks of apple bananas grace the Fu Manchu. And the cold-brew coffee, mixed with cream and sugar, of course, atop the Dirt Squirrel hails from Lihue’s Ha Coffee Bar. We especially liked the Caterpillar, an orange creamsicle blend of fresh oranges and sweet cream. Even the straws have mustaches.
Details: Usually open Tuesdays-Saturdays at 3540 Koloa Road, Lawai, with pop-ups at the Sheraton Kauai in Poipu and other locations. Check facebook.com/thefreshshave.
Street Burger
Aaron and Kristin Leikam’s Street Burger serves up spectacular burgers in a rustic-meets-industrial spot in Kapaa, 6 miles from the Lihue airport. It should be a must-stop when you land, depart and, perhaps, a few times in between.
The decor is all distressed wood and Edison lights, and the menu includes salads, burgers and other items, accompanied by 23 craft beers and ciders on tap. You’ll be hard-pressed to choose among the 17 riffs on the burger theme, made from Makaweli Meat Co.’s grass-fed beef, Niihau lamb or veggie patties. We suggest the Bacon & BBQ burger ($15), with bacon, cheddar, “fizzled onions” and bourbon barbecue sauce, served with hand-cut fries.
Details: Open Tuesdays-Saturdays at 4-369 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa; streetburgerkauai.com.
