The first produce from the White House kitchen garden has moved from farm to fork.

Garden thyme was to garnish the fish special the next day in the Navy Mess, the West Wing cafeteria for administration staff. The three lettuces were used in salads May 1. And the rhubarb? The White House is donating it to the charity Miriam's Kitchen, which will use it to make strawberry-rhubarb sauce for the mini cheesecakes it is serving at its annual gala, 100 Bowls of Compassion, tomorrow.

— Washington Post

SAVE THE DATES

FOODIES WILL BE BIG ISLAND BOUND

Two Big Island food festivals have announced their dates: the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Nov. 6-15, and A Taste of the Hawaiian Range, Sept. 18.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival's food-related events include the KTA Super Stores Kona Coffee Recipe Contest, tastings and cuppings of local coffees and farm tours, all sandwiched between other activities, such as a pageant, art stroll, two parades and more. Information: 808-326-7820; www.konacoffeefest.com.

A Taste of the Hawaiian Range combines an Agricultural Festival trade show (for chefs, retail buyers and media only) and an evening of grazing in the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort's grand ballroom spilling out onto the lanai outside, with a chance to meet and talk to chefs and growers who bring lavish displays. Information: www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/taste (information being updated).

— Wanda A. Adams

TASTY TIDBITS ONLINE

Visit our Taste and Dining Out mini-site on www.honoluluadvertiser.com for Wanda Adams’ blog, a searchable recipe database, videos and picture galleries and an archive of Simplicio Paragas’ “The Inside Scoop” and other dining-out features:
www.honoluluadvertiser.com/taste
www.honoluluadvertiser.com/diningout.