In DK Restaurants we are trying to work with locally grown products more and more. On the food side, not only do these products have more vibrant flavors, but they are more nutritious as well.

Another benefit is that the money spent on local products stays here in Hawaii. Superstar farmer Dean Okimoto's father, for example, started Nalo Farms in 1953 and was able to raise a family through his farm business. We think this is a great thing to support, especially in these economic times.

On the beverage side there are two locally produced products which also deserve recognition.

The first is from Maui's Winery high up in Ulupalakua. For several years now we have enjoyed their pretty, light and tasty “;Rose Ranch”; sparkling rose, produced mainly from the Carnelian grape grown on their Upcountry estate.

With their current release, the base wine is mainly produced now from pinot noir. It really is a wonderful aperitif to sip and the perfect selection for parties and get-togethers. We are continually amazed at how this winery is able to persevere through all of the challenges it runs up against, from lack of climatic dormancy to tropical pests and diseases, which are unheard of in California. We really applaud the hard work, passion and dedication of General Manager Paul Hegele for keeping this project going.

The second project is a single-estate coffee from the Big Island named Harens Old Tree Estate. Produced from 80- to 100-year-old trees grown on steep, volcanic Honaunau hillsides starting at 1,400 feet elevation, owner Duane Harens does all of his own milling, roasting, packaging and even labeling by hand. It is truly a labor of love, but at the same time this is a sensational, world-class cup of coffee that's unique to Hawaii and is really worth checking out.

How many of the world's great coffees are grown in the United States? Well, this fabulous coffee will show you the great potential the Big Island has. The next question should be, How can we then support it?

The really cool thing is there are other quality-oriented, locally grown products worth supporting besides those from Nalo Farms, Maui's Winery and Harens Old Tree Estate. Wouldn't it be great if we all could take a moment in 2010 and see how we can support projects like these by buying local?

”;By the Glass”; appears every second Friday in HiLife. To contact Chuck Furuya, visit www.dkrestaurants.com.