Hawaii: The Food Event of the Year!





Being in the food industry, I've been to a lot of food events, tastings, and food festivals.  Although I haven't been to the Food and Wine Festival in Aspen or South Beach, but for me, the Food Event of the Year is in Hawaii.  I was fortunate to attend the first two years of the Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival and enjoyed every minute of the 4 day festival!  This year, the 3rd Annual Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival is September 1 - 9, 2013.  If you're a foodie, this is the event to be at...

Here's some of my highlights from the 
2012 Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival


See What Jay Eats...


The First Daytime Event

"The Bounty of He'eia"
Presented by the Kamehameha Schools


We assembled at Paepae o He'eia,
which is an ancient fishpond.

As we look for sustainable food sources,
we can learn from what the ancient Hawaiians
did to survive 700 years ago.


Learning how the fishpond works
and the moi that live in the pond.

For more information, see


We boarded the buses and headed up the mountain
Welcome to Papahana Kuaola!
We explored the grounds, native Hawaiian plants,
and the volunteers who have worked to bring
back the natural beauty and native plant life.

Time for Lunch!
Incredible Lau Lau
with 3 preparations of taro and breadfruit.

I wanted more, but knew there was plenty more food
on today's menu.

Read more about
The Bounty of He'eia, Part II


This was my favorite part of the Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival.
If you have a chance to attend the festival in the future,
THIS IS THE EVENT TO ATTEND! 


The First Signature Event

"Enter The MODERN Dragon:  Morimoto and Friends"
The MODERN Honolulu
Waikiki


Chef Chai Chowasaree
Chef Chai
Honolulu
Big Island Abalone

Very tender and the evening's favorite

Chef Scott Toner
The MODERN Honolulu
Hawaii

Seafood Tower


Chef Joanne Chang
Myers + Chang
Boston

Chef Chang didn't serve her famous
Mama Chang's Dumplings
but did make a great Pavlova dessert.


A Daytime Event

"Mix with the Masters"

An all-star cast of chefs and food producers
shared stories.  They all shared the same
theme; food has a story, community first, love the land,
keep it local, and know where your food comes from.
Words to live by...

To read more


Get Wild and Raw in Hawai'i with Morimoto and Ming Tsai

Chef Ming Tsai and Iron Chef Morimoto demonstrated
raw preparations and the very best ingredients
that Hawai'i has to offer...
Audience Participation Time!
We got to sample both chefs creations.
This is Chef Ming Tsai's dish

including exclusive video too.


Lunch is Served!
"Hawai'i in a Bowl:  From Poi Bowl to Pho"

Chef Colin Hazama
Sheraton Waikiki
Hawaii

Poke Bowl

See more of what was served for lunch


The Saturday Night Signature Event
at the
Hilton Hawaiian Village

Chef Lee Anne Wong
from the Cooking Channel's Unique Eats
New York



Locally sourced paiai demonstrated by Mana Ai
for Chef Wong's dish of crispy paiai.
Chef Susan Feniger
Border Grill and STREET
Los Angeles

 LA is Represented!



Seared "Sen Pei" Spanish Tuna Belly
with Mesclun Leaves

Chef Justin Quek
Singapore

See more food from this event

The Final Signature Event

Cuisines of the Stars:  A Magical Journey of Food and Culture 
Ko Olina Resort

Held on the beach between
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
and JW Marriott Ihliani Resort & Spa


It was a beautiful day and 
great venue
Met the winner of "Cupcake Wars" 
Erieka "Bubba" McGee of
"Bubba Sweets" in Huntington Beach, CA

As part of her win, she presented her cupcakes
and show piece at the Ko'olina Resort event

My complete Cupcake Wars post


Iron Chef French Hiroyuki Sakai
La Rochelle
Tokyo, Japan

It was an honor to sample his food...


Grilled Kulana beef with poached Kona lobster
on a braised oxtail truffle stuffed potato with black truffle emulsion

Chef Raphael Lunetta
JiRaffe
Santa Monica, California
Hawaiian Verrine

Chef Patrick Fahy
Sixteen at
Trump International Hotel and Tower
Chicago



This is only a small part of the food and events at the Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival.  At the end of the day, it's really about the amazing food products from Hawai'i and those who created the wonderful dishes, beverages, and desserts.  It's always about learning new techniques, new products, and sharing of ideas.  

It's truly the food event of the year not to be missed!
Aloha

Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival
September 1 - 9, 2013
Mahalo!
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival
Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Oahu Visitors Bureau
Lindsay Chambers
Denise Hayashi
Nathan Kam
Darlene Morikawa
Rebecca Pang 
Roy Yamaguchi
Alan Wong

Note:  I was a guest of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, 
Oahu Visitors Bureau, and their partners.
I thank them for the invitation and hospitality.
All comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.


Photos by Jay Terauchi
Jay Eats

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