Honolulu’s Banan soft-serve business has made the inaugural listing of Top 10 vegan sundaes in the nation, compiled by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
PETA was especially taken by Banan’s papaya boats — half a papaya filled with its banana-based, nondairy, soft-serve frozen treat, with additional fruit.
“Banan’s dairy-free soft serve is packed with fresh fruit, making it one of the most refreshing summer treats around,” PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said in a statement.
“All the vegan ice cream sundaes on PETA’s list prove that you can indulge your sweet tooth while also being sweet to animals.”
Banan’s owners also transport banana peels and fruit trimmings to farms for pig feed or for composting, making Banan farm-to-table as well as table-to-farm.
Banan does offer bee pollen and honey among its optional toppings, but PETA eschews all animal products.
For the full PETA-approved list, click here.
— Erika Engle, Star-Advertiser
Philanthropy Friday
Treat yourself to breakfast Friday for the benefit of the American Red Cross of Hawaii.
Finance Factors will host its 22nd annual Charity Breakfast from 6:30 to 9 a.m. Friday at the institution’s downtown location, 1164 Bishop St.
A mere $6 buys eggs, rice and Portuguese sausage from Kukui Sausage Co. At 5 a.m. volunteers and employees will begin preparing some 1,200 breakfasts for sale.
Presale tickets are sold out, but tickets can be purchased at the site starting at 6:30 a.m.
— Star-Advertiser staff
Brazilian chef to join KCC students
Le‘ahi Concept Kitchen, Kapiolani Community College’s restaurant at the Waikiki Parc Hotel, welcomes Michelin chef Alex Atala of D.O.M. restaurant in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for two pop-up dinners on July 26 and 27.
Atala is the first participant in KCC’s Master Chef series, which invites tops chefs from around the globe to teach students and share their cuisine with restaurant patrons. The chef will be in the Le‘ahi kitchen next week with students to prep for the five-course dinners, which feature both special ingredients from Brazil and the finest of local ingredients.
Atala is noted for showcasing the ingredients and flavors of Brazil in his cuisine. This year D.O.M. was awarded two stars by the Michelin Guide, and another of Atala’s restaurants, Dalva e Dito, received one star. His latest restaurant, Bio, opened in May.
Seatings begin at 6:30 p.m. and are limited to 50 people per night. Price is $250 and includes wine pairings by master sommelier Patrick Okubo. Call for reservations from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays at 734-9499. The hotel is at 2233 Helumoa Road.
— Joleen Oshiro, Star-Advertiser
