It’s all about paiai at luau with top chefs
A pop-up luau Sunday, put on by five Oahu culinary stars, shines a spotlight on paiai, or hand-pounded poi.
Chefs Ed Kenney (town), Andrew Le (Pig and the Lady), Robert McGee (Whole Ox Deli) and Mark Noguchi (He‘eia Kea Pier General Store and Deli) join Mana ‘Ai’s Daniel Anthony and Lee Anne Wong, contributor to the Cooking Channel’s "Unique Eats" show, to present a variety of dishes showcasing paiai.
The event, benefitting Hui Aloha ‘Aina Momona, an organization dedicated to promoting and restoring kalo practices, runs 4 to 7 p.m. at Whole Ox, 327 Keawe St. Advance tickets are $45; visit eatpoi.eventbrite.com. Tickets will be $50 at the door. Call 351-4574.
Joy of Sake offers 300 kinds for sampling
Honolulu’s premier event for sake aficionados, the Joy of Sake, enters its 12th year with more than 300 premium sakes in the tasting lineup.
Each sake featured is an entry in the U.S. National Sake Appraisal, a tasting at Hawai‘i Convention Center conducted by 10 judges from Japan and the U.S.
The sake will be accompanied by appetizers made by more than a dozen Honolulu chefs.
The tasting runs 6:30 to 9 p.m. July 20 at Pier 2 Terminal Hall at Honolulu Harbor, across Restaurant Row. Tickets are $80 advance and $90 at the door. Purchase tickets at www.joyofsake.com, call 222-0195, or at The Sake Shop, Marukai Markets, Fujioka’s Wine Times and The Wine Shop.
Cook-off uses coconut as its key ingredient
Calling all Hawaii amateur chefs who love coconut: The Grand Wailea on Maui is looking for you for a Coconut Cook-off at its first Niu Festival on July 21.
Contestants will prepare an original recipe that includes coconut (or coconut oil, milk, syrup, etc.) as a key ingredient in either entrée or dessert categories. Chefs Alan Wong and Eric Faivre, the Grand Wailea’s executive chef, and KITV news anchor Pamela Young will serve as judges.
The contest is part of the larger fest, which runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the contest starts at 11:30 a.m. Other highlights include coconut-themed food booths, workshops and crafts.
Proceeds from the festival will benefit Hui O Wa‘a Kaulua, a nonprofit voyaging and educational organization. Visit www.niufestival.com or call 808-283-9419.
