Local products now finalists
Madre Chocolate’s Triple Cacao and Kuaiwi Farm’s fruit leathers are finalists in the 2014 Good Food Awards.
The awards recognize foods that have no artificial additives, use local ingredients, taste good and are responsible with regard to growing practices, water use, recycling, animal husbandry and fair compensation.
Producers must go far beyond the status quo in their industries to be noted.
Winners are selected through scores from blind tastings and a questionnaire.
Madre, based in Kailua, won an award in last year’s contest for its Hawaiian Triple Cacao Chocolate Bar, the sole Hawaii product to be recognized.
Kuaiwi Farm in Kona is nominated this year for its papaya, apple banana and rangpur lime fruit leathers.
In January, 100 winners will be announced in San Francisco. This year’s awards drew 1,450 entries from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The awards are presented by the Seedling Project, which promotes the sustainable-food movement by highlighting socially conscious U.S. food entrepreneurs.
Classes offer holiday help
If the season’s holiday party lineup has you exhausted just thinking about all the potlucks in store, Walter Rhee has just the cooking class for you.
Learn to make "Asian Appetizers & Meals for the Holidays in 19 Minutes." Among the dishes are Furikake Noodles with Tsuyu, Walter’s Dry Saimin, Hand Roll Sushi Spread featuring Rhee’s spicy tuna, instant tender kalbi, Vietnamese-style look fun and Boiled Shrimp with Zingy Asian Cocktail Sauce.
The class runs 2:30 to 5 p.m. Nov. 30 at the new Palama Market in Kalihi, 1070 N. King St. Cost is $80.
For reservations call 391-1550 or email walter@waltereatshawaii.com.
Rhee has another class this month at the market, as well as a tour of Chinatown:
» "How to Make Kim Chee and Related Dishes" (2:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, $80): Learn to make kim chee from scratch, plus fried kim chee, kim chee noodles, kim chee stew, kim chee pancake, kim chee stir-fry and kim chee fried rice.
» "Taste of Chinatown Eateries Tour (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 30, $90): What to eat, where to go, how to identify a good eating place, plus historical, cultural and food science background.
Sake, soju and wine join annual fest
The annual Awamori Festival has expanded to include sake, soju and wine, turning it into the "Cultural Fusion" event.
Food by Nico’s will complement the drinks.
The event runs 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at Harbor View Center, 1129 N Nimitz Highway.
Tickets are &80; call 780-3440, email info@senjukaihawaii.com or send a check via snail mail, made out to Senju Kai Hawaii, to P.O. Box 10446, Honolulu 96816
