Kahuna of the Kitchen

"Outstanding in the Field" of Hawai'i

2012-01-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

Being in the food industry, I've always been interested where our food comes from. When I try a new variety of a farmed product, it's amazing how climate, soil, cross-pollination, water, etc. plays an important part in growing something incredible. Farmers are really artisans, especially when collaborating with chefs and developing these special ingredients.

Outstanding in the Field, the California-based "restaurant without walls" is making its first-ever farm dinner visit to Hawaii. 'Outstanding in the Field' founding chef Jim Denevan did his first farm dinner in his hometown of Santa Cruz, California in 1999. By 2011, they have staged 87 dinners throughout North America and for the first time, in Europe. This month, they're kicking off the season in the Hawaiian Islands.

Chef Denevan and crew have created outdoor dining events in country farms and urban gardens, on mountain tops and sea caves, on islands and ranches. Wherever the location, the mission is the same: To re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food and introduce them to the local farmers.

Before dinner is served, diners are given a tour of the farm and then seated at a long communal table. You might be seated next to one of the local farmers, ranchers, or a food artisan. All of the ingredients for the meal are almost all local, often sourced within steps from the table, and prepared by a celebrated chef of the region.

Sonoma County, California*

Four chefs will be creating Four dinners at Four farms on Four islands. The Four guest chefs are involved utilizing local farm to table ingredients. Here's the Four Hawaii events and chefs:

January 14: Kauai at Kilohana Plantation in Lihue with Chef Aaron Leikem of 22 North

January 17: Maui at Kupa'a Coffee Farm in Kula with Chef Justin Pardo of Market Fresh Bistro

January 21: Oahu at Ma'o Organic Farms in Wai'anae with Chef Ed Kenney of Town

January 25: Hawaii at Kekala Farms in Waimea with Chef Edwin Goto of Village Burger

Pemberton, British Columbia

The Maui 'Outstanding in the Field' dinner will be the first one on a coffee plantation, the award-winning Kupa'a Coffee Farm in Kula, and hosted by Maui farmers Gerry Ross and Janet Simpson. "We're growing a whole lot of food, just for this event," says Kupa'a owner Gerry Ross. "Everything will be served family style. It's a unique opportunity for people to take a tour and see our land."

The Hawaii events start at 3 pm with a glass of wine and welcome hors d'oeuvres, followed by a tour of the host farm and a family-style, four-course meal paired with wines. Ticket prices of $190 per person includes the farm tour, multi-course meal with wine and all gratuities.

To learn more and reserve a seat at these Hawaii dinners, please visit: www.outstandinginthefield.com

Dinner is Served!

Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime event...

Jay Terauchi

Kahuna of the Kitchen

*Photo by Jeremy Fenske

Another Sweet Wednesday!

2011-12-14T12:18:00.000-08:00

This Time The Flavor is...

Candy Cane!

Nina has done it again...

Candy Cane Cotton Candy

Great candy cane flavor...

See the other Tasty Cloud flavors

Tasty Clouds

Nothing tastier than Candy Cane

during this time of year...

Love the Mini Tasty Tubs,

but they come in larger tubs too...

The Exclusive Holiday Flavors

Cinnamon Apple

Candy Cane

Apple Pie

Checkout the

Tasty Clouds Store

Order Today

(310) 990-2435

Tasty Clouds Candy Company

12325 Santa Monica Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90025

www.tastyclouds.com

Happy Holidays!

Checkout

The First Sweet Wednesday

Photos by Jay Terauchi

Delicious Dumpling Tour

2011-11-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

All I heard was dumplings

and I was in...

Met up with Six Taste Food Tours for their "Delicious Dumpling" tour in Arcadia, just East of Pasadena. This tour was to experience Taiwanese cuisine, culture, and a chance to meet other foodies. Our group was 8 people and with large appetites, we headed out to sample the best and most popular dishes in this Taiwanese neighborhood.

Our first stop, the world famous Din Tai Fung.

Our guide Michael Lin

giving us Din Tai Fung information

before attacking the dumplings.

Appetizer Course

Blanched cucumbers

in a sesame chili oil

Michael pointed out that in Chinese cooking,

vegetables are not served raw,

they're either stir-fried, steamed, or blanched.

Shanghai Rice Cake

Michael gave us a quick lesson on tea etiquette

and the correct way to flag down a server in a busy restaurant.

Pork Chop Fried Rice

This is one of my favorite Din Tai Fung

dishes, the pork chop isn't greasy

and well cooked.

Xiao Long Bao

Juicy Pork Dumplings

(soup dumplings)

The Specialty of the House!

Michael taught us how to properly eat

xiao long bao

without getting burned...

Shrimp & Pork Shao Mai

We also enjoyed

Juicy Pork and Crab Dumplings

Sweet Taro Dumplings

A nice way to end our dumpling stop

The Next Stop...

Explaining Taiwanese night market street food

and what to expect on the menu

Chicken Nuggets

Very similar to Japanese style karate chicken,

marinated chicken dusted in starch and deep fried.

The Sinbala Sausage,

this one served with mango

They have one type of sausage

with 20 different condiments combinations.

Spicy Wonton (Dry)

with Szechuan peppercorns,

chili, garlic, peanuts, and green onions

Spicy Wonton (Dry)

One of my favorite introductions of the day,

loved the wonton with a bit of heat.

Cold Celery

Blanched with carrots

Goes great with the spicy dishes and different sausages

Michael explaining

the different regions of China

What I didn't expect to learn on the tour

was the cultural tie-in

and Taiwanese history.

It all makes sense now...

You'll just have to take the tour to find out

The Next Stop...

#17 Grapefruit Juice Green Tea

with Aloe Vera

Thick Toast

Peanut Butter Condensed Milk Toast

and

A Crowd Pleaser

The Next Stop...

Michael explaining the different baked goods

and what to look for in a good Taiwanese breads

I could tell you, but you have to take the tour...

Last Stop...

Dessert!

Shave ice with mango, clear jellies, and

topped off with mango ice cream.

This was a great way to end a food-filled tour

and meeting some really nice people.

All tours include at least 5 food stops

and we had more than enough food.

Besides the food stops that we made, Michael

stopped at other restaurants and pointed

out their specialities.

As someone in the food industry and in the

neighborhood, it was very much appreciated.

This is only 1/20th of the information presented,

you'll have to take the tour for more...

Michael being interviewed for

The Backyard Bite

Michael has a lot of great food information,

follow his Stories of Food and Travel

S.O.F.A.T

I've been on food tours in other cities and they don't compare

with Six Taste. Not only do you learn about the specialties,

but also culture and how it relates to the big picture.

This tour is Highly Recommended!

Six Taste Food Tour

Gift Certificates

make great holiday gifts!

Other food tours include:

Downtown Los Angeles

Little Tokyo

Santa Monica

Hollywood

Thai Town

New Chinatown

For tour information or to book a tour:

888-313-0936

www.sixtaste.com

Thank You!

Marian the Foodie

Photos by Jay Terauchi

Gourmet Menu in the Sky?

2011-11-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

YES,

if you're flying ANA to Japan!

All Nippon Airways

Introduces

"Inspiration of Japan"

Announcing new products and services.

at the

JW Marriott at LA Live

ANA's Business Class

A section of the Business Class was mocked up

with the latest cabin products and services.

Service will be introduced on January 21, 2012

on the Los Angeles to Narita (Tokyo) route,

aboard the

Boeing 777-300ER

In addition to greatly enhanced seating, entertainment, and comfort;

a new menu created by Chefs Yuji Wakiya and Masayasu Yonemura.

Some of the many selections to choose from on

ANA's Business Class menu.

Entrees can be selected on an

Ala Carte basis

Who else does this at 39,000 feet?

Lunch is Served!

Not your typical airplane meal.

But when you fly to Japan on ANA,

the meal is inspired by modern Japanese cuisine...

Congratulations to the Chefs

on a wonderful gourmet menu

in the sky!

Grilled Scallops

excellently garnished

Hard to believe this is served at 39,000 feet

Dessert Parfaits

With all of this great food,

now it's time to relax.

Business Class

Full flat seats, allowing passengers to rest in

complete bed-style seating,

especially after a great meal.

My view from a Business Class seat

17 inch widescreen LCD touch panel, the largest in its class.

Flyers can enjoy their own video, photos and music by connecting

their iPod* into the entertainment system and viewing their own

data on the 17" screen.

Access to the aisle from every seat

I can't wait for my next trip to Japan!

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Displaying the latest addition to their fleet,

the Boeing 787 Dreamliner

They're the 1st ones to Fly the 787 Dreamliner

You can view the new cabin seats yourself at

Mitsuwa Marketplace in Torrance

Saturday and Sunday

November 19 and 20, 2011

9 am to 8 pm

Mitsuwa Marketplace

21515 S. Western Avenue

Torrance, CA 90501

Arigato!

ANA Airways

Neal Schaffer

Jay Terauchi

Kahuna of the Kitchen

* - iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc.

Honolulu Food Truck: Ono To Go

2011-11-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

Voted 2011 Best New Food Truck

by Nonstop Honolulu

Ono To Go*

On Sheridan Street

near S. King Street

in Honolulu

This is not your typical plate lunch truck

AND they have my favorite Kiawe grilled meats...

You can taste the quality of their food too

as they use a quality white rice,

Kokuho Rose

and

Gen Ji Mai for brown rice.

Pulehu Salt Rub Short Ribs Bowl

cooked on a Kiawe grill

with their famous macaroni salad

This was my favorite,

the meat was well seasoned and

very tasty.

Will have to try the "Sampler"

with all four Kiawe grilled items next time

Besides the Kiawe grilled items, look for these Ono to Go Specialties:

Poke Bowl Combo*

with Kalua Pork

They make poke to order,

so be patient.

Oven Roasted Turkey

"Tuesday's Special"

They run out, so get there early...

Other specialties to look for:

Grilled Pork Medallions

Teri Steak

Teri Citrus Furikake Salmon

Ono To Go

920 Sheridan Street

(Next to Hinone Mizunone Japanese Restaurant)

Honolulu, HI 96814

Monday to Friday: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

www.onotogo.com

(808) 673-3933

Congratulations!

2011 Best New Food Truck

by Nonstop Honolulu

They also made my Gogobot

"Guide to the Best Restaurants in

Oahu and Maui"

Photos by Jay Terauchi

*Photos by Melissa Chang (@Melissa808)

Taco Friday!

2011-10-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

A Breakfast Taco Friday!

In the Spring, I made tacos for the staff at a restaurant I was consulting. They liked them so much, they asked me to make tacos for them the following Friday too. Either that or they thought they could talk me into cooking for them...

Thinking about those days, I made some for breakfast this morning. With some leftover chorizo, lettuce, and Jack cheese, that memory turned into breakfast. Trying to imagine what they would have been if I had leftover fried chicken???

Friday's Breakfast Tacos

Watch my answer to

Traci Toguchi's

"Question of the Day"

Happy Friday!

Carne Asada Tacos

Photo by Jay Terauchi

Maui Restaurant: Japengo

2011-10-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Japengo

Hyatt Regency Maui

I love going to resorts and spending lazy days lounging around. When the sun goes down, it's time for some good food and Maui is one of those places.

Japengo isn't the typical hotel restaurant that serves seafood because that's what guests want on an island. They use Hawaii's locally grown products to showcase the many modern Asian-inspired dishes with a Hawaiian flair. Be prepared for a unique Pacific Rim dining experience.

Entrance to Japengo

As you enter Japengo, you're taken to a place that

seems like a far away modern Japanese village.

But the stunning sunsets and warm Hawaiian

hospitality reminds you that you're on Maui.

First Stop is the Moon Bar

Superfruit Nigori

absolut berri acai, momokawa pearl nigori sake, fresh lime, cranberry

A must have cocktail

For Starters

A Sashimi Platter

Selected by Sushi Chef Jay Ledee

tuna, salmon, snapper, sea urchin, yellowtail, and giant clam

The seafood served here is top notch

The Sushi Lounge

It's like a restaurant inside a restaurant

and time for sushi...

The two must ordered sushi rolls:

Big Roll

shrimp tempura, salmon, tuna, avocado, tobbiko, tobanjan

Tootsie Roll

soft shell crab, snow crab, cucumber, shiitake mushroom,

avocado, lobster-teriyaki

leave it to Chef Jay Ledee to create a special roll

spicy tuna topped with white fish and shiso

Oceanfront Dining

A great view overlooking the islands of Molokai and Lanai

Entrees not to miss...

Singaporean Chili Crab

alaskan king crab, spicy singaporean chili

A must try

China Town Chow Fun

spicy ground pork, day boat scallops, crab,

new caledonia prawns, oyster sauce, mushroom shoyu

Today's Catch of the Day

"Opah"

Certified Angus Filet of Beef and

New Caledonia Prawns

plum wine finer demi-glace

kim chi and edamame potato

Another must try

Another beautiful Maui sunset

at Japengo

What's a great dinner without dessert?

Molokai Sweet Potato Cheesecake

azuki beans with a shortbread cookie

A nice local spin on a classic dessert

With Shelley Kekuna and Sushi Chef Jay Ledee

Mahalo to Chef Matt Smith and Chef Gavin Utrillo

Not only is Japengo is great dining experience, but you get the signature Maui sunset too. What a way to enjoy a great dinner...

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

200 Nohea Kai Drive

Lahaina, HI 96761-1985

808/661-1234

Maui No Ka Oi

Jay Terauchi

Maui Restaurant: Star Noodle

2011-10-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

A Star in Maui?

Yes!

Lahaina is a special place for me, that's where my family is from. For me, going to Maui is like going home. I had heard about Star Noodle from my Hawaii foodie friends and when @DaniaEdibleHI suggested that we go during my visit, I knew it was a good choice.

The restaurant is located in an industrial area, so I knew it would be good food. Think about it, it's not about a Front Street location, it's in an out of the way place and people are talking about it.

When I think of 'home', I think of good food. I usually don't visit the same restaurant again in the same week. But the 3 days I spent on Maui, I visited Star Noodle 3 times. Hmm...

Asian Pear Lemonade

I love it when restaurants create

specialty drinks and combinations

that not only sound appealing but

great tasting too

Salad Trio

Spicy Namasu - Cucumber, Daikon, Carrot

Star Kim Chee - Won Bok Cabbage, Ginger, Garlic

Pohole Salad - Hana Fiddle Head Fern, Maui Onion, Shrimp, Konbu

A great starter and chance to

sample different salads

The kitchen sent out a compressed

watermelon and tuna starter for us

It was a refreshing start

Local Green Salad

Waipoi Mixed Greens, Shiso Ranch Dressing

Miso Salmon

Charbroiled with a Su-Miso Sauce

and cooked just right

October is National Seafood Month,

so celebrated at Star

Hapa Ramen

Pork broth, roast pork, poached egg, bamboo shoots,

fish cake, baby bok choy, mayu, spicy aka miso

Brussels Sprouts

Pan roasted, Bacon, Kim Chee Puree

I believe that it's now a weekly special,

so ask it they have it

I'm not really a Brussels Sprout fan, but

the leaves are crispy with a great flavor,

a MUST try!

Garlic Noodles

Fresh & Fried Garlic, Garlic Oil, Dashi, Scallions

One of their specialities and MUST order

Singapore Noodles

Vermicelli, chicken, shrimp, vegetables

Malasadas

Served with butterscotch caramel sauce, peanuts, and chocolate sauce

The second time I was here, overheard a couple tell the server

that they were here for the special dessert.

They ordered the malasadas and were very happy with it.

You could tell by all of the sugar on their faces...

Star Made Ice Creams

Ginger, Pineapple Li Hing Mui, and Green Apple

Great Flavors!

With @lifeinparadise and Chef Sheldon Simeon

in the Star Noodle kitchen

Chef Sheldon gave us a tour of the kitchen

and all of the prep for their other restaurants,

including Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop.

Star Noodle

286 Kupuohi

Lahaina, HI 96761

(808) 667-5400

I really enjoyed everything that I had at Star Noodle. The restaurant has a good vibe, the staff is well trained and friendly, the food is creative, and the menu makes sense.

If more restaurants were like this, I wouldn't have any clients. Maybe, I'll just keep Star Noodle as my secret place that I'll enjoy when on my trips to Maui.

If you visit Star Noodle, please tell Chef Sheldon

that I said Hello!

Photos by Jay Terauchi

Hawaii Food Adventure: Day 9

2011-10-07T20:14:00.001-07:00

Hawaii Food Adventure

2011

Day 9

Today is my last full day in Hawaii and I still have a lot to do. Started out the day in Wailuku and stopped off for some chow fun, since today (Thursday) is National Noodle Day.

Ichiban Okazuya

in Wailuku

Open Monday to Friday Only

Thanks to @grapevinehawaii for the suggestion

Today is Noodle Day

I ordered a medium chicken chow fun

Too many good choices here...

It has that homemade taste

that reminded me of growing up and

the flavor from Hawaii.

Ichiban Okazuya

2133 Kaohu Street

Wailuku, HI 96793

(808) 244-7276

Had one quick meeting and then I was done for the day. So, I treated myself to a Tasaka Guri Guri at the Maui Mall.

Pineapple Guri Guri

So good they named it twice...

Two scoops for the road

Heading back to Lahaina and to Star Noodle to celebrate National Noodle Day... Lunch Time!

CranZu

Cranberry Juice and Yuzu

Local Green Salad

Waipoli Mixed Greens, Shiso Ranch Dressing

Miso Salmon

Charbroiled with a Su-Miso Sauce

and cooked just right.

Looked so good the other night, that I had to try it.

Delicious!

After lunch I headed to a favorite place on Maui...

Kapalua transformed itself from

a pineapple plantation to a resort

It continues to transform itself,

new buildings since my last visit...

I love driving through here and

have enjoyed watching a couple

of golf tournaments here too

Office Road

(Just up the street from the Ritz Carlton)

Home to the Honolua Store

A place to get a quick lunch, snacks for the beach,

a T-shirt for afterwards, and gifts.

I was meeting Aimee (@lifeinparadise) for dinner and to discuss some biz. Since it was National Noodle Day, she suggested on Star Noodle. No complaints from me, since I haven't tried all of their noodle dishes yet and didn't have any at lunch (only breakfast).

Star Noodle

is located in an industrial area,

just so you know you're heading in the right direction.

I really like Star Noodle, the restaurant has a good vibe, the staff is well trained and friendly, the food is creative, and the menu makes sense. I usually don't go back to the same restaurant in the same week, let alone for both lunch and dinner on the same day. This should tell you something...

The kitchen sent out a compressed

watermelon and tuna starter for us

It was a nice way to start off noodle night...

Hapa Ramen

Pork broth, roast pork, poached egg, bamboo shoots,

fish cake, baby bok choy, mayu, spicy aka miso

Singapore Noodles

Vermicelli, chicken, shrimp, vegetables

Happy National Noodle Day!

Just as we were leaving the dining room, I saw my friend Matt from Seattle with his family, met up with them in Kaanapali the day before. He took my Star Noodle recommendation and got the family there to try, told them that I've been there three times in three days. I was able to introduce them to Chef Sheldon Simeon and glad that they got to have the malasadas...

Speaking of Chef Sheldon, he gave us a behind the scenes tour and insight to their new restaurant, opening very soon. I'll have more information in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

@lifeinparadise, Chef Sheldon Simeon, @Chef_Jay

in the Star Noodle kitchen.

Thanks to @DaniaEdibleHI

for the introduction to Star Noodle

and

@lifeinparadise

for suggesting we go on National Noodle Day!

Star Noodle

286 Kupuohi

Lahaina, HI 96761

(808) 667-5400

If you visit Star Noodle, please tell Chef Sheldon that

Chef Jay says hello...

Maui No Ka Oui

It's now time to pack for home...

Photos by Jay Terauchi

Hawaii Food Adventure: Day 8

2011-10-06T02:13:00.001-07:00

Hawaii Food Adventure

2011

Day 8

It was a nice sunny day in Maui today. I met up with @grapevinehawaii (Bonnie Friedman) for lunch at Da Kitchen in Kahului. It's one of my favorite stops after leaving the Kahului airport.

Kalua Pork Sandwich

served with a green salad with papaya dressing

Bonnie is a wealth of food knowledge and I enjoyed our FOOD conversation. Checkout her Maui food tours at "Tour Da Food" and something I'm doing on my next visit to Maui.

Thanks Bonnie!

Da Kitchen Cafe

425 Koloa Street

Haleakala Highway

Kahului, HI 96732

One of my childhood memories is having guri guri, it's a Maui thing...

While I was in line at Tasaka,

I was alerted on my iPhone

that Steve Jobs had passed away.

2 Scoops of Strawberry

$1.20

Cheers to steven p. jobs...

Tasaka Guri Guri

Maui Mall

70 E Kamehameha Ave

Kahului, HI 96732

After lunch and taking care of some business, I headed to Kaanapali to meet up with my Seattle friend Matt. Haven't seen Matt in years and got to meet his family. Funny how we both traveled 2,500 miles from home to meet up.

Met up with @MauiShelley (Shelley Kekuna) from the Kaanapali Beach Resort Association at Japengo at the Hyatt Regency Maui for dinner.

Sushi Chef Jay Ledee

created a beautiful sashimi assortment

Tuna, salmon, red snapper, sea urchin, giant claim, yellowtail

with fresh wasabi

It was a great selection of fish,

this is why you always ask the chef.

As I've said before, I'm from LA and we get

great fish, but nothing like Hawaii...

Chef Jay created a Special Roll for us

Spicy tuna topped with a white fish and shiso leaves

It was a good combination

Enjoying a Great Maui Sunset

at the Hyatt Regency Maui

Opah

"The Catch of the Day"

Shelley's Recommendation

"Chow Fun"

1/2 Order

It was right on...scallops and shrimp

it was really good!

Molokai Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Served with azuki beans and a shortbread cookie

My mom would love this dessert...

Shelley, I enjoyed our food, Maui, California, and Kaanapali conversation.

Hope to meet up again

@Chef_Jay, @MauiShelley, Chef Jay

WAIT!

Two Chef Jays in the Same Room?

That's why a picture was taken...

Chef Jay Ledee did a wonderful job

and the staff provided great service too...

Japengo is a place that I will return to on Maui

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa on Kaanapali Beach

200 Nohea Kai Drive

Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761

(808) 661-1234

AND the Hyatt Regency Maui

has penguins at the resort,

I'll be back.

I love penguins and so do my nieces!

Mahalo

Hyatt Regency Maui

Michael Jokovich

Cindy Dugan

Chef Jay Ledee

and

Shelley Kekuna

Photos by Jay Terauchi

Hawaii Food Adventure: Day 7

2011-10-05T03:18:00.001-07:00

Hawaii Food Adventure

2011

Day 7

With the Inaugural Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival now over, it was time to head over to Maui. But before I left Oahu, I told Wedge Lee that I'd stop by to have lunch.

Ono To Go

South King Street and Sheridan

Met up with some Twitter folks there too...

Pulehu Salt Rub Short Rib Bowl

$7.00

The meat was flavorful and cooked just right,

I opted for the mac salad and white rice

I'll be back for this again!

I did try some of the other meats,

well seasoned and great flavor too.

Thanks Wedge!

Ono To Go

920 Sheridan Street

(Sheridan Street and King Street)
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 673-3933

Tell Wedge that Chef Jay says Hi...

But today's plan was to head to Valley Isle, Maui... Wheels up!

Maui Bound

Once I arrived, was met by @DaniaEdibleHI and headed over to Star Noodle in Lahaina. I've read lots of good things about Star Noodle and have wanted to go for sometime now. Met up with some of Maui's elite food people, like @lifeinparadise, and ordered the 'must haves' on the menu.

A Salad Trio

Spicy Namasu - Cucumber, Daikon, Carrot

Star Kim Chee - Won Bok Cabbage, Ginger, Garlic

Pohole Salad - Hana Fiddle Head Fern, Maui, Onion, Shrimp, Konbu

Very Good...

Garlic Noodles

Fresh & Fried Garlic, Garlic Oil, Dashi, Scallions

One of their specialties, right Dania?

AND Very Good...

Malasadas

Served with butterscotch caramel sauce, peanuts, and chocolate sauce

I've heard so much about the malasadas,

I just had to try.

Loved it with the dipping sauces

Star Made Ice Creams

Ginger, Pineapple Li Hing Mui, and Green Apple

All Very Good!

And a Great Noodle Place too...

Mahalo Chef Shelton Simeon!

Really nice to meet you Chef...

Star Noodle

286 Kupuohi

Lahaina, HI 96761

(808) 667-5400

Restaurant 1 was now completed and on to David Paul's Island Grill.

Thanks Chef David Paul!

Pommes Frites with Truffle Salt
Fried in Duck Fat...Yum!

Big Eye Tuna Carpaccio

Thin sliced Big Eye tuna fillet, wasabi aioli, capers, shaved Parmesan,

cilantro, and sea salt

Pan Seared Island Snapper

1/2 Order

Line-caught island snapper pan seared and roasted in olive oil,

served with Maui onion-scented soft polenta,

Maui onion jus, and pickled Maui onions.

1st place winner at the 2009 Maui Onion Festival

With Chef David Paul

(From Left) @MauiFreshChef, @chocolatehawaii, @Chef_Jay,

@DavidPaulIG, @DaniaEdibleHI, @frankiemaui, @lifeinparadise

David Paul's Island Grill

900 Front Street, Suite A101

Lahaina, HI 96761

(808) 662-3000

Mahalo Chef David Paul!

Glad that I was finally able to meet you...

Restaurant 2 is now in the books and heading to Chef James McDonald's Pacific O.

Won Ton

Prawn and basil wontons served with a spicy sweet and

sour sauce and Hawaiian salsa.

Award winning dish, Taste of Lahaina

Yuzu Divers

Crispy coconut rice roll with seared Diver scallop, arugula pesto,

and zesty yuzu lime sauce

Best of Show, Taste of Lahaina, 2001

Molokai Shrimp Pasta

Great combo, shrimp seasoned just right

and went well with the pasta

Special Fish Dish

A Tropical Delight...

Salad looked Great too

Flourless Chocolate Cake

with Star Fruit and Pineapple

Sharing an Unbelievable Evening!

Pacific 'O

505 Front Street

Lahaina, HI 96761

(808) 667-4341

Sorry We Missed You

Chef James McDonald!

Mahalo for a Great Evening!

Closing the books on Day 1 in Maui...It's been an evening with what we all enjoy, good food and conversation, both high-tech and in person. Mahalo for a great evening!

Photos by Jay Terauchi

Hawaii Food Adventure: Day 6

2011-10-03T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hawaii Food Adventure

2011

Day 6

Met up with friends Jason and Robbyn for lunch at The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong at Ala Moana Center. Haven't been here in years, maybe back in the Liberty House days. Yes, that long ago. I just did the math and my last visit was in 2003, so I believe that it might have been a Mach's by then. Regardless, it was a long time ago.

Executive Chef Lance Kosaka

sent out a starter

Very good, loved the pesto

Salmon Ochazuke

Salmon on top of white rice with

tea or dash poured around it

Kalua Pork BLT Sandwich

I love BLT's and really enjoyed this one

and needed the salad...have you seen what

I've been eating?

Catch of the Day!

The Desserts here are Unbelievable!

Chocolate...

Pineapple Sorbet

Duh, it's the Pineapple Room

It was a very nice lunch and catching up with my two friends

was Priceless...

Mahalo to Executive Chef

Lance Kosaka!

The Pineapple Room

by Alan Wong

1450 Ala Moana Blvd. Ste 1300
3rd floor of Macy's
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 945-6573

After lunch, had a couple of things to pick up at the mall, so I headed to Shirokiya and took a look at the food.

Shirokiya

2nd Floor

Macy's side

My Favorite Snack

Fried Shrimp Musubi

(in rice and seaweed)

Not a bad price

Bentos too

Kinda expensive for what it is...

Ramen Bar

They rotate in different ramen shops from Japan

It was time to head over to Doraku Sushi in the Royal Shopping Center in Waikiki for dinner.

Chef Hide Yoshimoto

had reserved a spot for me

1st Course Appetizer

Ahi Carpaccio

served over a bed of sweet onions & seaweed

with radish sprouts and toasted garlic.

Very Good!

By this time, my friend Jason joined me for dinner.

Of course, he knows Chef Hide...

Seared Scallops

with plum paste and shiso leaves

over lemons

If you love scallops, you'll love this dish...

The Sashimi Course

Although I live in Los Angeles

and we get good fish,

we don't get fish this good...

Mushrooms Tempura

wrapped with fish

and served with a special sauce

Very creative and delicious!

A Chef Hide Special

All I'll say at this point,

it was good and to possibly look for it in the future.

With Chef Hide Yoshimoto

Mahalo Chef Hide!

It was a pleasure and an honor

If you're in Waikiki, head to Doraku Sushi

for good Japanese food and sushi

and let Chef Hide (He-Day)

know that I said Hi...

Doraku Sushi

2233 Kalakaua Ave.
3rd Floor Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-3323

Tomorrow, it's off to Maui!

Photos by Jay Terauchi

Hawaii Food Adventure: Day 5

2011-10-03T09:55:00.001-07:00

Hawaii Food Adventure

2011

Day 5

After a wonderful evening at the Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival, not sure if I can top Day 4, but we'll see... Still on Pacific Daylight Time, I got up early and was hungry.

Breakfast of Champions!

Poke from Alicia's Market

A favorite place of mine for poke...

After breakfast, I wanted to go somewhere before meeting up with my auntie and uncle for lunch. So I headed to Ko Olina to see Aulani, the new Disney resort, since I'm still a shareholder...

It was early Sunday morning, so didn't take too long to get out to Ko Olina, just had to remember to stay within the speed limit.

Aulani

A Disney Resort & Spa

The parking shouldn't have surprised me...

Self Parking: $10 for the 1st hour

and $5 for every hour after that.

If you spend $35 or more, then

your parking is FREE

Behind the lobby of the resort

The character breakfast is behind the waterfall

The interior reminded me of the

Grand Californian Hotel

at Disneyland

Nice grounds tho...

Cabanas pool-side

White building on the left is the

JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko Olina

I think I prefer that resort over this one

Aulani Lagoon

is on

one of the best beaches on the island

Makai Center

Beautiful Stingrays

Aloha Mickey!

Still don't think Mickey remembers me

from working at the Disney studios...

Hawaiian Host end cap

in the Gift Shop

Not sure why Disney doesn't sell the Lilo and Stitch Hawaiian Host box

or the Hawaii Mickey and Minnie Hawaiian Host box

that I worked on?

Aulani

A Disney Resort & Spa

Ko Olina, Hawai'i

92-1185 Aliinui Drive

Kapolei, HI 96707

(808) 674-6200

Now it's time to head back to town and pick up my auntie and uncle for lunch. We headed to a family favorite restaurant on King Street.

California Delight

California roll, karate chicken, tempura,

salad, and soup

$9.95

Gyutaku is a family favorite for good Japanese food. They don't try to be fancy or fusion, just old skool and the kind I remember growing up.

Gyutaku Japanese Restaurant

1824 South King Street

Honolulu, HI 96814

(808) 949-4584

Some last minute business came up, so ended up getting work done and there went the afternoon. Didn't feel like going out, so headed for Rainbow Drive In on Kapahulu Avenue. I realized that today was their 50th Anniversary!

Congratulations

Rainbow Drive-In

50 Years!

Wondered what I ordered?

Mixed Plate

$7.25

BBQ beef, piece of fried fish, chicken,

two scoops of rice, and mac salad.

They've been doing this for 50 years and still tastes the same

when I was coming here growing up

Rainbow Drive-in

3308 Kanaina Avenue

Honolulu, HI 96815

(808) 737-0177

Before heading back, had to make one more stop

Those who know me,

it took 4 days for me to stop at Zippy's.

Usually it's one of my first stops...

Zippy's Saimin

$2.75

Day 5 was a good day, saw my family and it couldn't have gotten any better...

Photos by Jay Terauchi

Hawaii Food Adventure: Day 4

2011-10-02T04:28:00.001-07:00

Hawaii Food Adventure

2011

Day 4

I had two items on my schedule today, one is a saimin tweet-up at Dillingham Saimin and the other is tonight's Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival, one of the main reasons why I'm here.

On my way to Dillingham Saimin, I thought the area seemed really familiar and remembered there's a manapua place nearby. The second block I drove down, FOUND IT!

Libby's Manapua Shop

410 Kalihi Street

Honolulu, HI 96819

(808) 841-2253

Tuesday - Sunday

6 am to 2 pm

Three Pork Manapua, two pork hash, and two halfmoons

Once I got my manapua, I headed back to Dillingham Saimin. A few people were already there and got to meet everyone. But lunch was all about saimin...

Kim Chee Saimin

with won tons

I thought to try something different this time

With Beef Sticks

Thanks for joining the saimin fun!**

It was great meeting everyone and

thanks to @parkrat for setting it up.

Dillingham Saimin

1425 Dillingham Blvd.

Honolulu, HI 96817

(808) 841-7233

What's a trip to Kalihi without stopping off at Alicia's Market?

Poke, Poke, Poke...

Roasted Pork

One of the best...

Wasabi Masago Ahi Poke

1/2 lb

One of their specialties

and my favorite one here...

Sweet Onion Tako Poke

1/2 lb

The best thing about ordering both of these,

you can eat them together...

Alicia's Market

267 Mokauea Street

Honolulu, HI 96819

(808) 841-1921

Monday - Friday: 8 am - 7 pm

Saturday: 8 am - 6 pm

Getting ready for tonight's festival...

Pre Game Snack...

Why am I eating when there's going to be a lot of great food

from world-class chefs from around the world

at the Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival?

When it comes to eating, sometimes

there isn't a logical answer...

'Grand Tasting Event'

prepared by 15 celebrity chefs

at the

Hilton Hawaiian Village

Home to Resort Star

Icarus Hilton

"From Mauka to Makai: Hawai'i's Sustainable Future"

Ahupua'a on the Great Lawn at

Hilton Hawaiian Village

I work a lot of these events,

but tonight I'm not cooking.

It was good to enter through the

Front Door

Some of you know what I mean...

One of the first people I see?*

My Friend Robbyn!

With Ed Kenny

Town

Honolulu

@edstown

Had met Ed in LA in June and

wanted to visit his restaurant, Town.

Had dinner there last night, unfortunately

he was at another event and I missed him.

Town is now one of my favorite Honolulu

restaurants, see last night's dinner

"Hawaii Food Adventure: Day 3".

Ed Kenney

Town

Honolulu

@edstown

Shaved Hog Head

Loved this dish...

Ed Kenney

Town

Hawaii

@edstown

Crispy Shinsato Pigs' Feet

Hashimoto Farm Persimmon Mostarda,

Ma'o organic chicories

Sunset at

Hilton Hawaiian Village

Dean Fearing

Fearing's

Dallas

@fearingsdallas

Chicken Fried Big Island Quail

with Fearing's Cornbread Pudding

and Texas Barbecue Sauce

@turkeyboy808, @Chef_Jay, Roy Yamaguchi, Courtney*

Congratulating Chef Roy Yamaguchi

on a great event!

Roy Yamaguchi

(Event Co-Chair)

Roy's Restaurant

Hawaii and Worldwide

@roysroy

"Spaghetti and Meatball"

Hawaiian Red Veal Tartare, Nalo shiso,

and Chili Noodles

With Peter Merriman***

Merriman's

Hawaii

I've been to a few of Peter's restaurants throughout

the islands and have missed him each time,

not this time...

Peter Merriman

Merriman's

Hawaii

Hawaiian Ginger Braised Maui Cattle

Beef Cheek and Hamakua Mushrooms,

eggplant, and tomato

The beef was so tender...

Michael Nischan

Dressing Room

Connecticut

Chopped Salad and Ribs

A Beautiful Evening

with Great Food!

Thanks Dara for introducing me to Hoegaarden beer

A product sponsorship deal perhaps?

Philppe Padovani

Padovani's Grill

Hawaii

Great Chocolates!

John Besh

Besh Restaurant Group

New Orleans

@chefjohnbesh

Slow cooked Molokai Shrimp and Andouille over

Baked Jalapeño Cheese Grits

I love seafood and grits!

It was an honor meeting Chef Hubert Keller

Enough said...

Got to watch PR Guru Candice work her magic!****

BTW, haven't forgotten about Mochi Day...

Had to get a picture with @RebeccaPang,

we were introduced to each other at least 3 times tonight.

Just to let everyone know that we've met...

A Spectacular Ending

to a Great Evening!*

Times are changing, Hawaii isn't just about

loco moco and SPAM musubi anymore.

It's amazing what happens when local

farmers, ranchers, and chefs get together

to produce something magical.

Tonight was a celebration,

"Taste Our Love for the Land"

It was an Incredible Evening!

Other participating chefs:

Michael Cimarusti

Providence

Los Angeles

Celestino Drago

Celestino Drago Restaurant Group

Los Angeles

Michael Ginor

Hudson Valley Foie Gras & Lola

New York

George Mavrothalassitis

Chef Mavro Restaurant

Honolulu

Rich Moonen

Rick Moonen's rm seafood

Las Vegas

Jeffrey Vigilla

Hilton Hawaiian Village

Honolulu

Marcel Vigneron

Top Chef

Marcel's Quantum Kitchen

Los Angeles

Alan Wong

Alan Wong's

Hawaii

Mahalo!

Roy Yamaguchi

Alan Wong

Denise Hayashi

the world-class chefs

Hilton Hawaiian Village

and all of the volunteers

for a great event

Photos by Jay Terauchi

*Photos by @turkeyboy808

**Photo by @parkrat

***Photos by @roysrob

****Photo by @Kraughto

Kahuna of the Kitchen

Hawaii Food Adventure: Day 3

2011-10-01T08:22:00.001-07:00

Hawaii Food Adventure

2011

Day 3

I've been looking forward to this day for awhile now. Once my nieces see the pictures and video taken, they're going to be jealous. Because I met a celebrity today!

At the Hilton Hawaiian Village

Met some of the residents

The times I've been here and didn't know

they had penguins in paradise

They have 8 African black-footed penguins

at the resort

But this wasn't what would make my nieces jealous

But, THIS WOULD!

Got to meet Icarus Hilton Up Close and Personal

She's a 24 year old African black-footed penguin

and the Star of the resort.

You can follow her at @IcarusHilton on Twitter

Mahalo Hilton Hawaiian Village

for the VIP treatment.

Now it's lunch with Traci Toguchi at the Peace Cafe, vegan home cooking.

2239 South King Street

Not too far from Waiola Shave Ice

Sandwiches, salads, stews, curry, and baked goods

Tempting Tempeh

"teriyaki tempeh"

Probably wondering why I was eating vegan in Hawaii?

Tomorrow (Saturday, October 1st) is

World Vegetarian Day

So, I celebrated 1 day early...

Sandwich comes with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes,

sprouts, and a homemade vegan aioli spread

This tempeh was cooked just right.

It can be mushy if not cooked properly.

This wasn't just a fun lunch

Traci put me to work...

Watch the

Question of the Day

Look for Traci on an upcoming Hawaii Five-O episode,

an upcoming film, and new family pie location.

It's now time to head over to "Eat the Street" and get a taste of "Eat Local"

Eat the Street's

Poni Askew

Lots of lunch wagons and great food

September's theme: Eat Local

August's theme: Spicy

July's theme: Garlic

If you're in Honolulu on the last Friday of the month,

checkout Eat the Street

We heard Elena from the popular Elena's lunch wagon was actually here, so we headed over to meet her and try some of her food.

With Elena and her #1 menu item

Pork Adobo Fried Rice Omelet

with a side of their Lechon Special

Visit Elena and Theo at their Las Vegas location.

Both very tasty and one of my #EattheStreet Favorites...

With @wedgelee and @Melissa808 **

Wedge Lee's lunch wagon "Ono to Go"

Follow @Melissa808's food adventures on

NonStop Honolulu

Strawberry won tons and a couple of taro won tons

from Lava Rocks!

Strawberries and cream cheese won tons

Very good too...

We kept missing each other, but finally met up with @thedailydish

Follow Cat's food adventures

www.thecatdish.com

After Eat the Street, it was time to move on to my Dinner plans... Headed over the Ed Kenney's Kaimuki restaurant TOWN.

This was all I needed to be happy...

Also served:

Ahi Tartare on a risotto cake with balsamic vinegar

Clams with fennel, pasting, tomato, in a cinzano broth

Hand-Cut Pasta

Waimanalo Cremini mushrooms with MA'O dandelion greens

Shinsato Farm Pork Belly

wrapped loin, ulu mash with bitter greens

The Meat Course

with Pan Roasted Chicken

torn bread, tatsoi, grapes, and pancetta

Grapefruit-Campari Sorbet

Very nice flavor...

Panna Cotta

Another great meal in Honolulu with great people too...

@onokinegrindz, @cookingwithamy, @RebeccaPang, and @foodgps

Mahalo @edstown and Alika Chung

Sorry I missed you Ed, but will see you

at tonight's "Mauka to Makai" event

One of the best meals I've had in Honolulu!

Town

3435 Waialae Avenue

Honolulu, HI 96816

(808) 735-5900

www.townkaimuki.com

Tomorrow is the BIG EVENT!

Photos by Jay Terauchi

* Photo by @Melissa808

** Photo by @thedailydish