Paris meets Hawaii: The Kahala Wine & Food Festival: A Celebration Of France is part of Bon Appétit! A Tribute to Julia Child—a month-long series of culinary events in honor of the 100th birthday anniversary of American chef Julia Child starting August 18. Guests will can sample a variety of French wines from several vintners paired with The Kahala's tribute to Julia Child's French fare.
The Kahala's executive chef Wayne Hirabayashi is designing a specialty menu that focuses on cuisine from the French provinces. His culinary team at The Kahala will be joined by guest chefs from Hawaiian hotels and restaurants including Chai Chaowasaree of Chai's Island Bistro; a representative of DK's, Sansei, and Hiroshi's restaurants; Goran Streng of Tango Contemporary Café; William Chen of Beachhouse at Moana; Jon Matsubara of Azure; Kanani Lincoln of Hale Aina Catering; Kevin Hanney from 12th Avenue Grill and SALT; Russell Siu from 3660 On The Rise; and Ronnie Nasuti of Tiki’s Bar & Grill.
The menu will reportedly include: Pan Seared Fresh Kauai Prawn with Roasted Beet Risotto and Lobster Reduction (Chef Chaowasaree); Beef Bourguignon (Chef Matsubara); Duck Confit Tart with Red Onion, Goat Cheese and Mango Salsa (Chef Steng); Honey Soy Duck Breast with Celeriac Puree, Li-Hing Cherry Demi Glace and Shinsato Pork Papardelle with Turned Vegetables and Fine Herbs (Chef Lincoln); and Julia Child’s Favorite Dessert – Ile Flottante (Chef Nasuti) among many other specialties.
The Kahala has also partnered with Young's Market Company of Hawaii, distributor of fine wines and spirits, who will coordinate participating vintners. Hawaii's youngest Master Sommelier, Patrick Okubo, the Fine Wine Educator for Young's Market Company, has personally selected a group of award-winning wineries from France and California. Among the French vintners represented will be Maison Louis Jadot, E. Guigal, Armand de Brignac, and Domaine Laroche. The California vintners include Freemark Abby Winery, Schramsberg and J. Davies, Hartford Court, Foley, and Vine Cliff Winery.
For tickets to The Kahala Wine & Food Festival: A Celebration of France, call 808-739-8760; or E-mail [email protected].