Look who’s cookin’ at the 15th Annual Made in Hawaii Festival

HONOLULU—Nine of Hawaii’s most notable chefs will heat up the stage in the Blaisdell Arena when the 15th Annual Made in Hawaii Festival returns to the Neal Blaisdell Center on the weekend of August 20 to 22. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to watch these culinary artists in action as they prepare some of their favorite dishes—and share copies of their recipes—throughout the three-day event.

Visitors can get recipes and ideas on how to better incorporate local produce into their meals.

Long-time participant and supporter Derek Kurisu of KTA Super Stores will once again serve as the cooking demonstration stage emcee, bring a fun, light-hearted and thoroughly entertaining element to the presentations.

The cooking demonstrations are a tasty “side dish” at the festival, whose “main course” ingredients include more than 450 exhibitors showcasing their Hawaii-made apparel and jewelry as well as gifts and books, crafts and artwork, beauty products, food and produce spanning the Blaisdell Arena and Exhibition Hall.

The festival also showcases Hawaii’s home-grown musical talent, with Na Hoku Hanohano Award winning artists performing on the entertainment stage each day.

Admission is $3, with $1-off coupons available at First Hawaiian Bank locations on Oahu beginning in mid-August, while supplies last. Children 6 and under are free.

Festival hours are Friday and Saturday, August 20 and 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and Sunday, August 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Made in Hawaii Festival is produced each year by the Made In Hawaii Association. Visit madeinhawaiifestival.com for more information, or call 808-533-1292.

Here’s the culinary line-up for the festival weekend:

Friday, August 20
2:00 p.m.  Elmer Guzman, Poke Stop    
4:00 p.m.  Isaiah Cantotay, Good to Grill
6:00 p.m.  Darren Demaya, Kai Market at the Sheraton Waikiki                                    

Saturday, August 21

Noon   Chai Chaowasaree, Chai’s Island Bistro & Singha Thai Cuisine                  
2:00 p.m.  Iron Chef Masuhara Morimoto, Morimoto Waikiki
4:00 p.m.  Marc Anthony Frieberg, Mariposa at Neiman Marcus            
6:00 p.m.  Jose “ Pepe” Vega, Maui Tacos

Sunday, August 22
Noon   Almar Arcano, Formaggio Wine Bar & Formaggio Grill                          
2:00 p.m.  John Memering, Kalapawai Café & Deli