Art, food and Kapono
Friday - September 21, 2007
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Henry Kapono provides the entertainment for the Mililani Arts and Food Festival Saturday
This weekend’s Mililani Arts and Food Festival is largely the result of organizer Steve Cole’s desire to “take things to another level.”
“We wanted to make more people aware of the festival,” says Cole of the event that was previously held on a smaller scale. Twelve participating restaurants have created dishes for Saturday evening’s event, and Hoku award-winning Henry Kapono will perform as guests enjoy food, wine and a visual arts display under the stars at Mililani Golf Course.
“Henry is very community-minded, as everyone knows,” says Cole, “so even though he’s busy, it wasn’t hard to get him to agree to participate.” Proceeds from the event go toward the planned Oahu Arts Center.
The festival should prove a pleasant evening for wine lovers, as it coincides with the opening of Fujioka’s Wine Times in Mililani Shopping Center. “This couldn’t have been better timing,” says a smiling Cole. “Fujioka’s opened last month, and they’ve been really helpful in coming forward, along with distributors, and helping us with the event.”
Kona Brewing Company’s Executive Chef Dan York and Mililani Arts and Food Festival coordinator Steve Cole
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the participating restaurants and the dishes they’ll be serving.
Tiki’s Grill and Bar
Tiki’s is located in Waikiki and offers a competitively priced menu along with locally grown produce, fresh island fish, live local entertainment and fabulous views from its vantage point overlooking Waikiki Beach. Festival featured dish will be Hawaiian steak and pineapple.
Big City Diner
There are now five Big City Diners around Oahu with the most recent opening in Pearlridge. Serving a menu that features local favorites, the restaurant has gained a reputation for great value, large portions and friendly staff. You’ll find all the UH PayPer-View games at BCD locations this year, and this weekend you’ll find its fabulous baby back ribs on the festival menu.
Bucca Di Beppo
Large portions, laughter and lots of pasta could probably sum up the mission of Bucca di Beppo. Try some of its Italian food this weekend with featured penne “rosa” pasta with chicken.
Chai’s Island Bistro
Thai chef/owner Chai Chaowasaree is a perfect choice for this festival that celebrates both fine and culinary arts. His restaurant features live local music nightly, and on the menu this weekend you can taste pan-seared jumbo black tiger prawns.
Poke Stop
Owner Elmer Guzman delighted Leeward residents when he opened his fresh fish/plate lunch stop a couple of years ago. This weekend he will serve a Chinese influenced torched ahi sashimi.
Kona Brewing Company
The locally brewed beer from KBC will be featured at the event, both in the glass and on the plate.
Executive Chef Dan York is serving New Zealand mussels in a Nehua Ale broth.
Auntie Pasto’s
With their second location in Kunia, Auntie Pasto’s is one of the most popular restaurants on the Leeward side, serving Italian-American dishes at a price everyone can afford. Rosemary pork tenderloin is on the menu at the festival this weekend.
Mililani Golf Course
If Filipino food is a favorite, then head to Mililani Golf Course restaurant where the owners serve up some of the best examples on the island. Try the deep-fried squid this weekend.
P.F. Chang’s
Mainland chain P.F. Chang’s brings its version of gourmet Chinese food to the Islands, and will feature lettuce wraps with chicken and vegetables.
Roy’s Ko Olina
Anytime you get a chance to taste the food from any of Roy Yamaguchi’s restaurants, go for it! Roy’s team will serve an example of the food that’s made them famous.
Haleiwa Eats
This country chic little restaurant on the North Shore serves up a delightful menu of Thai food.
A sampling of its menu will be featured at the festival.
Mililani Arts and Food Festival
Saturday Sept. 22, 5:30-10 p.m. Mililani Golf Course.
Tickets $50 for adults, $25 for children 12 and younger.
Call 848-7632 or go to www.oahuartscenter.org
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