Sensei Ag: The Future of Farming
Founded by tech entrepreneur Larry Ellison and world-leading scientist and physician David Agus, Sensei Ag is where innovation meets food. “They wanted to use their capabilities, enormous scientific knowledge and extensive computing capabilities to transform human wellness,” explained Sensei Ag CEO Sonia Lo. The AgTech company uses data-driven farming methods to maximize the nutritional value of their produce. “We are master integrators. We are always scouting for the best and the brightest [talent in the technology industry], and we then integrate that [knowledge base] into our processes.” Sensei Ag takes advantage of available technology and innovation in the community to maximize nutrition for everyone.
COVID Conversations: Chris Kajioka
Despite the various Covid related setbacks that has affected the state of Hawaii, Chef Chris Kajioka remains optimistic in the face of adversity. The week Kajioka was set to open his new restaurant, Miro Kaimuki, a state-wide order forced many businesses to close. Kajioka and his team quickly adapted to the state mandated take-out only regulations, and has, in many ways, been able to thrive.
Olive Oil: Explained
As the healthiest fruit juice, olive oil is a high quality “flavor-enhancer,” which can be used on a variety of dishes. Brian Foster, co-owner of Island Olive Oil and certified olive oil sommelier, is an expert on oil from farm to table. Island Olive Oil gathers its oils from orchards in Chile, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey and other places with Mediterranean climates, where olive trees thrive. After the olive oil is pressed, it goes through two stages, sensory analysis and chemical analysis, to determine its quality.
Foie the Win!
Before caviar. Before truffles. Before lobster. There was foie gras — a lustrous delicacy most commonly associated with French cuisine. Dating back to an incredible history in Ancient Egypt, foie gras was first appreciated and practiced by the pharaohs. Fast forward through a complicated history through Europe and Jewish cuisine to 1983, to when The New York Times announced the foie gras debut in the United States, where before only cooked foie gras was sold in cans due to import laws.
Connecting Farmers and Chefs
HFWF celebrated Paina on the Pier for three years in support of the Festival’s goal of raising awareness about supporting local farmers, ranchers and fishermen to ensure the food security of the Islands. Nearly 85 percent of food in Hawaii is imported.
“Our goal was to connect local farmers with the different chefs and vendors who are part of the Festival,” says Les Apoliona, land asset manager at Kamehameha Schools, which, as the state’s largest private landowner, sponsors this event. “It’s about local agriculture and buying local and creating an impact.”
Donations Through Chocolate
Maui Kuia Estate Chocolate “exists solely to give back to the nonprofit community,” said CEO Gunars Valkirs, who, in the absence of profit due to COVID-19 shutdowns, found a new way to give back. Many nonprofit organizations have lost funding due to a lack of gatherings where they could ask for donations. Noticing this, Maui Kuia Estate Chocolate created the Chocolate Laulima cooperative program to ensure that “100% of their net profit goes to the Hawaii nonprofit community.”
Watercress: Explained
Sumida Farm, a watercress farm located in Aiea, grows foot-and-a-half long watercress which locals can taste in restaurants — and even in their own kitchen. Watercress is a versatile, nutrient-dense superfood, which can be used in many different dishes to make healthy and delicious food. Sumida Farm wants to encourage people to pick up watercress when they see it, and many people are experimenting with the unique vegetable.
From Loi to the Table
The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival aims to strengthen the connections among the islands’ food, land and people—and to share the culture behind the cuisine.
As Seen On TV
Reality television has transformed the restaurant industry into entertainment, and has launched chefs into stardom. But after the cameras stop rolling, say chefs, it’s still simply all about the food.
COVID Conversations: Michelle Bernstein
Chef Michelle Bernstein is a five-year veteran of the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. A Miami native of Jewish and Latin descent, she has dazzled HFWF attendees with her sublime cuisine and a personality as bright and vibrant as the Florida sun. Bernstein and her husband/business partner, David Martinez, own and operate MBC Michelle Bernstein Catering Company, a full-service catering company as well as Café La Trova in Little Havana. These days, Bernstein is busier than ever adjusting to the effects that COVID-10 has had on the restaurant industry and independent restaurants.