Q&A: Michael Silacci
In the mid-70s, viticulturist and winemaker Michael Silacci spent three months camping on the Kaanapali coast of Maui, the first stop of what would become a journey of self-discovery that ultimately led him to France and his lifelong passion for all things wine. Turns out, Maui is where Opus One founders Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi met a few years earlier to discuss this unique venture.
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.”
COVID Conversations: Chris Cosentino
Chef Chris Cosentino is a four-year veteran of the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, and co-owner of San Francisco’s Cockscomb restaurant, Jackrabbit in Portland, OR, and Acacia House at Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Napa Valley, with partner Oliver Wharton and parent company Delicious MFG & CO. He is a master in the art of hand-crafted cured meats and helps raise awareness about utilizing the entire animal. Cosentino won season four of BRAVO’s “Top Chef Masters,” earning over $140,000 for The Michael J. Fox Foundation, and is a member of Chefs Cycle, a 300-mile annual bicycle ride that raises funds and awareness in support of No Kid Hungry.
Beyond the Kitchen: Chefs share their passions
Originally published in the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival 2014 program.Chef Cat Cora co-founded the charity Chefs for Humanity to fight hungry and obesity. Photo: courtesy of Cat CoraIN THE KITCHENTry Cat Cora's Salmon Skewers with Romesco SauceImagine managing...
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.
Q&A: Stephen Durfee
Originally published in the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival 2013 program andupdated in April 2021 during a follow-up interview with Stephen Durfee.Stephen Durfee is a Professor of Pastry and Baking Arts, Culinary Institute of America, St. Helena, Calif. Photo:...
Q&A: Sheldon Simeon
From working at Pizza Hut to celebrity status, Sheldon Simeon has come a long way from his humble roots in Hilo on the Big Island. After his appearance on Bravo’s “Top Chef: Seattle” this year — and finishing in the top three and earning the title of “Fan Favorite” — Simeon is only just starting.