Gastronome

I love eating, so much — trying new restaurants, experimenting in the kitchen, satiating every hunger pang. Even now, as I write this, I’m munching on Apple Jacks.

It’s something so basic that I take it for granted, as I recently was reminded when I talked with Hawaii Foodbank special events coordinator Tasha Major.

Hunger, she tells me, affects one in five people in Hawaii.

“We’re lucky to have community support, but it’s a big issue,” she says.

Annually, Hawaii Foodbank provides meals to 287,000 residents. More than 200 agencies on Oahu and Kauai benefit from the nonprofit organization. And initiatives like its Ohana Produce Programs send Foodbank representatives into communities in need with fresh produce.

To support this mission, Hawaii Foodbank hosts Great Chefs Fight Hunger Saturday, March 21. It’s a night that will be like something out of any gastronome’s dream, with food and drinks from more than two dozen participating restaurants and purveyors.

The annual fundraiser began nine years ago, initiated by chef D.K. Kodama. Held in its Mapunapuna warehouse, Hawaii Foodbank raised more than $100,000 at last year’s event — enough to provide roughly 250,000 meals.

“(It) is really neat,” says Major of the evening’s location, “because it brings the donors in to actually see what they’re supporting.”

The night kicks off at 6 p.m. and includes entertainment by JazzyJay, soul singer Maryann Ito, Streetlight Cadence and Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Kamuela Kahoano. Tickets cost $150, or $200 for VIP early entry.

For more information and for tickets, visit hawaiifoodbank.org.

HOW TO HELP

If you can’t make it to Great Chefs Fight Hunger, but still want to help, there are many other ways to get involved with Hawaii Foodbank.

Currently, the organization is in the middle of its food drive season. And on April 18, it will host its annual Food Drive Day at multiple locations throughout the state. Hawaii Foodbank is looking for volunteers. If you’re interested, email volunteer@hawaiifoodbank.com.

If you’d like to make a donation, here’s a look at the organization’s most needed items:

• Canned meats
• Canned meals (spaghetti, chili, soup, corned beef hash, etc.)
• Canned fruits
• Canned vegetables
• Rice

FOOD FOR FOOD

All proceeds raised during Great Chefs Fight Hunger will stay with Hawaii Foodbank — 95 cents from every dollar it receives goes to its programs.

To give you a taste of what to expect, here’s a look at just a few of the dishes being served.

CHEF CHAI AT PACIFICA

Chef Chai Chaowasaree will be serving two dishes: a fresh ahi katsu with fresh mango salsa and wasabi curry, and fresh ahi tartar in mini waffle cones and avocado mousse (pictured above).

(P.S. Chef Chai’s fresh ahi tartar in waffle cones happens to be a personal favorite — and much like the chocolate at the tip of a Drum-stick ice cream cone, the smooth and creamy avocado mousse at the bottom is a welcome ending.)

TOP OF WAIKIKI

Executive chef Lance Kosaka will treat guests to a pan-roasted striploin, served with fresh Ho Farms tomatoes and a lemon chili sauce.

What could be just another piece of red meat, Kosaka transforms with his lightly acidic and spicy sauce. And the addition of fresh cilantro really ties everything together nicely, for something that packs heat but won’t wipe you out.

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

Ruth’s Chris Steak House at Waterfront Plaza executive chef Eser Domingo will be serving up the restaurant’s very popular Veal Osso Buco Ravioli — but for this special event, expect just one piece of ravioli. If you do long for more (I certainly would), stop in and order a full serving.

In the saffron-flavored ravioli is: braised veal leg, aromatics, vegetables and mushrooms. Sautéed in a white wine demi-glace and topped with a barbecue butter sauce (not actual barbecue sauce, just barbecue seasoning), it is served with fresh sautéed spinach and Romano cheese.

YOUNG’S MARKET COMPANY OF HAWAII

To ensure you won’t go thirsty, Young’s Market will offer a Paniolo Whiskey Tasting of Paniolo Blended Whiskey, Paniolo Coffee Flavored Whiskey, Paniolo Chocolate Coconut Flavored Whiskey and Paniolo Brown Sugar Whiskey — made in Maui with barrel-aged Pau Vodka and blended with super premium bourbon.

Whiskey not your thing? Young’s has you covered with The Nigbur Collins. This one is named after master distiller Mark Nigbur and made with Pau Vodka, fresh lemon sour and Martini and Rossi Dry Vermouth, capped with Waiwera Sparkling and served with a slice of Maui Gold Pineapple and Peychaud’s Bitters.

HERE’S A COMPLETE LIST OF THE NIGHT’S PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS AND PURVEYORS:

Anheuser-Busch of Hawaii
Café Laufer
Chef Chai at Pacifica
D.K. Restaurants
Greens & Vines
HASR Bistro
Hawaiian Springs Water
Henry Loui’s Restaurant
Hilton Hawaiian Village
Waikiki Beach Resort
Himalayan Kitchen
JMD Beverages
Koko Head Café
Le Bistro
Paradise Beverages
Pint Size Hawaii/Tropilicious
Poke Stop
Roy’s Hawaii Kai
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Southern Wine & Spirits
Tango Contemporary Café
The Tea Chest
Top of Waikiki
12th Avenue Grill
Young’s Market Company of Hawaii