Show 523, April 29, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

BIg Island Chocolate Festival

Aloha from the 10th Big Island Chocolate Festival at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. After a four-year hiatus we’re delighted to be back at this educational and entertaining celebration of all decadent things chocolate and cacao!

“The inaugural, first of its kind Pizza City Fest Los Angeles takes place April 29-30, 2023 at L.A. LIVE – Downtown Los Angeles’ Sports and Entertainment District – offering fans the unique opportunity to sample pizzas from Southern California’s best pizza makers all in one location over two days. Steve Dolinsky – a 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter and “The Food Guy” at NBC 5 Chicago – has turned his love of pizza into an all-encompassing endeavor. Now he has brought that same experience to Los Angeles (as he did last year in Chicago) and showcase the diversity – in both geography and styles – that the region exemplifies.” VIP for both days is already sold out. Limited tickets are available for Saturday with better availability for Sunday.

The celebrated Kanekoa Family on The Big Island of Hawaii have been cooking professionally for 3 generations. Jason Kanekoa is the long-time Executive Chef at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort. His son, Ocean Kanekoa, is a past poke champion of the Hawaii Island Aloha Festival. During the pandemic Ocean created baskets of local farmers fruits and vegetables that he sold in an online store to benefit the struggling farmers who had lost their customers due to the closure of all restaurants and hotels. Ocean and his older sister, Jaydene, (Senior Marketing Manager for Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort) were part of the group of promising young chefs selected to compete on the first season of Peacock’s “Top Chef Family Style.” Chef Ocean’s goal is to open his own restaurant by Age 18. We’ll meet the already accomplished Ocean and Jaydene Kanekoa.

Kona Cacao Association is the creator of the Big Island Chocolate Festival. “The mission and goal of KCA is to promote the cacao industry on the Island of Hawaii by presenting the Big Island Chocolate Festival as an educational and outreach opportunity for local cacao farmers, the hospitality industry and cacao enthusiasts.” The Founder of the Kona Cacao Association, Farsheed Bonakdar, is our guest.

Master Pastry Chef and Chocolatier Stephane Treand is again participating in The Big Island Chocolate Festival on Saturday with the creation of a magnificent all chocolate showpiece designed to stun party guests and serve as a stunning buffet centerpiece. Tréand’s prestigious Pastry School in Tustin, California instructs students of all abilities in the pastry and baking arts. The finished creation will be a key feature on display at the Saturday Gala from 6-10 p.m.

The talented Culinary Team at the Fairmont Orchid is one of the participating restaurants in the Saturday Night Gala at The Big Island Chocolate Festival. “The vistas alone are worth a leisurely evening at Brown’s Beach House, The Fairmont Orchid’s AAA Four Diamond signature restaurant. Perched above Pauoa Bay, the celebrated fine dining venue takes in one of the island’s most spectacular sunset panoramas.” Representing the Fairmont Orchid is their Executive Sous Chef Daniel Sampson who is also an acclaimed pastry chef. Chef Daniel holds the honor of being Pastry Chef of The Year 2019 by ACF Kona Kohaha Chefs Association

Executive Chef Jayson Kanekoa heads the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort’s progressive culinary program overseeing all food and beverage outlets, including the signature Hawaii Calls restaurant. His expertise permeates all the resort’s restaurant and catering menus. Chef Jayson is the Host Chef for the Big Island Chocolate Festival. 95 per cent of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort’s food and beverage offerings are proudly locally sourced. Chef Jason started at the property as a cook’s helper way back in 1986 and in 2014 was promoted to Executive Chef.

Chef Jason Kanekoa joins us with a freshly brewed cup of Kona Coffee in hand.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

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