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!
“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 carefully curated experience to Los Angeles (as he did last year in Chicago) and showcase the diversity – in both geography and styles – that the region exemplifies.”
“I’ve seen the L.A. pizza scene explode recently, having visited about 60 places while researching over the past year,” said Dolinsky. “But with so much great pizza spread out from Santa Barbara to San Diego, there needed to be a way to highlight these artisans all in one place. Not only will we do that, but we’ll also bring together some of the most talented local pizza pros to share their knowledge and expertise with home cooks.”
“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 (“The Cooking Kanekoas”) 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 “big sister,” Jaydene Kanekoa.
Kona Cacao Association is the creator of The Big Island ChocolateFestival. 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 dazzle 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 MarriottResort’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!
“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 carefully curated experience to Los Angeles (as he did last year in Chicago) and showcase the diversity – in both geography and styles – that the region exemplifies.”
“I’ve seen the L.A. pizza scene explode recently, having visited about 60 places while researching over the past year,” said Dolinsky. “But with so much great pizza spread out from Santa Barbara to San Diego, there needed to be a way to highlight these artisans all in one place. Not only will we do that, but we’ll also bring together some of the most talented local pizza pros to share their knowledge and expertise with home cooks.”
The celebrated Kanekoa Family (“The Cooking Kanekoas”) 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 of 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 Ocean and Jaydene Kanekoa.
Kona Cacao Association is the creator of The Big Island ChocolateFestival. The mission and goal of KCA is to promote the cacao industry on the Island of Hawai‘i by presenting the Big Island Chocolate Festival as an educational and outreach opportunity for local cacao farmers, the hospitality industry and cacao enthusiasts.
“In-person activities at The Chocolate Festival include culinary demonstrations for the home cook, cacao growing and processing seminars by industry experts, a new VIP-PLUS pre-gala Sunset & Pupu Pairing and a festive evening gala with culinary booths serving sweet and savory chocolate creations, chocolate fountain, entertainment, dancing, a silent auction and some surprises! Guests can enjoy unlimited wine, beer and a custom spritzer by Ola Brew, iced tea and coffee.”
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 at the Saturday Night Gala. 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 at the Saturday Gala from 6-10 pm.
Chef Stéphane Tréand debuted, The Pastry School in 2012, in San Clemente. In 2015, he moved his school to Costa Mesa along with his new pâtisserie (pastry) shop,ST Pâtisserie Chocolat, to the Soco Collection! Chef Tréand wanted to bring something unique and different to Southern California. He wanted people to come and buy pastries, chocolates, viennoiserie (baked goods such as croissants), and gelato / sorbet at his shop. But he also wanted to show others, “you can learn and create beautiful items such as these, right-next-door as me (Chef Stéphane Tréand) as your teacher!” Having an M.O.F. chef teaching hands on, one-on-one experience, in a small intimate environment is truly a treasure. There are only 4 M.O.F. chefs currently residing in the United States. Tustin is now the home of “The Pastry School”.
The talented Culinary Team at the Fairmont Orchid is one of the returning 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 MarriottResort’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. “Unusually 95 per cent of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort’s food and beverage offerings are locally sourced.”
“Chef Jason attributes his passion for fresh, locally influenced cuisine to his upbringing in Kukuihaele on the Big Island of Hawaii. He attended the culinary program at Kapiolani Community College on Oahu before honing his culinary talents at the 297-room Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Kanekoa climbed the ranks to his position today from his entry as a cook’s helper in 1986, to becoming a supervisor, to being named Executive Sous Chef in 2000.” He was promoted to Executive Chef in 2014.
Chef Jason Kanekoa joins us with a freshly brewed cup of hand-selected Kona Coffee in hand.
“Located on the Kohala Coast, and just a short drive from the Kona airport, the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (the host Hotel for The Big Island Chocolate Festival) provides guests a complete Hawaii Island experience not to be found anywhere else.”
“At the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, this Big Island resort offers the best of Hawaii Island, however you want to enjoy it. For relaxing, soak in the sun and island vibes around one of their three swimming pools or on the soft, white sands of Anaeho’omalu Bay. For golf, the resort has three 9-hole golf courses, surrounded by lush, meticulously maintained grounds. For dining, Waikoloa Beach unusually sources most of their offerings locally, to give guests a true taste of the islands. For shopping, the property is steps away from two luxury outdoor shopping centers, the Queens’ Marketplace and the Kings’ Shops.”
“For self-care, their Mandara Spa has a range of treatments designed to reinvigorate you. For Hawaiian cultural enrichment, walking trails and historical markers around the property let you discover the history of the site’s fishponds and the surrounding area. For watersports, the property has everything you need right here to snorkel, surf, or SUP on Anaeho’omalu Bay. For adventures on land, choose from zip lining, hiking, helicopter tours, & more.”
The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resorts Director of Sales and Marketing, John Dominguez, joins us.
“The inaugural, first of its kind Pizza City Fest Los Angeleswill take 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 hopes to bring 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.”
“I’ve seen the L.A. pizza scene explode recently, having visited about 60 places while researching over the past year,” said Dolinsky. “But with so much great pizza spread out from Santa Barbara to San Diego, there needed to be a way to highlight these artisans all in one place. Not only will we do that, but we’ll also bring together some of the most talented local pizza pros to share their knowledge and expertise with home cooks.”
We are previewing Pizza City Fest Los Angeles in multiple segments leading up to the event. Today we’ll meet the Founder of Pizza City FestLos Angeles, Steve Dolinsky.
Tickets for Pizza City Fest Los Angeles start at $95. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Pizza City’s Ticketing page or call 1-877-234-8425.
We’ll get caught up with Chef Ben and hear about his newly initiated Whole Hog Dinner. It’s a feast for 6 to 8 people! Chef Ben suggests that you “fill up on all the good things in life.”
Situated in the lobby of the JW Marriott Los Angeles, the new Ford’s Filling Station L.A. LIVE is an evolution of chef and restaurateur Ben Ford’s original ‘gastropub’ concept, showcasing sustainable, regional cuisine. Drawing inspiration from the abundance of fresh produce and artisanal meats available through California farms, as well as his travels through the south and southwest, Chef Ford has created a menu that is a unique blend of west coast flavors and southwest influence.
An onsite smoker fired with a blend of apple, pecan and cherry wood lends exceptional tenderness and flavor to meats; while fruits and vegetables culled from regional farms enhance a carefully curated menu.
The cocktail program from innovative mixologist Dushan Zarin of New York’s famed Employees Only bar, is food-friendly and filled with classic libations, craft beers and farm-fresh savory cocktails.
His impressive cookbook, Taming the Feast: Ben Ford’s Field Guide toAdventurous Cooking, focuses not only on bringing people together to eat good, sustainable organic food, but gathering lots, and lots, of people together to enjoy sumptuous feasts.
Chef Ben Ford officially earned his cooking credentials working at some of the country’s most established restaurants including the iconic Chez Panisse in Berkeley. He now oversees a growing collection of Ford’s FillingStation restaurants. The original Culver City restaurant will soon relocate to the JW Marriott at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles and there is a branch at LAX.
In 2012 he won the prestigious Cochon 555 – L.A. top award for snout-to-tail cooking with dishes like pork belly Benedict with soft poached egg, Fresno chili and bacon hollandaise.
His impressive cookbook, Taming the Feast: Ben Ford’s Field Guide toAdventurous Cooking, focuses not only on bringing people together to eat good, sustainable organic food, but gathering lots, and lots, of people together to enjoy sumptuous feasts. Tapping into his childhood outdoor feasting memories, the book features step-by-step illustrated instructions for nine original menus with meals like a box-roasted spring lamb for 40, and a Cedar-planked Wild Sturgeon for 40 to 50 hungry guests.
The new Ford’s Filling Station at the JW Marriott Hotel at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles debuts on Wednesday, December 3rd. It’s breakfast, lunch and dinner, and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The menu is 100 per cent Chef Ben’s design.
They also will be operating two bars there.
Ben then chats about Alan Chadwick and his influence on Ben’s cooking. Alan was the father of biodynamic and organic farming in North America and was a tremendous influence on a generation of chefs including Alice Waters of Chez Panisse fame. Chef Ben named his first restaurant “Chadwick” (located on S. Beverly Dr., in Beverly Hills) in his honor.
Ben’s wife, Emily, is from Austin so it was important for him to get Hill Country Barbecue just right. It’s a key Chapter in Taming the Feast. He researched it with advice from his Family. When you’re talking Texas ‘cue it’s all about moist and tender beef brisket. Ben shares some great tips on smoking the brisket so all the flavor is there while retaining the needed moisture in the meat!
Heritage breed pigs are the talk of in-the-know chefs these days. We’ll meet the enterprising husband & wife couple behind Cook Pigs Ranch, a noted local producer of “farm to table heritage pigs.” You’ll also learn the intriguing story of a former Bouchon Beverly Hills chef who is soon to open an ambitious artisan butcher shop utilizing Old-World techniques in Santa Ana.
We’re journeying to San Diego where an energetic new executive chef is taking a San Diego seafood classic to a higher level with nightly changing tasting menus that are paired with boutique premium wines. The meals are, surprisingly, served with an incredible view of the bay.
The Inaugural All-Star Chef Classic at L.A. LIVE, a never-before-seen modern food event bringing together over 25 highly acclaimed chefs from around the country for unique and interactive dining experiences, is set to launch March 21st to 23rd at L.A. Live’s Event Deck. The event is organized by culinary industry veterans and founders of Alice in Events, LLC., Lucy Lean and Krissy Lefebvre. They have partnered with AEG, owners and operators of the downtown Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment District.
The three-day event will feature master chefs cooking and collaborating in venues designed to provide guests with up-close, unique and interactive culinary experiences.
The grand finale on Sunday, March 23rd from Noon to 2:30 p.m. is “Savor the Season Presented by Melissa’s Produce.” This event will wrap up the enticing weekend with a Farmer’s Market celebration of what LA has in abundance – seasonal , fresh, local ingredients cooked up and elevated to great heights by All-Star Chefs including Wylie Dufresne, Graham Elliot, Nancy Silverton, David Myers, Vinny Dotolo, David LeFevre, Josiah Citrin, and Waylynn Lucas. The chefs will create seasonal dishes using produce from a local purveyor/farmer providing the 600 guests with a variety of tastes as well as recipe cards to prepare each dish at home.
Co-Producer/Executive Director Lucy Lean is our guest.
