Highlights from the 8th Annual Mangoes at the Moana

On Saturday, one of my sons and I attended the 8th Annual Mangoes at the Moana event at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa.

I went to this event for the first time last year, and I had such a great time!

This year's event once again took place on a beautiful, sunny day.  It was quite hot, but that didn't deter mango fans from attending this culinary event.

I arrived just in time for the Mango Throw Down, my favorite part of the Mangoes at the Moana event. During the Mango Throw Down, 8 local celebrity chefs compete to create the best mango dish. This year, the competition included:

"Tropical Flare" Mango Risotto with Sauteed Scallop (Chef Hiroyuki Mimura - Taormina) - this was my favorite dish!

Lawalu Mango Seed, Papio, Olena, Spicy Pickle Mango, Carrot, Kona Salt (Chef Mark Noguchi - Pili Group / Mission House) - this was my son's fave!

Deep Fried Green Mango, XO Sauce (Chef Andy Reagan - Morimoto Waikiki)

Mango, Quinoa, & Crab Cake, Mango Harrisa (Chef Ronnie Nasuti - Tiki's Grill & Bar)

"Mango, Mango, Mango" - Mango Kafir Panna Cotta, Mango Tapioca, Mango Sorbet, Shaved Mango (left; Chef Michelle Karr-Ueoka) + Mini Mango Margarita (top); Rumble-Bumble-Mango (right)

Mango Bread with Fresh Ricotta, Smoked Salt, Olive Oil (Chef Ed Kenney / Maggie King - Town)

Mango Semifredo, Mango Meringue, Mango Powder Pop Rocks (Chef Carolyn Portuondo - Royal Hawaiian Hotel)

Hayden Mango Filled Ricotta Malasada (Chef Lee Anne Wong - Koko Head Cafe)

I loved this year's dishes!  I would order them all in a restaurant!  My favorite, however, was the Risotto from Taormina, and my son loved the fish from Pili Group.  The Judges' and People's choice winner was the "Mango, Mango, Mango" by Chef Michelle Karr-Ueoka.

In addition to the Mango Throw Down, there was a Silent Auction, as well as Cooking Demonstrations, Farmer's Market, Best Mango Contest, a Cocktail Mixdown, and an Introduction to Mangoes.  

A few of the Silent Auction items

Cooking Demo

A few of the goods at the Farmer's Market

Mangoes at the Moana is a very family-friendly event.  My son really enjoyed trying out every single one of the dishes.  

Although the lines were at times very long, and it was very hot, the event is a great way to not only get your fill of mangoes and mango dishes, but it's awesome being able to see the chefs in action and getting to interact with them.

If you missed out on the Mangoes at the Moana event, you still have time to enjoy mango offerings at the Moana Surfrider. Through the end of the month, the veranda and the beachhouse at the moana will offer mango-inspired dishes, as well as mango curd and mango macarons during the Moana’s renowned Afternoon Tea. During the evening at the beachhouse at the moana, diners can order mango kaffir lime panna cotta or have a taste of mango salt during bread service. At the Surfrider Café near the pool, specials will be featured each day in July beginning at 11 a.m.

For dining reservations or information, please call the Starwood Waikiki dining desk at 808-921-4600.

Thank you to the sponsor for the complimentary Throw Down tickets.