Hawaii Food & Wine Festival Raises $394,000 for Local Beneficiaries - Save the Dates for October 20 - November 5 2017

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival's 2016 Mahalo Reception at Mariposa at Neiman Marcus.

At the reception, 14 local beneficiaries were presented checks totaling a record $394,000 raised by Hawaii Food & Wine Festival's events in 2016.

Over its six years, the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival has raised almost $1.7 million for various non-profit organizations.

The annual festival has grown from a 3-day festival on Oahu, to over 20 events on 3 islands. Over 8765 people attended 2016's events, at which 114 chefs, 50 wine makers, and 10 mixologists showcased their talents.

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival even gets the keiki involved at its annual Keiki in the Kitchen event!

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival does a fantastic job of not only showcasing the culinary expertise of chefs from Hawaii and around the world, but also in emphasizing how Hawaii is a premier destination for not only its cuisine and its quality, locally-grown products, but also for its culture, people, and spirit.

At the event, guests were offered specialty tastings by Marc Freiberg (Mariposa at Neiman Marcus), Vikram Garg (Chef/Consultant), Alan Takasaki (Le Bistro), Alan Wong (Alan Wong's) Anheuser-Busch Sales of Hawaii, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Hawaii.

Kona Abalone Rice - Alan Wong (Alan Wong's Honolulu)

Makaweli Beef Cheeks and Ni`ihau Lamb Tongues - Alan Wong (Alan Wong's Honolulu)

Fennel and Preserved Lemon Risotto with Poached Lobster with Orange-Carrot Essence - Vikram Garg

Seared Scallops - Alan Takasaki (Le Bistro)

Shimishike Wagyu Short Rib - Alan Takasaki (Le Bistro)

Kiawe Smoked Maui Nui Venison Loin - Marc Freiberg (Mariposa at Neiman Marcus)

Mango Pudding with Crispy Jasmine Rice - Marc Freiberg (Mariposa at Neiman Marcus)

Save the dates - Hawaii Food & Wine Festival 2017 is set for October 20 to November 5!