The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic returns for its second year, offering food enthusiasts a four-day celebration of culinary excellence. This unique festival brings together James Beard Award-winning chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists at the luxurious Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection on Hawai’i Island.
The event showcases Hawaiian cuisine while supporting local education through its partnership with Māla`ai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School. Attendees can expect a diverse array of culinary experiences, from innovative dishes to expertly crafted cocktails, all set against the backdrop of Hawai’i’s stunning landscapes.
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic provides a platform for culinary creativity and cultural exchange. It offers guests the opportunity to interact with renowned chefs, learn about Hawaiian culinary traditions, and savor exceptional cuisine in a picturesque setting.
Overview of Mauna Lani Culinary Classic
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic is a prestigious food festival held annually at the Mauna Lani resort on Hawaii’s Big Island. This four-day event showcases world-class chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists.
History and Significance
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic began in 2023, quickly establishing itself as a premier culinary event in Hawaii. Held over Labor Day weekend, the festival brings together James Beard Award-winning chefs and local culinary talents.
The event celebrates Hawaiian cuisine and culture while also featuring international flavors. Attendees can participate in cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and exclusive dinners prepared by renowned chefs.
A key component of the Culinary Classic is its partnership with Māla`ai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School. This collaboration supports local education and sustainable food practices.
Partnership with Auberge Resorts Collection
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic is hosted at Mauna Lani, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection. This partnership elevates the event’s prestige and ensures a luxurious setting for attendees.
Auberge Resorts Collection brings its expertise in hospitality to create a seamless experience for guests. The resort’s signature restaurant, CanoeHouse, plays a central role in the festival.
The collaboration allows for unique dining experiences that showcase the resort’s culinary team alongside visiting chefs. This partnership enhances the Culinary Classic’s appeal, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world to the Big Island.
Culinary Events
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic offers an array of gastronomic experiences. From beachside gatherings to intimate dinners, the event showcases culinary talent and innovative dishes in stunning Hawaiian settings.
Chefs on the Beach
This signature event brings James Beard Award-winning chefs to the shores of Mauna Lani. Guests mingle with culinary stars while enjoying gourmet bites and cocktails. The informal atmosphere allows for casual conversation with chefs like Nancy Silverton and Lee Anne Wong.
Local ingredients take center stage in dishes that blend Hawaiian flavors with global techniques. Live cooking stations dot the beach, offering a chance to watch master chefs at work. The sound of waves provides a soothing backdrop to the culinary excitement.
Culinary Classic Dinner
The pinnacle of the festival is the Culinary Classic Dinner. Held at CanoeHouse, the resort’s acclaimed restaurant, this multi-course feast features creations from visiting and resident chefs. Executive Chef Lee Anne Wong leads the kitchen team in crafting an unforgettable meal.
Each course highlights a different chef’s style and expertise. Wine pairings complement the innovative dishes, carefully selected by sommeliers. The dinner offers a rare opportunity to experience multiple award-winning chefs’ cuisines in one sitting.
Omakase Experiences
Intimate omakase dinners provide a more personal interaction with featured chefs. These chef’s choice meals showcase creativity and skill in a progression of surprising dishes. Limited seating ensures an exclusive experience for attendees.
Chefs might incorporate local specialties like Big Island beef or Kona lobster. The omakase format allows for spontaneity and adaptation to the freshest available ingredients. Diners can expect detailed explanations of each course from the chefs themselves.
Chef Demonstrations
Interactive chef demos offer insight into culinary techniques and recipe creation. Attendees learn tips and tricks from James Beard Award-winning chefs in a hands-on environment. These sessions cover topics ranging from knife skills to plating techniques.
Chefs share their expertise on working with local Hawaiian ingredients. Participants often get to taste the demonstrated dishes. These demos provide valuable knowledge for home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.
Beachside Tastings
Beachside tastings celebrate the bounty of Hawaii’s land and sea. Local farmers, fishermen, and producers showcase their products alongside visiting chefs’ creations. Attendees sample a wide range of flavors, from traditional Hawaiian dishes to modern interpretations.
Wine and cocktail tastings complement the food offerings. Mixologists craft drinks using local spirits and tropical fruits. The casual format encourages exploration and discovery of new tastes. These events often feature live music, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Featured Personalities
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic showcases an impressive lineup of culinary talent, from renowned chefs to skilled mixologists and special guests. This gathering of experts brings diverse flavors and techniques to the Hawaiian islands.
Celebrity Chef Appearances
Andrew Zimmern, Emmy-winning TV personality and chef, headlines the celebrity chef roster at the Mauna Lani Culinary Classic. His adventurous palate and global culinary expertise add an exciting dimension to the event.
Allen Hess, a local Hawaiian chef known for his farm-to-table approach, brings island flavors to the forefront. His participation highlights the importance of local ingredients and traditions.
James Beard Award-winning chefs from across the United States join the festivities, offering attendees a chance to taste their signature dishes and learn from their culinary wisdom.
Master Mixologists
Expert mixologists craft innovative cocktails that complement the culinary offerings. These skilled professionals blend local Hawaiian ingredients with global spirits to create unique flavor profiles.
Attendees can participate in mixology workshops to learn techniques for crafting perfectly balanced cocktails. Special focus is given to incorporating tropical fruits and herbs native to Hawaii.
Special Guest Stars
Sarah Michelle Gellar, actress and entrepreneur, adds star power to the event. Her passion for food and cooking aligns with the festival’s goal of celebrating culinary arts.
Local cultural experts share insights into Hawaiian food traditions and the significance of certain ingredients in island cuisine. Their presence enhances the educational aspect of the Culinary Classic.
Sommeliers and wine experts conduct tastings and pairings, helping guests discover the perfect wine matches for the diverse array of dishes presented throughout the event.
Local Cuisine and Cultivation
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic celebrates Hawaii’s rich agricultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions. This event showcases the island’s farm-to-table philosophy, sustainable seafood practices, and community engagement through food education.
Farm-to-Table Philosophy
Hawaii’s unique microclimates and fertile volcanic soil create ideal conditions for growing a wide variety of produce. The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic embraces this abundance by featuring locally sourced ingredients in its dishes.
Chefs collaborate with nearby farms to create menus that highlight seasonal offerings. This approach supports local agriculture and ensures the freshest flavors for guests.
The event often includes farm tours or demonstrations, allowing attendees to see firsthand where their food comes from. These experiences deepen the connection between diners, chefs, and the land.
Highlight on Hawaiian Kanpachi
Hawaiian Kanpachi, a sustainably farmed fish, takes center stage at the Culinary Classic. Blue Ocean Mariculture, located off the Kona Coast, produces this prized fish using environmentally responsible methods.
Chefs showcase Kanpachi’s versatility through various preparations. From raw preparations like sashimi to grilled or smoked dishes, the fish’s clean flavor and firm texture shine through.
The focus on Kanpachi highlights Hawaii’s commitment to sustainable aquaculture. It also introduces guests to a local delicacy that embodies the islands’ connection to the ocean.
Supporting Waimea Middle School
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic partners with Māla’ai, a culinary garden program at Waimea Middle School. This collaboration brings a vital educational component to the event.
Students participate in hands-on activities during the festival, learning about food cultivation and preparation. They may assist chefs, present dishes they’ve grown, or lead garden tours.
This partnership helps fund Māla’ai’s ongoing programs, which teach students about nutrition, agriculture, and Hawaiian cultural practices. It also inspires the next generation of chefs and farmers in Hawaii.
Educational Outreach
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic extends its impact beyond the event itself through educational initiatives. These programs aim to nurture culinary talent and inspire the next generation of chefs and food enthusiasts.
Culinary Arts Education
The Culinary Classic partners with local culinary schools to provide hands-on learning experiences. Students participate in masterclasses led by James Beard Award-winning chefs, gaining valuable insights into advanced cooking techniques and industry trends.
Aspiring chefs have the opportunity to work alongside professional kitchen teams during the event. This real-world experience enhances their skills and builds confidence in high-pressure culinary environments.
The event also offers scholarships to promising culinary students. These funds support further education and training, helping to cultivate Hawaii’s future culinary leaders.
Youth Engagement
The Culinary Classic collaborates with Māla`ai, the Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School. This partnership introduces keiki (children) to sustainable food systems and culinary arts from an early age.
Students participate in garden-to-table workshops, learning about local ingredients and their cultural significance. They also gain hands-on experience in harvesting and preparing dishes using fresh, locally-grown produce.
The event hosts a special “Junior Chef” competition, where young participants showcase their culinary skills. This friendly competition encourages creativity and passion for cooking among youth.
Educational tours of the Mauna Lani’s sustainable food practices are offered to school groups. These tours highlight the importance of responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship in the culinary world.
Experiences and Activities
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic offers more than just exceptional dining. Guests can explore the stunning Kohala Coast and enjoy family-friendly activities between culinary events.
Kohala Coast Adventures
Visitors can embark on thrilling ocean excursions from Mauna Lani’s pristine beaches. Canoeing adventures allow guests to experience traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoes while taking in breathtaking coastal views. Snorkeling trips reveal vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.
For land-based exploration, guided hikes showcase the area’s dramatic lava fields and native flora. Guests can also tee off at the resort’s world-class golf courses with panoramic ocean vistas.
Family-Friendly Offerings
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic caters to younger guests with specially designed activities. Children can participate in hands-on cooking classes, learning to make local treats like keiki malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts).
Interactive cultural programs introduce kids to Hawaiian traditions through lei-making, hula lessons, and storytelling sessions. The resort’s family pool provides a fun splash zone, while beachfront activities like sandcastle building keep little ones entertained between culinary events.
The Culinary Finale
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic concludes with a thrilling chicken competition and a series of gourmet events that showcase culinary excellence. These final activities bring together top chefs, food enthusiasts, and local ingredients for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
The Perfect Chicken Competition
Chefs from around the world compete to create the ultimate chicken dish at this flagship event. Contestants utilize locally sourced poultry and diverse cooking techniques to impress a panel of expert judges. Spectators observe as chefs demonstrate their skills in preparing, seasoning, and plating their entries.
The competition highlights innovative flavor combinations and creative presentations. Judges evaluate dishes based on taste, texture, and visual appeal. Winners receive recognition and prizes, solidifying their status in the culinary world.
Gourmet Events Wrap-Up
The Culinary Classic’s final day features a variety of food-focused activities. Attendees participate in cooking demonstrations led by renowned chefs, learning new techniques and recipes. Wine tastings pair exquisite vintages with gourmet bites, enhancing the overall culinary experience.
A grand tasting event allows guests to sample creations from all participating chefs. This culinary showcase represents diverse cuisines and cooking styles. Local ingredients take center stage, highlighting Hawaii’s unique flavors and agricultural bounty.
The event concludes with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding chefs and dishes from throughout the festival.
Benefit and Charity
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic partners with local organizations to give back to the community. Through a silent auction and community contributions, the event supports culinary education and sustainability initiatives on the Kohala Coast.
The Silent Auction
The silent auction is a highlight of the Culinary Classic, featuring unique items and experiences. Guests can bid on exclusive dining opportunities at Blue Ribbon Sushi and other renowned restaurants. Local artwork, luxury hotel stays, and private chef experiences are also up for grabs.
All proceeds from the auction benefit Māla`ai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School. This non-profit organization teaches students about sustainable agriculture and culinary arts. The funds help maintain the garden and support educational programs.
Community Contributions
Blue Ribbon Restaurants plays a key role in supporting the event’s charitable efforts. They donate staff time, ingredients, and culinary expertise. Local farms and businesses on the Kohala Coast also contribute products and services.
The Culinary Classic offers educational workshops for aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts. These sessions cover topics like sustainable fishing, traditional Hawaiian cooking techniques, and farm-to-table practices. Participants gain valuable skills while supporting the event’s charitable mission.
Community members can volunteer at the event, fostering a sense of local involvement. This hands-on approach strengthens ties between residents, visitors, and the hospitality industry on the Kohala Coast.
Planning Your Visit
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic offers an exceptional culinary experience on Hawaii’s Big Island. Proper planning ensures guests can fully enjoy this prestigious event.
Accommodations and Packages
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection hosts the culinary classic. Guests can book rooms directly at the resort for convenient access to all events. The resort often offers special packages for attendees, which may include event tickets and exclusive dining experiences.
Room options range from standard guest rooms to luxurious suites with ocean views. Early booking is recommended, as rooms fill quickly during the event dates.
For those preferring alternative accommodations, nearby hotels and vacation rentals are available in the Waikoloa area. These options can provide more budget-friendly stays while still allowing easy access to the festival.
Contact Information
For event inquiries and reservations, contact Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection directly. The resort’s concierge can assist with booking accommodations and answering questions about the culinary classic.
Phone: 855-201-3179
Email: [email protected]
The resort’s website provides updated information on event schedules, participating chefs, and ticket sales. Social media channels also offer real-time updates and highlights from previous years’ events.
For media inquiries, contact Bacchus Agency at their designated email address.
Craft Beverages and Cocktails
The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic showcases an impressive array of craft beverages and cocktails. Expert mixologists demonstrate their skills, while a diverse selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options caters to all preferences.
Mixologist Showcases
Award-winning mixologists Manny Hinojosa and Francesco Lafranconi take center stage at the Culinary Classic. These skilled professionals engage in a thrilling head-to-head competition, demonstrating their expertise in crafting innovative cocktails.
Guests can observe the mixologists’ techniques and learn about unique flavor combinations. The showcases often feature locally-sourced ingredients, highlighting the rich flavors of Hawaii.
Interactive sessions allow attendees to participate in mixing workshops, gaining hands-on experience in cocktail creation.
Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Options
The event offers a wide range of beverage choices to suit all tastes. Craft cocktails featuring premium spirits and fresh ingredients are a highlight of the festival.
For non-drinkers, creative mocktails provide flavorful alternatives. These alcohol-free concoctions often incorporate tropical fruits, herbs, and spices native to the Big Island.
Local breweries and wineries also participate, offering tastings of their finest products. This diverse selection ensures that every guest can find a beverage to complement their culinary experience at the Mauna Lani Culinary Classic.
