Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Chefs for Hope

It's been a while since I did a foodie blog, but am inspired and determined to post something once a week. I thought Chefs for Hope: A Fundraiser for Haiyan Relief Effort would be a great start to this goal.

As everyone knows, a devastating typhoon disaster happened in Haiyan, Philippines. Living in Hawai'i this kind of disaster hits so close to home, and it's incredible how everyone comes together to help in any way that they can. Last night, 34 of Hawai'i's top chefs participated in an event to help this cause. In a matter of just a couple weeks, Chef Chai organized this amazing affair where 100% of the proceeds went to the Salvation Army Haiyan Relief Fund.

The participating restaurants and vendors included: 12th Ave Grill, Alan Wong's, the Beachhouse at the Moana, Café Laufer, Centerplate, d.k Steakhouse, HASR Bistro, Hawaiian Spring Water, Hiroshi's, Japengo, JJ Bistro & French Pastry, Kakaako Kitchen, La Tour Cafe, Mariposa, Michel's at the Colony Surf, Morimoto, Nico's, Nori's, Ola at the Turtle Bay Resort, Paradise Beverages, Poke Stop, Rakuen Sushi Bar/Mercury Pub, Roy's, SALT, Sansei Sushi Bar & Restaurant, Side Street Inn, Southern Wine & Spirits, Tango Contemporary Café, The Pacific Club and World Sake Imports Beverages.

Today I will showcase my top 3 restaurant faves of the night (in no particular order).

On top of all the restaurants, wine, beer, and sake were all served.

1st fave - d.k. Steak House's infamous dungeness crab ramen with asian truffle broth. You can never go wrong with this dish!

2nd fave - Rakuen's sashimi. Anthony was very generous to serve 3 different types for the night: Hamachi, Salmon, and Ahi. Very popular, fresh, melt-in-yo-mouth, and such a great hit!

And last but not least, Vintage Cave's mushroom parmesan soup topped with truffle oil. So deeeelish, I seriously couldn't get enough of this. I guess I'll just have to go to the restaurant someday to get more ;)

One of the newest photobooth contraptions joined in too - Timestoppers Hawai'i! So awesome. Check out the real deal here: http://www.timestoppershawaii.com/cfh/056