Chef Fest at Four Seasons Hualalai
Chef Fest at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai was an unforgettable <culinary> experience. FS Hualalai is one of those resorts truly un-matched in its class. The property works with more than 160 farmers, fishermen, and ranchers on the island, and the culinary team on property are leaders in sustainable dining. All of the Resort’s restaurants highlight local ingredients, 75% of which come from Hawai’i island. From the stunning environments to the level of service provided, Four Seasons Resorts always leave me in awe, and this time was no exception. I am so thankful to the FS team as well as all of the staff for being so kind and making our stay absolutely wonderful.
Coffee and Talk Story with the chefs at Hualalai Trading Company
Chef Fest Grand Tasting
A tasting of dishes by all the chefs participating in the event at the Hoku Amphitheater
Our bedroom in the ocean view suite!
First morning breakfast on the terrace – started off with classic dishes
Interactive Cooking Class w/ Andy Ricker
Learned to make a Thai shrimp dish at the All-Clad Cooking Academy in the Herb Garden – Andy’s specialty!
Nili Lotan Top, Isabel Marant Skirt, Seven All Around Sandals, Fendi Bag, Eric Javits Hat
Met the most handsome labs!
Cos D’Estournel Bordeux Tasting w/ Etienne de Nantes
A fabulous lesson on wine
‘Ohana Chest Fest Dinner
Family style dinner at Beach Tree featuring Chefs Charles Phan, Michael Cimarusti, Jason McLeod, Thomas Bellec, Craig Dryhurst, Kalani Garcia
In-room breakfast the next morning of Hawaiian Loco Moco, Pineapple, and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Interactive Cooking Class w/ Charles Phan
Made ginger beef vermicelli and shrimp & chayote stir-fry, while listening to his life story! So much respect…. can’t wait to visit The Slanted Door again someday.
A Quest For Perfection: Champagne Louis Roederer w/ Gregory Balogh
Cristal tasting… done.
Chef Fest Reception & Beach Cookout
Slipped off our shoes and had dinner on Kumukea Beach! Dishes by Chefs Brooke Williamson, Andy Ricker, Hugh Acheson, Thomas Bellec, Chris Ford, Kalani Garcia
FS Hualalai Spa
Relaxed with a great hot stone massage and really enjoyed the steam room – it was super intense in the best way possible.
Barneys New York Dress, Yvonne Kone Sandals, Fendi Bag, Celine Sunglasses
Chef Fest Gala Dinner
Final dinner of the week with all the chefs, which was absolutely incredible.
All the award-winning guest chefs this year as part of Chef Fest hosted intimate events, dynamic cooking classes, and world-class culinary experiences throughout the week at multiple locations at the ocean-front Resort. I was so happy to have been in the company of chefs Charles Phan, Andy Ricker, Craig Dryhurst, Thomas Bellec, Michael Cimarusti, Brooke Williamson, Chris Ford, Hugh Acheson, Kalani Garcia, and Jason McLead. Mixologists Tony Abou-Ganim, Julie Reiner, Kyle Reutner, and Chandra Lucariello also featured delicious drinks at the Patron Lounge at Palm Grove Pool daily. We participated in a handful of events that were offered as part of the event program, with plenty of time to spend exploring the Big Island, enjoying the amenities on property, and relaxing on the beach. Another photo diary covering the Big Island is coming soon, but wanted to recap the event here first while it is still fresh in my memory! As always, ‘till we meet again… aloha!
In collaboration with Four Seasons Resort Hualalai; thoughts and opinions are my own.
Photos by Hoon Kim and I
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