Mark your calendar for the 2009 Mealani's Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agriculture Festival. Come and toast our 14th anniversary on September 18, 2009 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort on the beautiful Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island. As usual, the Taste itself will open to the public at 6:00 p.m. and run ‘til it's all gone or to 8:00 p.m., which ever comes first.

Indulge your appetite and show your support of local agriculture as the finest culinary talents in Hawaii showcase the bounty and diversity of Hawaii island's agricultural products. Featured chefs will create extraordinary dishes using locally grown range-fed meats utilizing every part from the tongue to the tail.  In addition, lamb, pork, mutton, and goat will be prepared, all complemented by fresh fruits and vegetables from Hawaii Island farmers. Exceptional food products like Kona coffee, specialty teas, micro brewed soda, ice cream, candies, malasadas and other prepared foods will round out the evening’s fare. Tickets are $40.

What’s New in 2009?

Educational Seminar 12:00 noon, Kohala Ballroom
It's All About Taste - A Seminar on Locally-Raised Beef and Other Island Products
Want to deepen your knowledge of Hawaii's extraordinary agriculture products? Chef William K. Trask of Hawaiian Culinary Consultants, President of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Kona Kohala Chefs Association and long-time advocate for local products, will lead participants through a side-by-side tasting of some of Hawaii's finest products. Find out more by meeting the farmers and ranchers, as well as learn simple, effective ways to highlight the best qualities of Hawaii's local products from the chefs of the ACF-Kona-Kohala Chefs de Cuisine.

Attendance by registration for culinary students, chefs, "front of house" personnel, retail and wholesale buyers, and media. To register, contact Michelle Galimba at 430-4927 or via email at mgalimba@kuahiwiranch.com. Space is limited.

Agriculture Festival Trade Show, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Grand Ballroom
A showcase of Hawaii Island food products for chefs, wholesale and retail buyers and media from throughout the state.

Attendance by registration only. (Not open to the public.)

“Cooking Grass-fed Beef”, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., Kohala Ballroom
Corporate Executive chef of Roy’s Restaurants, Jacqueline Lau, and Executive Chef of Roy’s Restaurant Hawaii Kai, Ronnie Nasuti, will team together to cook up forage fed beef.  They will provide tips for the home cook on the best ways to season, cook, and serve this tasty and delicious product.

Attendance limited to 100; tickets are $10.

Who Should Attend This Event?

Farmers, ranchers, and other food producers who would like to have their products featured.  Also, residents, chefs, restauranteurs, tourists, aficionados of good food and anyone interested in tasting the bounty of Hawaii Island. And anyone looking for great food, a good time, and a great deal. The planning committee is committed to making this year’s festival another great tasting event of ono-licious cuisine.

For general information, please call (808) 981-5199 ext. 201 on Hawaii Island or email Susan Miyasaka at miyasaka@hawaii.edu.