Mark your calendar for the 2008 Mealani's Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agriculture Festival. Come and toast our 13th anniversary on October 3, 2008 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort on the beautiful Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort.   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 $35.

What’s New in 2008?

Chef Peter Merriman

Agriculture Festival Trade Show 1 to 3 p.m., Kohala Ballrom
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 101”, 4 to 5 p.m., Kohala Ballroom
Award winning chef Peter Merriman cooks up forage fed beef, providing 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.

Ranch Round-up Cook-off, 6:45 p.m., Grand Ballroom stage
A new event this year is a Ranch Roundup Cookoff featuring the best recipes from Hawaii's historic ranches.  What do cowboys eat when they're rounding up the cattle? Find out as Hawaii's ranchers prepare their tastiest beef specialties for a distinguished panel of judges. This Cookoff will take place on center stage at 6:45 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom. 

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) 981-8285 on Hawaii Island or email Susan Miyasaka at miyasaka@hawaii.edu.