Food is something we take for granted, said Mark Oyama during a recognition ceremony at the Kauai County Council meeting Wednesday afternoon. “Food nourishes us,” Oyama said. “Food also touches lives, whatever type of celebrations we have from office events,
Food is something we take for granted, said Mark Oyama during a recognition ceremony at the Kauai County Council meeting Wednesday afternoon.
“Food nourishes us,” Oyama said. “Food also touches lives, whatever type of celebrations we have from office events, promotions, gathering of friends, and it consoles us when we lose a loved one. What we try to do with food is to create memories and dreams.”
Oyama was recognized and congratulated by the council for his induction into the 2015 Hawaii Restaurant Hall of Fame in ceremonies on Sept. 21.
Inductees to the Hawaii Restaurant Hall of Fame are selected for their dedication and commitment to the growth of the restaurant and food service industry in Hawaii, contributions to the enhancement of its quality and image and demonstrated service through outreach.
“Mark has been a key leader in the business since graduating with a degree in culinary arts from Kapiolani Community College,” said Council Chairman Mel Rapozo on the certificate. “He accepted a faculty position in the culinary arts program at the Kauai Community College in 1992, and his culinary students have consistently excelled in winning numerous gold and silver medals in American Culinary Federation competitions.”
Oyama is also the owner of Mark’s Place and Contemporary Flavors Catering, a restaurant and catering business that offers local food and gourmet specials which are built on fresh local produce and seafood, Rapozo said.
“This is not a one-person event,” Oyama said. “It takes a team to do this, whether at the restaurant, or the college. These are people who have the same vision. I’m not the easiest person to work for, but these people have always been there.”
Giving back to the community has been a priority for Oyama as he frequently sponsors events and gives donations of food, or money to organizations such as the upcoming Kapaa Interfaith Association Thanksgiving service and luncheon where he and the Mark’s Place crew served more than 900 turkey lunches.
“Mark Oyama is a true example of one who gives his heart to his business and students, and has had a tremendous impact on our entire community and beyond,” said Conrad Nonaka, chairman of the Hall of Fame Nomination Committee.
Starting at Kauai Community College in 1992, Oyama became manager of the kitchen during the time Kauai Community College served as a shelter following the devastation of Hurricane Iniki, serving more than 90,000 meals for those seeking refuge.
Oyama’s goal in every course is to teach the mastery of techniques, methods, and flavors. The key is to answer “Why?” at every level of culinary arts.
“Don’t be afraid to make a mistake,” Oyama said to his students. “Cooking is a lot of trial and error.”
