A sold-out audience of more than 600 people enjoyed the sampling by more than 20 amateur and professional chefs creating their specialties during the third Kaua‘i Poke Festival held at Koloa Landing Resort on Saturday.
A sold-out audience of more than 600 people enjoyed the sampling by more than 20 amateur and professional chefs creating their specialties during the third Kaua‘i Poke Festival held at Koloa Landing Resort on Saturday.
Chef Koa Kimmerle, of Anatta’s Thai Food, was announced the People’s Poke for his Anatta’s twisted Thai poke V2 after securing the highest score from guests attending the event, where a portion of proceeds was set aside to benefit the Hawai‘i Lodging &Tourism Association’s Kaua‘i Visitor Industry Charity Walk.
For his efforts, Kimmerle earned a $500 food and beverage credit to Holoholo Grill at Koloa Landing Resort, and a private poolside cabana at the resort’s 350,000-gallon main pool that was voted No. 1 Hotel Pool in USA Today’s 10 Best Awards.
Chef Grecean Manuel secured Overall Winner honors after securing the highest score from the event judges that included celebrity chefs Sam Choy, award-winning chef, TV personality, author and philanthropist Aaron Sanchez, and Ronnie Rainwater, the chief culinary officer at Las Vegas at Emeril’s Restaurants.
Manuel’s prize package included a seven-day, six-night stay at Koloa Landing Resort for his ahi poke lumpia.
Poke aficionados were also treated to an afternoon of entertainment that included a return performance by Kumu Hula Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin and select members of her Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala, with musician Bronson Aiwohi.
Mikey Moniz of KHON2’s “Living 808” served as the day’s host among the field of beverage stations that included the new offering of four flavors of Koloa Rum Company seltzers.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
