PO‘IPU — Chef Don Gusman and team g3=Gusman Go Getters earned the coveted first place trophy presented by Chef Sam Choy during the 2024 Kaua‘i Poke Fest held at the Koloa Landing Resort on Saturday.
PO‘IPU — Chef Don Gusman and team g3=Gusman Go Getters earned the coveted first place trophy presented by Chef Sam Choy during the 2024 Kaua‘i Poke Fest held at the Koloa Landing Resort on Saturday.
Gusman’s creation titled, “Throw Back” was good enough to capture the taste buds of the large turnout, as well as the celebrity judges, which included Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, Pittsburgh Steelers football players Nate Herbig and Nick Herbig, Kumu Hula Leinaala Pavao Jardin and Chef Sheldon Simeon, the owner of Tiffany’s and Tin Roof on Maui.
Second place honors belonged to Chef Turquoise “Toto” Santos of the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa team, which banked on its “da Kona Moku Poke” at the event that was voted Top 10 by USA Today’s 10 Best Awards.
Last year’s top winner, Grecean Manuel and Team Wahine of Poke, was bumped to third place with its “Poke Surprise” in the field of 20 chefs competing.
Proceeds from the Kaua‘i Poke Fest benefit the Hawai‘i Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
