Two culinary festivals will be coming to the Big Island this weekend and organizers are encouraging people to attend.
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel will host Pele & Poli‘ahu on Friday.
Described on the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival website as "an ancient tale of immortal sibling rivalry is brought to life in this culinary dance of fire and ice. Legend has it that Pele, the goddess of volcanic fire and her sister Poliahu, the goddess of snow, challenged each other to a holua or wooden sled race. The fierce competition is said to have divided the Island of Hawaii into Poliahu’s tranquil north and Pele’s fiery south. In a tribute to the island’s juxtaposing landscapes and lore, this grand tasting event brings you a contrast of flavors and tastes.”
Chef de Cuisine Ryan Brannigan, with the hotel, will share his expertise in local fare and collaborate with celebrated chefs from across the country, along with serving “mouthwatering harmony of fire-roasted bites, hot off the grill served alongside refreshingly cool dishes and sips.”
On Saturday, The Canoe House at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection will host Cuisines of the Sun.
The festival website describes it as "a culinary journey around the world ... . An homage to the original Cuisines of the Sun event series from 1991-2001 and curated by HFWF co-founder and pioneering chef Alan Wong, this five-course dinner is an unparalleled display of gastronomic diversity and excellence. Wong is joined by CanoeHouse’s executive chef Matt Raso, executive pastry chef Helen Hong and renowned California chefs Raphael Lunetta and Celestino Drago.”
Tickets and table reservations can be purchased on the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival website and those interested in attending must show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken two days prior to the event.