Categorized | Featured, Volunteering

Christmas at Kona Village raises funds for culinary arts (Dec. 4)

Daniel Cody works on his masterpiece. (Photo courtesy ACF - Kona Kohala Chefs Association)

MEDIA RELEASE

Christmas comes to Kona with the culinary gala of the holiday season: Christmas at Kona Village, Dining with the Chefs on Saturday, Dec. 4.

Not only will attendees be wowed by tantalizing cuisine prepared by the isle’s top chefs, but also by a standout gingerbread display hand-crafted by local culinary students attending Hawaii Community College (HawCC)-West Hawaii.

Culinary students are the beneficiaries of the 22nd annual fundraiser, which is presented by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Kona Kohala Chefs Association. Time is 5:30-8 p.m. at the Kona Village Resort.

‘Tis the season to enjoy savory dishes, elegant desserts, mouthwatering confections, 100 percent Kona coffee, handcrafted ales and fine wines. Under the stars, get jazzed by the tunes of the Bill Noble Trio.

The event’s gingerbread display showcases authentic-looking Polynesian hale (houses) patterned after those at the Kona Village Resort. During a silent auction, attendees can bid on each of the unique hale to take home.

Using gingerbread and a variety of food products — ice cream cones, noodles, pretzels and candy — enterprising HawCC students constructed hale typical to New Zealand, Tahiti, New Hebrides, Palau, the Marquesas and Hawaii. Each hale sits on a gingerbread lava landscape atop an easy-to-carry cookie sheet.

In addition, a live auction will offer exclusive private dinners and culinary activities catered by local chefs. Bid on a Chef’s Table for Eight at Mi’s Italian Bistro, a dinner for six in your home expertly prepared by Chef Peter Abarcar, Jr. or a festive Chocolate Extravaganza for 25 at an exclusive Keauhou mauka residence.

Proceeds from both auctions benefit scholarship assistance to student culinarians at HawCC, Big Isle high schools and to qualifying ACF members for continuing education. Students, including past event scholarship recipients, will assist at culinary tasting stations throughout the event.

Wowing diners will be more than 20 chefs and confectioners; each will offer signature menu items that are sure to please the palate. Participants include West Hawaii’s top resorts and restaurants: Mauna Kea Beach Resort, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, Daniel Thiebaut’s, Sansei’s Waikoloa, Monettes, Kona Village Resort, Royal Kona Resort, Kona Brewery and the new Humpy’s Big Island Ale House to name a few.

Visions of sugarplums will dance in your head after seeing the selection of confections and exquisite desserts by participants such as Tropical Dreams Ice Cream, Kailua Candy Company and the Cocoa Outlet.

Attendance is limited to 500 and ticket prices are $75 per person. In addition, reserved tables of 10 are available for $1,000. Tickets can be charged by phone at 329-2522 and can be purchased at Kailua Candy Company, Clark Realty/Kona, Kona Wine Market and Cafe Pesto in Hilo.

Weekend and one-night accommodation packages start at $235 for single/double occupancy with Sunday brunch. Contact reservations for details at 808-325-5555 or 800-367-5290 and mention “ACF Christmas at Kona Village.”

American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association
ACF is the largest, professional, non-profit organization for chefs and cooks in the nation. Founded in 1980, the Kona Kohala chapter is comprised of food service professionals, vendors and growers.

— Find out more:
www.konakohalachefs.org

Victoria Koningisor puts on some finishing touches. (Photo courtesy ACF - Kona Kohala Chefs Association)

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