Taste of Molokai comes to Paddlers’ Inn Saturday

Chris Schobel, chef at Hula Grill, at last year’s Taste of Molokai event. This year he will demonstrate a Vadouvan Pork Tostada, Cumin Scented Refried Beans, Lilikoi Queso Fresco and Tomatillo Sour Cream.

Molokai Chamber of Commerce News Release

The annual Taste of Molokai will be this Saturday at the 10th annual Business and Food Expo hosted by the Molokai Chamber of Commerce.

This year the event will be at Paddlers’ Inn, downtown Kaunakakai, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“A Taste of Molokai is an exciting venue that brings much needed economic stimuli to our island and attracts both island residents and visitors alike,” according to Rob Stephenson of the Molokai Chamber of Commerce. Last year the event attracted over 1,000 people when it was held at the Lanikeha Center in Hoolehua.

Throughout the day the event will feature popular Maui County chefs creating unique culinary delights using Molokai products. The dishes are prepared in front of excited onlookers and offered for sale. And this year, for the first time, the event will feature select wines specially chosen by our chefs to pair with each of their gourmet creations.

This year’s chef lineup:

Chef Gene Pike — Hotel Molokai:
Grilled Molokai Sun Fish (Tilapia) w/Gorilla Ogo Namasu and Basil Pesto Risotto with Bianca Rose Eggplant
* Suggested Wine: Pinot Grigio
Molokai Sliders with Range-Fed Molokai Ground Beef
* Suggested Wine: Ulupalakua Red or a nice Merlot

Chef Dean Louie – Maui Culinary Academy:
Pad Thai with Crispy Fried Molokai Shrimp
* Suggested Wine: Gewürztraminer, Chablis, or Sauvignon Blanc
Molokai Mocha Trifle
* Suggested Wine: Orange Muscat, Sauternes, or Riesling

Chef Chris Schobel – Hula Grill:
Vadouvan Pork Tostada, Cumin Scented Refried Beans, Lilikoi Queso Fresco, Tomatillo Sour Cream
* Suggested Wine: Tempranillo, Petite Syrah, Mourvedre
Goat Cheese and Duck Confit Shumai, Pickled Daikon Dipping Sauce
* Suggested Wine: Chenin Blanc, Verdelho

Most importantly, this event features businesses and food service providers who contribute to the overall economic sustainability of Molokai. By offering vital exposure and partnership opportunities to all businesses (from farmers, home businesses, financial institutions, food service establishments, to youth entrepreneurs from our Molokai High School business class) businesses are able to present value-added products and increase their sales.

Come join us for the very best Molokai has to offer. We hope to see you there.