Promising Hawaii chefs in spotlight at “Rising Stars Revue” gala in Waikiki

The StarChefs Rising Stars Revue, which showcases up-and-coming culinary talent across the country, will hold its first-ever Hawaii gala next week in Waikiki.

The event, set for 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tues., Dec. 4 at Halekulani, is a walk-around tasting. It will feature dishes from each 2012 Hawaii Rising Star Award recipient, as well as wine pairings, mixologist-inspired drinks, and entertainment. For more information about the StarChefs Rising Stars Revue Waikiki event, click here.

In a news release issued by StarChefs.com, an online magazine tailored for culinary insiders, managing editor Will Blunt said: “Hawaii is about creativity and custom.” Blunt added, “From island to island, chefs are balancing sophisticated, modern innovations with an underlying celebration of local food culture.”

More than 50 Hawaiian candidates were considered through in-person tastings and interviews with an editorial team representing StarChefs.com.

The 2012 Hawaii Rising Stars Award Winners are:

CHEFS — Christopher Kulis, Capische? (Maui). Featured dish: Australian Beef Carpaccio, Horseradish Aïoli, Radish, Lemon Oil, Fried Capers, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Andrew Le, The Pig and the Lady (Oahu). Featured dish: Pho with Betelnut Leaf-wrapped Pork Sausages. Cameron Lewark, Spago (Maui). Featured dish: Onaga Ceviche, Green Papaya Salad, Kaffir Lime, Coconut, and Passionfruit Flower. Nick Mastrascusa, Beach Tree (Big Island). Featured dish: Gnocchi with Oxtail Ragout. Wade Ueoka, Alan Wong’s (Oahu). Featured dish: Oxtail “Soup”: Oxtail and Corned Beef Roulade, Boiled Peanuts, and Shiitake Mushrooms. Jojo Vasquez, The Plantation House Restaurant (Maui). Featured dish: Australian Lamb Rack, Eggplant Purée, and Chickpea Cake.

PASTRY CHEFS — Michelle Karr-Ueoka, Alan Wong’s (Oahu).
Featured dish: Lilikoi Brûlée. Elizabeth McDonald, Honu Seafood & Pizza (Maui). Featured dish: Vegan Chocolate Mousse Cake.
 
SUSTAINABILITY CHEF — Quinten Frye, Salt Kitchen & Tasting Bar (Oahu); Featured dish: Octopus, Chorizo, Olives, Potatoes, Compressed Grape Tomatoes, Almonds, and Kahuku Corn Purée
 
ARTISAN — Doug Kocol, Salt Kitchen & Tasting Bar (Oahu). Featured dish: Pork Rillette and Soppressata.
 
CONCEPT CHEF — Sheldon Simeon (pictured, top of page), Star Noodle (Maui). Featured dish: Hapa Ramen: Roast Pork, Poached Egg, Bamboo Shoots, Kamaboko, Bok Choi, Mayu, and Spicy Miso (pictured, above).

COMMUNITY CHEF — Mark Noguchi (pictured, above), Pili Hawaii Catering (Oahu). Featured dish: Ho’i’o Fiddlehead Ferns, Dried Cuttlefish, Kombu, Octopus, and Tomatoes (pictured, left).
 
RESTAURATEUR — Ed Kenney, Town, Uptown Events (Oahu). Featured dish: Cervena Venison Pipikaula with Bud Bucket Ice.
 
MIXOLOGIST — David Newman, Pint + Jigger (Oahu). Featured cocktail: The Whiskey Thatcher: Rye, Mint, Lime, and Flamed Pernod Rinse.
 
The event’s host, Vikram Garg, Halekulani (Oahu), will also serve up a featured dish: Sumac-marinated Australian Lamb Chop and Chickpea-Tahini Purée.

Host sommelier Kevin Tomaya, Halekulani (Oahu), will tend to beverage pairings with winner’s dishes. Also, serving as featured guest chef: Chai Chaowasaree, Chai’s Island Bistro.

For more information about StarChefs.com, click here.