Connoisseur's Culinary Journey

The second annual Connoisseur’s Culinary Journey culminated at The Kahala Hotel & Resort with an exclusive opening party for the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival.

THE PARTY Chefs and guests gathered for the ocean-inspired Cuisines of the Sea, where Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival co-founders Alan Wong and Roy Yamaguchi showcased local talent and ingredients at an opulent grazing event. THE SCENE For the denouement of the whirlwind Connoisseur’s Culinary Journey, the five couples who undertook the adventure joined a veritable who’s who of local toques, including Lee Anne Wong, Sheldon Simeon and Vikram Garg. THE HIGHLIGHTS After five days of immersive epicurean experiences, fireworks illuminated the Kahala’s stunning beachfront for the finale fete. Guests sipped Opus One and nibbled on a locavore-meets-fine-dining menu, which featured dishes that starred the likes of smoked opah with coconut kefir, Ni‘ihau lamb and Kualoa shrimp. -Margo Steines

Photos by Travis Okimoto