PUHI — More than 1,500 people enjoyed the offerings at the 27th annual American Culinary Federation Breakfast, which unfolded amidst gusty trades punctuated by passing showers at the Kaua‘i Community College campus. The morning meal offering prepared by Kaua‘i CC
PUHI — More than 1,500 people enjoyed the offerings at the 27th annual American Culinary Federation Breakfast, which unfolded amidst gusty trades punctuated by passing showers at the Kaua‘i Community College campus.
The morning meal offering prepared by Kaua‘i CC culinary arts students working alongside ACF chefs from Kaua‘i’s finest restaurants was only the tip of the iceberg: breakfast patrons could indulge in shopping at the ceramics sale, crafters featuring KCC staff crafters, the annual Used Book Sale and participate in the free blood pressure checks and flu shots being administered by KCC Nursing students.
“This is so good,” said Bill Godring of Kalaheo, a retired United States Navy captain. “I’ve been to many places and I don’t think they have anything like this anywhere — where the culinary arts students do the work to host a meal which is really good.”
Godring not only enjoyed the food, he presented the first-ever scholarship for Excellence in Culinary Arts, which is named after his wife, Phyllis. Christian Nacapuy, who was manning one of the baked ham stations, took a break to receive the award.
“Christian’s scholarship is about affinity, availability and ability,” said Martina Hilldorfer, the KCC culinary arts coordinator. “This is the first scholarship being presented by the Godrings.”
Other culinary arts students also received scholarships, including a pair of ACF scholarships, the Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association, Kaua‘i Branch, the Rotary Club of Kapa‘a, and others.
James Dyer, representing KCC Chancellor Helen Cox, said he was prejudiced, but agreed with Godring in the excellence demonstrated by the KCC culinary arts program.
“This is the best culinary program in Hawai‘i, no, in the nation,” Dyer said. “Our new kitchen facility, which was made possible through help from the ACF, allows us to increase capacity in the culinary arts program.”
Dyer said KCC sports four of the finest culinary arts faculty members in the state and wonderful students. It continues to build with the help of Chef Leanne Kamekona, president of the ACF on Kaua‘i, and Chef Guy Higa of the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club.
Hilldorfer presented Opal Williams and Patrick Jarquio with the American Culinary Federation scholarships.
“Without these types of scholarship support, many of the students would not be able to attend school,” Hilldorfer said. “American Culinary Federation supports the KCC and its students with not only scholarships. They help us get equipment and supplies for the culinary arts students and programs, their chefs work alongside our students like they do at this morning’s breakfast, and more importantly, make sure our students have jobs after they graduate.”
Joyce Vidinha, representing the HTLA, Kaua‘i Chapter, said they presented $3,000 in scholarships to KCC culinary arts students from the recent HTLA golf tournament.
Recipients included Russell Aceret, Darin Dupuis, David Faidley, Toni Nadarisay, Joann Viernes and Donna Marie Yadao.
“The HTLA, Kaua‘i Chapter, is proud to make these presentations to the deserving students,” Vidinha said.
“They were among those helping during the HTLA golf tournament, and they’ll be among those helping in the upcoming Visitor Industry Charity Walk, May 11 at the historic County Building. Proceeds from the Charity Walk goes right back into the community. It helps us help the nonprofits help you.”
Visit www.kauai.hawaii.edu for more information on KCC.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
