Those who attended this year’s annual Taste of Hawai‘i might have noticed a ballot stuffed in the program. That’s because this was the first year that patrons voted on their favorite booths. After about a week of rest for the
Those who attended this year’s annual Taste of Hawai‘i might have noticed a ballot stuffed in the program.
That’s because this was the first year that patrons voted on their favorite booths.
After about a week of rest for the volunteers, the results are finally in, care of H & S Publishing, Kauai Magazine and members of the Rotary Club of Kapaa.
“We thank everyone who took the time to vote and to show your appreciation to our participating food and drink vendors,” chef and beverage coordinator Pam Brown said in a press release. “All of our chefs and drink folks are winners, and we thank you for making Taste of Hawai‘i a success once again.”
Here are the results:
People’s choice: Kaua‘i Pasta; Chef Ricky Butay’s various pasta dishes.
Best new discovery: Courtyard by Marriott Waipouli; Chef Rafael Camarillo’s Lobster Corn Dogs with wasabi ketchup.
Best presentation: Grand Hyatt Regency Kaua‘i; Chef Orly Yadao’s Chocolate Bomb with Lilikoi.
Booth with most aloha spirit: Hurricane Cheesecakes; Chef Shannon Jones.
Best dessert: Grand Hyatt Regency Kaua’i; Chef Orly Yadao with his Chocolate Bomb with Lilikoi.
Best seafood dish: Courtyard by Marriott Waipouli; Chef Rafael Camarillo’s Lobster Corn Dog with wasabi ketchup.
Best meat or poultry dish: Scotty’s Beachside BBQ; Chef Brit Whitfield’s Smoked Barbecue Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce, Li Hing Mango Coleslaw and Crispy Ginger Chicken with Hawaiian Plum Sauce.
Best vegetarian dish: Blossoming Lotus; Chef Patrick Bremser’s Conquering Lion Cashew Cheeze-topped Tostones with Carob Mole and Candied Lime Lilikoi Cheezecake with Hibiscus-Raspberry Coulis.
Best Asian influence dish: Genki Sushi; Chef David Ledee’s Spicy Tuna Sushi and Three-Sashimi Salad.
Best beer: Keoki’s Brewing Company; Brewers George and Jan Wells’ Kauai Gold and Kauai Sunset.
Best wine: Brands; Assorted fine wines
Best non-alcoholic beverage: Starbucks Banana Caramel Frappuccinos.
The final number of tickets sold was not released.
• Lanaly Cabalo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or lcabalo@kauaipubco.com.