Grind Time: StarChefs.com honors local talent

<em>The StarChefs.com Hawaii Rising Stars pose with their mentors for photographers at the Halekulani on Dec. 4. (Star-Advertiser photo by Jason Genegabus)</em>

The StarChefs.com Hawaii Rising Stars pose with their mentors for photographers at the Halekulani on Dec. 4. (Star-Advertiser photo by Jason Genegabus)

BY JASON GENEGABUS / jason@staradvertiser.com

Unless you work in the culinary industry, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve never heard of StarChefs.com. But ask any of Honolulu’s top chefs — or those who aspire to be — and they’ll tell you how influential the award-winning online magazine is among their peers.

Better yet, ask Halekulani Executive Chef Vikram Garg, who wanted the publication to visit so badly, he got on a plane and flew to New York City to lobby on behalf of Hawaii’s food scene.

StarChefs.com CEO Antoinette Bruno and Managing Editor Will Blunt listened, and on Dec. 4 they were at the Halekulani to present the “StarChefs Rising Stars Revue.” After multiple trips here over the summer to taste the food of more than 50 different chefs and restaurants on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island, they returned last week to celebrate the accomplishments of Hawaii’s 14 honorees and recognize them on a national level.

Guests pick up a glass of champagne on their way into the VIP reception at the Halekulani. (Star-Advertiser photo by Jason Genegabus)

“This experience has been really gratifying,” said Blunt. “I think there’s a lack of appreciation for the quality and the excitement of what’s happening here on a culinary level. Hawaii has a lot to bring to the table.

“I do think that Hawaii probably has a reputation to overcome. But any of those stereotypes get shattered, in the sense that the cuisine and the chefs are doing things on par with things we’re seeing around the country, and they’re doing it with their own style.

“There is a lot of exciting stuff that’s being done here, and we wanted to share it,” he said.

<em>Halekulani executive chef Vikram Garg prepared Petrossian Royal Shassetra Caviar and Lemongrass Panna Cotta for guests at the VIP reception. (Star-Advertiser photo by Jason Genegabus)</em>

Halekulani executive chef Vikram Garg prepared Petrossian Royal Shassetra Caviar and Lemongrass Panna Cotta for guests at the VIP reception. (Star-Advertiser photo by Jason Genegabus)

A FEW hundred people were in attendance at the gala tasting, which was hosted by Garg and Chef Chai Chaowasaree; Halekulani wine manager Kevin Toyama handled sommelier duties, pairing wines and specialty cocktails with various dishes.

The night started off with a VIP reception, followed by a formal program recognizing each winner and their designated mentor. Chef Alan Wong was also recognized with the StarChefs Mentor Award for his hand in training numerous local chefs in his kitchens.

Once the speeches were finished and pictures snapped, everyone moved outdoors for the main event. After a few days of fun and camaraderie, it was time for the honorees to show those who shelled out $95 and $125 a ticket why they were picked by the StarChefs.com team.

“Everyone works so hard … so a night to just come together and have fun has been great,” said Maui-based chef Sheldon Simeon, who is also a contestant on the current season of Bravo’s “Top Chef.”

“To have StarChefs.com here is a big step forward for all of us. Everybody’s been so supportive of each other. Everyone here is so passionate,” Simeon said.
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“Grind Time” is always looking for the latest places to get your grub on. Email Jason Genegabus with restaurant, bar or any other food/drink-related item at jason@staradvertiser.com.