Archive for September, 2010

seared ahi au poivre from longhi’s

September 29, 2010

Posted via Ed’s Posterous

Where In Hawaii is Edward Sugimoto? – September 29, 2010

September 29, 2010

K, nuff wit da easy ones. Here’s one that could practically be from anywhere… or could it? *grin* Since it’s been a while since we did some food porn, how about we chew on this one, this week?! *stomach growls*


Where In Hawaii is Edward Sugimoto? - September 29, 2010
Where In Hawaii is Edward Sugimoto? – September 29, 2010

Points for Photo…
* Creative Photo Caption?: 2 points
* Name of Business?: 1 point
* General area?: 1/2 point
* Nearby road(s): 1/2 point each
* Name of dish?: 1 point
* Price of dish?: 1 point
* Month photo was taken?: 1/2 point
* Day of the month photo was taken?: 1/2 point
* Year photo was taken?: 1/2 point
* Exact time photo was taken?: 2 points
* Google Street View Link?: 1 point


Last Week’s Results:
Bruddah Takeshi made a sudden reappearance last week to immediately get back in the hunt for first place. Meanwhile, Paco and masako continued their streak by collecting additional points. Please help me congratumalate kesh, Pacs and socks! 🙂

Da “Where In Hawaii” Winnahz Circle (Round 2)!

  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – September 22, 2010: Paco – 2 points (Captions: “So, you think your Kung Fu is strong enough to enter here”), Takeshi – 1 point (Location: Hilton Hawaiian Village), Takeshi – 1/2 point (General are: Waikiki), Takeshi – 1/2 point each (Roads: Kalia, Ala Moana Blvd), Takeshi – 1 point (Why: Wedding), masako – 1/2 point (Month: July), Takeshi – 1 point (Google Street View Link here)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – September 15, 2010: Paco & kuya.d – 2 points each (Captions: “I’m the REAL Phillie Phanatic!” and “I always feel like, somebody’s watching me …”), Chicken Grease – 1/2 point (Fave team: Philadelphia Phillies), AlMan68 – 3 points (2nd Fave team: Atlanta Braves), EMM386 – 1 point (Location: Borders), Masako – 1 point (Location within store: South), EMM386 – 1/2 point (Area: Ward), Chicken Grease & paco – 1/2 point each (Roads: Ala Moana Blvd., Auahi), NeedaHobby – 1/2 point (Month: January), NeedaHobby – 1/2 point (Year: 2010), rayboyjr – 1 point (Google Street View Links here)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – September 8, 2010: Paco – 1 point (Location: Sunnyside), masako & Paco – 1/2 point each (Areas: Aiea, Wahiawa), masako – 1/2 point (Street: Kilani Ave), masako – 1/2 point (Month: February), masako – 1 point (Google Street View Links here)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – September 1, 2010: mcat, masako, carokun – 1 point (Locations: Dirty Lickins’, The Alley & Opal Thai Food Wagon), mcat & masako – 1/2 point each (Area: Aiea), masako – 2 points (Streets: Aiea Heights Drive, Kamehameha Highway), Paco – 1 point (Dish: Yellow Chicken Curry), Ynaku – 1 point (Price: $8.25 + $1.75 Sticky Rice), masako – 1 point (Months: May & January), masako – 1/2 point (Day: 13th), masako – 1 point (Year: 2009), masako – 1 point (Google Street View Links here)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – August 25, 2010: masako – 2 points (Location: Michinoku & Little Village), rayboyjr & masako – 1/2 point each (Area: Kapiolani & Chinatown), rayboyjr & masako – 1/2 point each (Street: Kapiolani Blvd & Smith Street), masako – 1 point (Month: July & December), masako – 1/2 point (Day: 19th), masako – 1 point (Year: 2010 & 2004), masako – 2 points (Google Street View Links here and here)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – August 11, 2010: masako – 1 point (Location: Senor Frogs), masako – 1/2 point (Area: Waikiki), masako – 1/2 point each (Streets: Kalakaua, Lewers), masako – 1/2 point (Month: September), masako – 1/2 point (Day: 20), masako – 1/2 point (Year: 2007), masako – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – August 4, 2010: Paco – 1/2 point (Area: Waikiki), Alman68 – 1/2 point (Month: November), Alman68 – 1/2 point (Year: 2007)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – July 28, 2010: Takeshi – 1/2 point each (Streets: Kapiolani, South, South King), Takeshi – 1/2 point (Closest Bar: TJ’s), Takeshi – 1/2 point (Closest Restaurant: Kabuki), Takeshi – 1 point (Google Street View Link), che – 1 point (Building: Bank of Hawaii), che – 1/2 point (Area: Downtown), che – 1/2 point (Year: 2010), Paco – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – July 21, 2010: Takeshi – 1 point (Place: Seagull School), Takeshi & Paco – 1/2 point (Areas: Downtown & Kalihi), Takeshi – 1 point (How many: 3 statues), Paco – 1 point (Creative Graffiti: WWE Wuz Hea!) che – 1/2 point (Month: March), tweetpeep22 & AlMan68 – 1/2 point (Year: 2010), Takeshi – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – July 14, 2010: kickerbear – 1 point (Place: I Love Country Cafe), kickerbear – 1/2 point (Area: Ala Moana), kickerbear – 1 point (Dish: Furikake Mahi), kickerbear, Paco, Alman68 – 1/2 point (Favorite dishes), AlMan68 – 1/2 point (Month: September), che – 1/2 point (Day: 7th), AlMan68 – 1/2 point (Year: 2007), Takeshi – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – July 7, 2010: Takeshi – 1 point (Park: Kailua District Park), AlMan68 – 1/2 point (Area: Kailua), Takeshi – 1 point (My position: Shortstop), AlMan68 – 2 points (Blue Player & Position: Mike, 3B), Takeshi – 1 point (Month: August), masako – 1/2 point (Day: 12), Takeshi – 1/2 point (Year: 2007), Takeshi – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – June 30, 2010: bB – 2 points (Dish: Ha Gau), pink lady – 1 point (Name: Happy Day), pink lady – 1/2 point (Area: Kaimuki), masako – 1/2 point (Month: July), masako – 1/2 point (Day: 29), masako – 1/2 point (Year: 2007), pink lady – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – June 23, 2010: Masako – 1 point (Name: Zippy’s), Masako – 1/2 point (Area: McCully), Takeshi – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – June 16, 2010: Masako – 1 point (Name: Diamond Head (Trail Hike)), Masako – 1/2 point (Area: Diamond Head), Takeshi – 2 points (What it said: Elev. 703.556), Takeshi – 2 points (Who I went with: Wifey and Second Cousin Teppei), Masako – 1 point (Why: Touring/Hiking), Takeshi – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – June 9, 2010: 9th Island Cuz – 1 point (Name: Pali Lookout), bB – 1/2 point (Area: Pali), Takeshi – 1 point (Year: 2010), Takeshi – 1 point (Month: May), Masako – 1 point (Why: Testing Road Runner Mobile), rayboyjr – 1 point (Google Street View Link)

* Wanna see the results from round 1? It’s all right here!

Da Leadahboard (Round 2)!

  • 28.0 – masako
  • 25.0 – Takeshi
  • 10.5 – Paco
  • 08.5 – AlMan68
  • 03.0 – rayboyj, che, kickerbear
  • 02.5 – pink lady, bB
  • 02.0 – kuya.d
  • 01.5 – EMM386, mcat
  • 01.0 – Chicken Grease, NeedaHobby, carokun, Ynaku, 9th Island Cuz
  • 00.5 – tweetpeep22

=============================================================

– Ed
“A Winner Never Quits, A Quitter Never Wins”
http://www.world-wide-ed.com/

=============================================================

And… in case you didn’t get enough last week… 😛 Here’s a video recap of this year’s Rice Fest, put together by the talented people at Hawaii Pacific Entertainment.


Video Recap of the 2010 Hawaii Rice Fest


Also, don’t forget to vote for UH to win the Hawaii Five-0 Marching Band Mania contest!

Have a happy VH07V Wednesday y’all! 😛 Don’t forget to post your guesses below k? Shoooots!

Eat Local This Week!

September 27, 2010

Eat Local Challenge In an effort to bring attention to Hawaii’s food system and sustainability issues, Kanu Hawaii is asking all of us again to make a difference by taking the Eat Local Challenge. Starting yesterday and continuing through this Saturday, the challenge asks participants to eat only locally grown foods. Currently, more than 75% of our food is imported from out of state, which accounts to over $3 billion that is not being spent here. If barge and air freight to Hawaii were to be interrupted, our islands’ food supplies would only last 14 days. Eat Local aims to bring awareness to this issue and hopes to in turn, strengthen our local food system as a result.

Eating Local doesn’t necessarily mean going to your local eatery and ordering your favorite plate lunch though. Much of what is on that plate may not even be locally grown. The challenge is to find, buy and eat foods that were only grown here. Not exactly an easy task. Thankfully, there are participating markets and restaurants offering special “local” dishes for the week:

  • Zippy’s Restaurants – Loco Moco with Local Ingredients
  • Town Restaurant – Menu Item with All Local Ingredients
  • The Counter, Kahala Mall – Local Ahi Burger
  • Big City Diner – Menu Item with Local Ingredients
  • Hilo Bay Cafe – Menu Item with Local Ingredients
  • Kale’s Natural Foods – Discounts on “Eat Local” Items
  • Foodland – Week-Long Menu & Shopping List
  • Whole Foods – Eat Local Events In-Store
  • KTA Superstores – Specials on Locally-Grown Items
  • Kokua Market – Coupon for Local Deli Item
  • Umeke Market – Local Kim Chee Burger

For more information, please visit: http://www.kanuhawaii.org/eatlocal/.

I was not paid nor was I even asked to write about this. Just thought it was an important issue that we all need/should be aware of. So what do you say gang? You gonna help support this worthy, and frankly necessary cause? What are your ideas on supporting our local products and economy? Holla!

See you out and about this week! 🙂

spontaneous family gathering

September 26, 2010

Posted via Ed’s Posterous

congrats phil and jen!

September 25, 2010

Posted via Ed’s Posterous

Where In Hawaii is Edward Sugimoto? – September 22, 2010

September 22, 2010

A-ight peeps. We got another REALLY easy one for y’all this week in the hopes of increasing our participation from the old and new sectors of our `ohana. Whaddayasay gang?


Where In Hawaii is Edward Sugimoto? - September 22, 2010
Where In Hawaii is Edward Sugimoto? – September 22, 2010

Points for Photo…
* Creative Photo Caption?: 2 points
* Location?: 1 point
* General area?: 1/2 point
* Nearby road(s): 1/2 point each
* Why come wuz I hea?: 1 point
* Month photo was taken?: 1/2 point
* Day of the month photo was taken?: 1/2 point
* Year photo was taken?: 1/2 point
* Exact time photo was taken?: 2 points
* Google Street View Link?: 1 point


Last Week’s Results:
Auuuriiiite! We had a scoring frenzy last week as AlMan68, paco, kuya.d, EMM386, Masako, Chicken Grease, NeedaHobby, and rayboyjr all moved up in the rankings! 😛 Please help me congratulate AlMond, pacs, dewz, EMMbot, socks, Ceeg, Hobbz, and beej! 🙂

Da “Where In Hawaii” Winnahz Circle (Round 2)!

  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – September 15, 2010: Paco & kuya.d – 2 points each (Captions: “I’m the REAL Phillie Phanatic!” and “I always feel like, somebody’s watching me …”), Chicken Grease – 1/2 point (Fave team: Philadelphia Phillies), AlMan68 – 3 points (2nd Fave team: Atlanta Braves), EMM386 – 1 point (Location: Borders), Masako – 1 point (Location within store: South), EMM386 – 1/2 point (Area: Ward), Chicken Grease & paco – 1/2 point each (Roads: Ala Moana Blvd., Auahi), NeedaHobby – 1/2 point (Month: January), NeedaHobby – 1/2 point (Year: 2010), rayboyjr – 1 point (Google Street View Links here)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – September 8, 2010: Paco – 1 point (Location: Sunnyside), masako & Paco – 1/2 point each (Areas: Aiea, Wahiawa), masako – 1/2 point (Street: Kilani Ave), masako – 1/2 point (Month: February), masako – 1 point (Google Street View Links here)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – September 1, 2010: mcat, masako, carokun – 1 point (Locations: Dirty Lickins’, The Alley & Opal Thai Food Wagon), mcat & masako – 1/2 point each (Area: Aiea), masako – 2 points (Streets: Aiea Heights Drive, Kamehameha Highway), Paco – 1 point (Dish: Yellow Chicken Curry), Ynaku – 1 point (Price: $8.25 + $1.75 Sticky Rice), masako – 1 point (Months: May & January), masako – 1/2 point (Day: 13th), masako – 1 point (Year: 2009), masako – 1 point (Google Street View Links here)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – August 25, 2010: masako – 2 points (Location: Michinoku & Little Village), rayboyjr & masako – 1/2 point each (Area: Kapiolani & Chinatown), rayboyjr & masako – 1/2 point each (Street: Kapiolani Blvd & Smith Street), masako – 1 point (Month: July & December), masako – 1/2 point (Day: 19th), masako – 1 point (Year: 2010 & 2004), masako – 2 points (Google Street View Links here and here)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – August 11, 2010: masako – 1 point (Location: Senor Frogs), masako – 1/2 point (Area: Waikiki), masako – 1/2 point each (Streets: Kalakaua, Lewers), masako – 1/2 point (Month: September), masako – 1/2 point (Day: 20), masako – 1/2 point (Year: 2007), masako – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – August 4, 2010: Paco – 1/2 point (Area: Waikiki), Alman68 – 1/2 point (Month: November), Alman68 – 1/2 point (Year: 2007)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – July 28, 2010: Takeshi – 1/2 point each (Streets: Kapiolani, South, South King), Takeshi – 1/2 point (Closest Bar: TJ’s), Takeshi – 1/2 point (Closest Restaurant: Kabuki), Takeshi – 1 point (Google Street View Link), che – 1 point (Building: Bank of Hawaii), che – 1/2 point (Area: Downtown), che – 1/2 point (Year: 2010), Paco – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – July 21, 2010: Takeshi – 1 point (Place: Seagull School), Takeshi & Paco – 1/2 point (Areas: Downtown & Kalihi), Takeshi – 1 point (How many: 3 statues), Paco – 1 point (Creative Graffiti: WWE Wuz Hea!) che – 1/2 point (Month: March), tweetpeep22 & AlMan68 – 1/2 point (Year: 2010), Takeshi – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – July 14, 2010: kickerbear – 1 point (Place: I Love Country Cafe), kickerbear – 1/2 point (Area: Ala Moana), kickerbear – 1 point (Dish: Furikake Mahi), kickerbear, Paco, Alman68 – 1/2 point (Favorite dishes), AlMan68 – 1/2 point (Month: September), che – 1/2 point (Day: 7th), AlMan68 – 1/2 point (Year: 2007), Takeshi – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – July 7, 2010: Takeshi – 1 point (Park: Kailua District Park), AlMan68 – 1/2 point (Area: Kailua), Takeshi – 1 point (My position: Shortstop), AlMan68 – 2 points (Blue Player & Position: Mike, 3B), Takeshi – 1 point (Month: August), masako – 1/2 point (Day: 12), Takeshi – 1/2 point (Year: 2007), Takeshi – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – June 30, 2010: bB – 2 points (Dish: Ha Gau), pink lady – 1 point (Name: Happy Day), pink lady – 1/2 point (Area: Kaimuki), masako – 1/2 point (Month: July), masako – 1/2 point (Day: 29), masako – 1/2 point (Year: 2007), pink lady – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – June 23, 2010: Masako – 1 point (Name: Zippy’s), Masako – 1/2 point (Area: McCully), Takeshi – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – June 16, 2010: Masako – 1 point (Name: Diamond Head (Trail Hike)), Masako – 1/2 point (Area: Diamond Head), Takeshi – 2 points (What it said: Elev. 703.556), Takeshi – 2 points (Who I went with: Wifey and Second Cousin Teppei), Masako – 1 point (Why: Touring/Hiking), Takeshi – 1 point (Google Street View Link)
  • Where In Hawaii Is Edward Sugimoto – June 9, 2010: 9th Island Cuz – 1 point (Name: Pali Lookout), bB – 1/2 point (Area: Pali), Takeshi – 1 point (Year: 2010), Takeshi – 1 point (Month: May), Masako – 1 point (Why: Testing Road Runner Mobile), rayboyjr – 1 point (Google Street View Link)

* Wanna see the results from round 1? It’s all right here!

Da Leadahboard (Round 2)!

  • 27.5 – masako
  • 20.5 – Takeshi
  • 08.5 – Paco, AlMan68
  • 03.0 – rayboyj, che, kickerbear
  • 02.5 – pink lady, bB
  • 02.0 – kuya.d
  • 01.5 – EMM386, mcat
  • 01.0 – Chicken Grease, NeedaHobby, carokun, Ynaku, 9th Island Cuz
  • 00.5 – tweetpeep22

=============================================================

– Ed
“A Winner Never Quits, A Quitter Never Wins”
http://www.world-wide-ed.com/

=============================================================

For those who may’ve missed it, check out the Scenes from the Rice Fest! 🙂

Have a happy VH07V Wednesday y’all! 😛 Don’t forget to post your guesses below k? Shoooots!

News Day Tuesday: Elect Bruno Five-0

September 21, 2010

Wow, lots of big Hawaii news as of late. From the election results, to Bruno Mars getting busted for cocaine, to the premiere of Hawaii Five-0. Thought it might be time to dust off “News Day Tuesday” for all y’all to sound off on some of these topics. Holla!

* Election Results?
– Pretty much went how I thought it would.

* Bruno Mars?
– Pretty disappointing. I was interesting in trying to line him up for an interview, but not so much anymore…

* Hawaii Five-0?
– I unfortunately had plans last night and missed it, but hope it does well for the sake of the state. Will definitely try to catch the next one.

* Top Chef?
– I know, I know, it’s not really Hawaii related and the season is already pau, but you guys always seem to wanna talk about it so hear ya go! LOL!

P.S. In case you missed it: Scenes from the Rice Fest! 😉
P.P.S. Here’s Mars’ latest single: Just the Way You Are. Good shtuff nonetheless. 😛


Bruno Mars – “Just the Way You Are”

tasty chicken sammich from the alley

September 20, 2010

Posted via Ed’s Posterous

Scenes from the Rice Fest

September 20, 2010

(Warning: *CHOKE* Photos)

Yeah, I know. Dis post is more than a week overdue, but bruddah ova hea had to sift through 635 photos from all ova da creation (Twitter/Twitpic, flickr, Facebook, etc.) from like 20 different peeps. Finally whittled it down to a little over a hunny in the hopes of giving you a little glimpse into the event that absolutely consumed my life for the last year or so.

For those who don’t know, I am the co-founder of an event called Rice Fest , an event that I am very passionate about, and one that I can honestly say Hawaii wants/needs. Let’s face it. We love our rice here in Hawaii. The plan is to put the Rice Fest on every September (in line with National Rice Month), which we started at our inaugural event last week Saturday (September 11, 2010) at the Waterfront at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Below are the scenes from that day. Mahalo to everyone for the support!

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Our Rice Fest sign on the morning of… Exciting!

Scenes from the Rice Fest
The line waits in anticipation (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Scenic shot of Aloha Tower (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Our Sponsor Diamond G Rice (Photo Courtesy Todd Masui)

(A big mahaloz to our sponsors/partners: Diamond G Rice, Oceanic Time Warner Cable, Lanakila Pacific, Vacations Hawaii, HPE Live, and the Waterfront at Aloha Tower Marketplace!)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Diamond G Rice gave away free rice to patrons every half hour! (Photo Courtesy Todd Masui)

Stephen aka @PHOTOluluTV won free rice and quickly donated it to our non-profit partner Lanakila Pacific. So thoughtful!

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Stephen donating his rice to Lanakila Pacific. (Photo Courtesy @ParkRat)

Still early in the day, I had some down time to visit each booth to capture the sights.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Bruddah Kalani Miller and his niece(?) at their Mobile Gamer Guys’ booth.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Some keiki having fun playing video games inside the posh Mobile Gamer Guys’ van. (Photo Courtesy Todd Masui)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Valen Ahlo posing with the 58th Cherry Blossom Festival Court (Princess Kimberly Fujinaka, Princess Cori Hanagami, Queen Marissa Machida, and Miss Congeniality Andrea Hiura). (Photo Courtesy Todd Masui)

Due to a tent mix-up, the ladies of the 58th Cherry Blossom Festival Court were out in the hot sun for part of the day. A big mahalo to all of them for being such troopers!

Also in the Keiki Zone, University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Science educator Dr. Maria Stewart shared her current research in an interactive and educational display entitled “Nutrition for Everybody: Learn How Rice Promotes a Healthy Body”.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Dr. Maria Stewart’s Rice Education booth. (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
The fellas from the Snow F|A|C|T|O|R|Y (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Russ aka @ParkRat enjoying his treat from Snow F|A|C|T|O|R|Y. (Photo Courtesy @Melissa808)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
The early scene from above. (Photo Courtesy Todd Masui)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Pacific Soul’s Sean Priester and his staff. (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Pacific Soul’s offerings at the Rice Fest. (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Pelekunu’s booth. They won the Most Creative Booth Award! (Photo Courtesy @ParkRat)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Grilled Teri Chicken plate from Pelekunu’s. (Photo Courtesy @Melissa808)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
The Thai Kitchen booth

Scenes from the Rice Fest
The Mixed Plate from Thai Kitchen

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Slowly starting to pick up (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Don Ho’s Island Grill booth

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Kats Sushi booth. They won the “Best of Show” award as voted on by the visitors. (Photo Courtesy @bitachu)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Spicy Tuna temaki (handroll) from Kats Sushi. (Photo Courtesy @ParkRat)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Himalayan Kitchen’s booth.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Eastern Food Center’s booth.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Various rice offerings (including jung, mochi and SPAM musubis) from Eastern Food Center. (Photo Courtesy Todd Masui)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Primo Sushi’s booth. (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Big City Diner’s booth. (Photo Courtesy @ParkRat)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Island Taste’s booth. (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Arturo’s Hot Sauce booth. (Photo Courtesy @LanakilaPacific)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Julia, Chimaine, Umma and Mai at the Scrip booth. (Photo Courtesy Umma Kayvalyam)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Sweet Charlotte’s booth.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Sweet Charlotte’s offerings. (Photo Courtesy Todd Masui)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Hawaiian Kine Seasonings’ booth.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Offerings from Hawaiian Kine Seasonings. (Photo Courtesy Todd Masui)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Yelp booth. (Photo Courtesy @Melissa808)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Leonard Jr.’s malasada van. (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Our friends at the Lanakila Pacific booth. (Photo Courtesy @Melissa808)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
One of @LanakilaPacific’s tweets during the day. (Photo Courtesy @LanakilaPacific)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
The guys from Oishi-Genmai GIC Japan. Look for their products next year!

Scenes from the Rice Fest
The Admission/Volunteer Check-In/Twitter #RICEHUNT booth. (Photo Courtesy Todd Masui)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Goodie bags for all Twitter #RICEHUNT participants. (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

And then the #RICEHUNT Twitter Scavenger hunt began! Here are the list of items the participants had to find and Twitpic out in order to win:

  • A member of the 58th Cherry Blossom Festival Court
  • A pair of chopsticks
  • A picture of Bruddah Bryan from 102.7 Da Bomb
  • A picture of both Chef Barry “Cutty” Cutler and Hawaii News Now’s Stephanie Lum at the Celebrity/Chef Cooking Demo at 1PM
  • A scenic picture of Aloha Tower
  • A food dish with rice
  • A food booth at Rice Fest
  • Maribel with the new IntelliGo (at the Oceanic sponsor booth)
  • A close-up of The Mobile Gamer Guys’ Bus
  • A Rice Fest volunteer / staff – They must be wearing the Rice Fest shirt

Below are some of the images from the #RICEHUNT.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
“A member of the 58th Cherry Blossom Festival Court” (Photo Courtesy @biznaz)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
“A pair of chopsticks” (Photo Courtesy @princesstara459)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
“A picture of Bruddah Bryan from 102.7 Da Bomb” (Photo Courtesy @bitachu)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
“A picture of both Chef Barry “Cutty” Cutler and Hawaii News Now’s Stephanie Lum at the Celebrity/Chef Cooking Demo at 1PM” (Photo Courtesy @tweetpea)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
“A scenic picture of Aloha Tower” (Photo Courtesy @bitachu)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
“A food dish with rice” (Photo Courtesy @princesstara459)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
“A food booth at Rice Fest” (Photo Courtesy @emichan58)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
“Maribel with the new IntelliGo (at the Oceanic sponsor booth)” (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
“A close-up of The Mobile Gamer Guys’ Bus” (Photo Courtesy @bitachu)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
“A Rice Fest volunteer / staff – They must be wearing the Rice Fest shirt” (Photo Courtesy @LaurieCicotello)

Mahaloz to all of our #RICEHUNT participants: @amisan34 (and friend), @bitachu (and friend), @biznaz, @photolulutv, @princesstara459 (and friend), @emichan58 (and friend), and @lauriecicotello, and congratulations to @bitachu for winning the grand prize that included gifts from VG Addict, OhanaPCS, TNBLive, and Oceanic Time Warner Cable. Special thanks to @octobersoldier for coordinating the game and prizes! Awesome job!

And then, it was time for the Rice Fest to officially begin! 102.7 Da Bomb’s Bruddah Bryan gets us started…

Scenes from the Rice Fest
102.7 Da Bomb’s Bruddah Bryan giving away a skateboard from Oceanic Time Warner Cable (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Cookin’ With Cutty’s Barry “Cutty” Cutler and Hawaii News Now’s Stephanie Lum put on their Celebrity/Chef Cooking Demo (Photo Courtesy @ParkRat)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Cutty and Stephanie’s “Healthy Fried Rice” dish. (Photo Courtesy @ParkRat)

Ingredients for Cutty and Stephanie’s “Healthy Fried Rice”:

  • Brown Rice
  • Olive/Grapeseed Oil
  • Turkey Bacon/Turkey Sausage
  • Organic Eggs (whites only)
  • Carrots
  • Maui Onion
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Seasonings
  • Lettuce Leaves
  • Cilantro
  • Braggs Liquid Aminos

Serve on a fresh butter lettuce leaf

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Stephen (@PhotoluluTV), Sara (@sarakata) and Melissa (@Melissa808) enjoying themselves at the Rice Fest (Photo Courtesy @ParkRat)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Russ (@ParkRat), Melissa (@Melissa808), and Rick (@RickNakama) take time to pose at the Rice Fest (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

And before you knew it, it was time for the 2nd Celebrity/Chef Cooking Demo, featuring Kai Market’s Chef Darren Demaya and KITV4’s Lara Yamada.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Kai Market’s Chef Darren Demaya cooking with KITV4’s Lara Yamada

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Chef Darren and Lara’s dish (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Soon it was time for the Lung Kong Physical Culture Club to bless our event with good luck via a traditional lion dance. I was told to stand in front while the lions start on me. Love love LOVE this cool shot from @PhotoluluTV that totally captured the moment!

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Getting blessed from the Lung Kong Physical Culture Club Lion Dancers (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

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The drummers from the Lung Kong Physical Culture Club (Photo Courtesy Todd Masui)

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Up close on one of the lions. (Photo Courtesy Todd Masui)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
The lion dances through the crowd and all over the premises for good luck. (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Next up: The Ukulele Hale keiki and Jody Kamisato & Chris Salvador, aka Heart and Soul!

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Jody Kamisato introducing his band Heart & Soul (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Heart & Soul with their special guest Kalei Gamiao (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

I gotta say, I was REALLY impressed with young Chris Salvador’s voice. Wow!

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Kalei Gamiao, Heart & Soul, and the Ukulele Hale keiki jammin’ it up! (Photo Courtesy Jody Kamisato)

One of my favorite events of the day was the “Riceipe” Cooking contest that pitted 5 professional chefs against each other to see who could make the best dish that incorporated rice. Fun, adrenaline pumpin’, exciting stuffs!

The participating chefs were Chef Hideaki “Santa” Miyoshi from Tokkuri-Tei, Chef Kendall Uyehara from HMSHost, Chef Robert Denis from Don Ho’s Island Grill, Chef Matthew Naula from RumFire, and Chef Colin Hazama from Kauai Grill.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Chef Hideaki “Santa” Miyoshi, Chef Kendall Uyehara, Chef Robert Denis, Chef Matthew Naula, and Chef Colin Hazama line up as Bruddah Bryan introduces them. (Photo Courtesy @ParkRat)

3-2-1… Go!

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Kauai Grill’s Chef Colin Hazama goes at it. (Photo Courtesy @Mel808)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Chef Colin’s Hanalei Squid Luau Risotto (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
RumFire’s Chef Matthew Naula tosses rice in his pan. (Photo Courtesy Todd Masui)

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Chef Matt’s dish. (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

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The crowd gathers as the chefs hurry to complete their dish. (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Don Ho’s Island Grill’s Chef Robert Denis preps his dish.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Chef Robert’s Lomilomi Salmon Risotto Lollipops w/ Sweet Chili Glaze dish. (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
HMSHost’s Chef Kendall Uyehara works on his gravy. (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Chef Kendall’s Loco Moco a la Francaise dish. (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Tokkuri-Tei’s Chef Hideaki “Santa” Miyoshi just cruisin’. (Photo Courtesy @Mel808)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Chef Santa kicks it into high gear. (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Chef Santa’s Seafood Risotto. (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

I’m still trying to convince him that “Sugimoto Risotto” has a much better ring to it. 😉

Meanwhile the judges took their places on stage and prepared to feast on some ono kine (rice) grindz! Our judges were Star-Advertiser Food Critic Nadine Kam, Twitter Goddess and all around foodie Melissa Chang (@Melissa808), Professional Baker Ed Morita (@NctrnlBst), and Diamond G Rice’s Harrison Wong.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Harrison, Ed, Nadine, and Melissa get interviewed by Bruddah Bryan. (Photo Courtesy @ParkRat)

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Melissa taking a shot of Chef Matthew Naula’s dish. (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

And then it was time to announce the winner… I’ll just let the next four photos tell the (funny) story.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Chef Santa asks, “Who me!?” (Photo Courtesy @ParkRat)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Chef Santa in shock. (Photo Courtesy @ParkRat)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Chef Santa finally cracks a smile. (Photo Courtesy @ParkRat)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Chef Santa still in shock. (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)

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Chef Santa’s Seafood Risotto as seen from Nadine Kam’s perspective. (Photo Courtesy @fashiontribe)

Congratulations Santa-san!

Next up was an amazing Taiko Drum performance by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii under the direction of Sensei Akemi Martin.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Taiko Drum performance by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii (Photo Courtesy @ParkRat)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Taiko Drum performance by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii (Photo Courtesy @PHOTOluluTV)


@NctrnlBst’s Youtube video (for Nonstop Honolulu) with footage/images from the Rice Fest

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Crowd shot. (Photo Courtesy Tyson Yamada)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Mel (@Mel808), Chris (@ChrisHall78) and Randi (@randi808) pose during the Rice Fest. (Photo Courtesy @ParkRat)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Hawaii News Now’s Minna Sugimoto and Kauai Grill’s Chef Colin Hazama put on their Celebrity/Chef Cooking Demo

I was unfortunately running around so I was unable to capture the dish, but FYI, it was “Slow cooked New Zealand King Salmon” with miso yuzu broth, young ginger, soft tofu, and crispy jasmine rice… A dish Chef Colin serves at his Kauai Grill restaurant.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Now that’s a good lookin’ couple! 😛 Ron and Sherry pose during the Rice Fest. (Photo Courtesy Tyson Yamada)

And then Kapena takes the stage!

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Kapena / De Lima `Ohana serenading the audience at Rice Fest. (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Kelly Boy, Kalena, and Lilo!

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Scenic shot of Aloha Tower as nightfall sets in. (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
The crowd enjoys the music of Kapena. (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Kelly Boy spontaneously calls on a girl from the Pelekunu booth to dance hula during a song. (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Walter and Lincoln hanging out at the Vacations Hawaii booth. (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Maude and Travis working the Oceanic Time Warner Cable booth. (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Harrison holding things down at the Diamond G Rice booth. (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

And then came the hilarious and entertaining SPAM Musubi eating contest. The contestants had 3 minutes to eat as many SPAM Musubis as possible!

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Bruddah Bryan counts down to the start of the SPAM Musubi Eating Contest.

Scenes from the Rice Fest
And… they’re off! (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
The look of pain (or concentration)! One of the two. 😉 (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

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Still going! … As the audience captures footage. (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
Keep it going! (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

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Time’s running out! (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
And Rodney’s the winnah! He ate an amazing 8 out of 10 SPAM musubis within the 3 minute period! (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

Scenes from the Rice Fest
“Uncle Rodney” gets mobbed by his adoring fans/family! (Photo Courtesy Kiman Wong)

Why do I call him “Uncle Rodney”? Check out the video! LOL!


SPAM Musubi Eating Contest at the 2010 Rice Fest

And then it was a wrap!

Scenes from the Rice Fest
The 2010 Rice Fest is in the books! See you next year!

A big mahalo to everyone who came out to support our first event. Thank you to our hard working staff and volunteers (especially Lincoln Jacobe and my day-to-day partners in crime: Umma Kayvalyam, Harold Su and my wife Mai). Thank you to the media for all of your coverage, including Oceanic Time Warner Cable, Hawaii News Now’s Sunrise, KITV4 This Morning, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, The Nikkan Sun, KUMU, Nonstop Honolulu and all those who talked/blogged about us in Hawaii’s Social Media space (@Melissa808, @ParkRat, @Mel808, @RickNakama, @sarakata, @PhotoluluTV, @fashiontribe, @octobersoldier, @LanakilaPacific, @randi808, @pacificsoul, @Nctrnlbst, @amisan34, @bitachu, @biznaz, @princesstara459, @emichan58, @lauriecicotello, @tweetpea, @haboolani, @HawaiiIRL, @hnlmark, @strobie, @SSquire, @MikeSumida, @ChrisHall78, @JKuroiwa, @atmarketing, @Living2Shop, @theodene, and more! Sorry, I know I’m missing a lot!). Mahaloz to @PhotoluluTV, @ParkRat, Kiman Wong, Todd Masui, Tyson Yamada, and more, for taking photos and letting me “borrow” some for this blog. 😛

Mahalo to our sponsors and partners Diamond G Rice, Oceanic Time Warner Cable, Lanakila Pacific, Vacations Hawaii, HPE Live, the Waterfront at Aloha Tower Marketplace, and Rob Yunich and the rest of the USA Rice Federation team. Thank you to all of our vendors: Arturo’s Hot Sauce in Hawaii, Big City Diner, Don Ho’s Island Grill, Dr. Maria Stewart (University of Hawaii at Manoa Professor of Nutrition), Eastern Food Center, Hawaiian Kine Seasonings, Himalayan Kitchen, Island Taste, KATS SUSHI, Lanakila Pacific, Leonard’s Malasadas, Mobile Gamer Guys, OISHI-GENMAI – GIC JAPAN, Pelekunu’s Teri Sauces, Primo Sushi, Thai Kitchen, Soul Patrol, SNOW |F|A|C|T|O|R|Y|, and Sweet Charlotte, and our entertainers: 102.7 Da Bomb’s Bruddah Bryan, Cookin’ With Cutty’s Chef Barry “Cutty” Cutler, Hawaii News Now’s Stephanie Lum, Kai Market’s Darren Demaya, KITV4’s Lara Yamada, Kauai Grill’s Chef Colin Hazama, Hawaii News Now’s Minna Sugimoto, Ernie Loo and the Lung Kong Physical Culture Club, Heart & Soul (and Kalei Gamiao), the Ukulele Hale Keiki, Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii under the direction of Sensei Akemi Martin, Kapena (Kelly Boy, Kalena, and Lilo De Lima), Jonathan Murai and the 58th Cherry Blossom Festival Court, and Bubbles Duh Clown.

Thank you to our SPAM musubi eating contestants and our “Riceipe” Cooking contestants: Don Ho’s Island Grill’s Chef Robert Denis, Kauai Grill’s Chef Colin Hazama (again!), Tokkuri-Tei’s Chef Hideaki “Santa” Miyoshi, RumFire’s Chef Matthew Naula, and HMSHost’s Chef Kendall Uyehara. Mahalo also to our Starwood contacts: Candice Lee Kraughto, Jocelyn Elfstrom, Joanie Matsumoto, and Chaunce Lovett, among others. Mahaloz to the “World Wide Ed” community for reading this far and always showing your support in whatever I do. I know I’m forgetting a lot more, so thank you to anyone and everyone who helped make the inaugural Rice Fest a reality. See you guys next year! 🙂


Video highlights from the 2010 Hawaii Rice Fest

acai bowl from bogart’s cafe

September 19, 2010

Posted via Ed’s Posterous