Those with tickets to the Grand Taste Education event April 2 at Maui County Agricultural Festival in Waikapu may learn about the food they'll eat at a slew of free daylong presentations.
The presentations are in partnership with Slow Food Maui. Chris Speere of Maui Culinary Academy will be the moderator.
From 10 to 10:30 a.m., learn about amazing kale by Richard Clark of O'o Farm in Kula with its Chef James McDonald, who also heads I'o, Pacific'O, Aina Gourmet Market and Feast at Lele.
Article Photos
Olowalu Nui Farm tomatoes will be the subject of one of many free presentations April 2 at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu.
STEVE BRINKMAN photo
From 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., find out how to pick a tomato with Jon Applegate, of Olowalu Nui Farm, and Jack Ka'ahue, of Basil Tomato Italian Grille. Then from noon to 12:15 p.m., John C. Austin, of Keawa Nui Farms on Molokai, will talk about his farm-fresh shrimp with Chef Ryan Luckey, of Pineapple Grill at Kapalua Resort.
From 12:30 to 1 p.m., Chinese cabbage 101 will be discussed by farmer Noel Escobedo and a chef still to be named.
Next up from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m., Eileen Comeaux, of Hana Herbs and Flowers, will talk about harvesting pohole fern shoots and Ray Stockton, of Whole Foods Market Maui, will show you how to prepare simple, flavorful dishes with them.
From 2 to 2:30 p.m., finalists for the Banana Bread and the Pickled Vegetable contests will be asked to come onstage.
From 2:45 to 3:15 p.m., Maui Cattle Co. will host a panel of chefs to talk about the benefits of eating grass-fed beef. Panelists are Peter Merriman, of the new Monkeypod Kitchen, as well as Merriman's Kapalua and Hula Grill; Tylun Pang, of the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui in Wailea; and Justin Pardo, of Market Fresh Bistro in Makawao.
Speere will then announce the winners of the Grand Taste Education food pairings as voted on by media and industry judges as well as the fan-favorite dish voted on by attendees. These announcements will start at 3:15 p.m.
Be sure to vote for your favorite as it gives you the chance to win dinner for two at Pineapple Grill. For more details, call 243-2290.
