chef for a day

with a family filled with foodies, i am always on the lookout for gifts that will tempt their palate or inspire them in the kitchen. cooking classes have always been on the top of my list, however, due to either budgetary constraints or the level of commitment they demand on my time crunched giftees, the idea was stuck in the land of possibilities never to be.

until now. i am happy to report neither one poses a problem at pacific gourmet which opened its doors last month and offers recreational cooking classes where both kama'aina and visitors can learn a few new culinary tricks. inspired by fellow foodie friends, owner chef laura (who trained at the prestigious le cordon bleu in paris) was determined to create a relaxed atmosphere where everyone from beginning to advanced cooks could explore global cuisine as well as fresh trends in the kitchen without breaking the bank.

pacific gourmet cooking classes are both affordable ($48 a pop) and intimate with a limit of 15 students per session. of course, hunger is not an option since the finale includes a sit down meal to savor all the plats du jour (dinner classes also include a wine pairing). 

private parties can be booked at your home or at pacific gourmet's classroom which is located at the laniakea ywca and, beginning next month, at nu'uanu's art zone. and, due to popular demand, gift certificates will arrive in a few weeks (yay!).

here's a peek at the upcoming class schedule:

• may 6th - healthy organic cooking
• may 8th - homemade pasta
• may 11th - hors d'oeuvres & cocktails
• may 13th - mother's day tea party

bon appétit!

organic sweets from hawaiian host

as further evidence of the mainstreaming of green, hawaiian host introduced their very own certified organic line called pure aloha earlier this year. the organic goodies have finally been stocked in hh's online shop which means eco conscious foodies (and the people who love them. hint, hint.) can now enjoy the organic version of one of the islands' most popular treats.

in addition to the standard milk chocolate option, health conscious folks can nosh on antioxidant rich dark chocolate covered mac nuts which, when combined with the omega-3 power house that is the macadamia nut, means you can enjoy each tasty nugget guilt free (at least that's the lie i tell myself so i can sleep at night). some may find the packages light for the price with only eight pieces alloted to a box (portion control, perhaps?) so plan your purchase accordingly.

also, unadulterated organic macadamia nuts seasoned with sea salt are available when that salty craving wins the battle with your sweet tooth.

original hawaiian chocolate factory

if you consider yourself a chocolate connoisseur then chances are you already know about the big island's original hawaiian chocolate factory. the fertile land may be better known to most folks for kona's world famous coffee, however it is also just right for growing chocolate and, in fact, is the only spot in the states where cacao beans are grown, harvested, processed & made into luscious chocolate bars.

the journey from the orchard to the marketplace is what makes this estate grown chocolate and so while you will have to trade a hamilton for a single chocolate bar you can comfort yourself knowing that this is truly a made in hawaii product which is just one of the reasons it is a favorite of many island chefs.

curious to try some? ohcf confections can be found at select stockists around the islands & on the mainland and, of course, online (free shipping on orders over $100 $125). and, yes, ohcf does offer the occasional farm tour so you can discover just how that artisanal chocolate bar was transformed from the humble cacao bean (fyi - tours are only available if time permits so do call ahead to avoid disappointment).

click here to read more about the boutique chocolate revolution.

gourmet cooking hawaii

chef mavro at work

island & visiting foodies, whether they have hawaii's finest restaurants on speed dial or, due to budgetary constraints, must be content to be an armchair gastronomist, have a chance to take a peek behind the kitchen door via gourmet cooking hawaii which offers cooking classes with notable island chefs. classes are scheduled a few times a year and the price of admission ($125 to $185 depending on the restaurant) gives you access into the islands' hottest kitchens where you have a chance to learn a trick or two from the chef and his staff.

participating chefs willing to reveal a few of their culinary secrets to the public include george mavrothalassitis of chef mavro and rodney uyehara of the recently shuttered bistro at century center. classes are limited in size (15 for chef mavro & 25 for chef uyehara) to allow for more personalized instruction and each three hour class ends with a well deserved food & wine tasting. and you won't leave empty handed since students also score a goody bag filled with gourmet treats made in the islands plus recipes to continue their culinary journey at home.

gch also organizes private cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs like sam choy & roy yamaguchi which would certainly add the wow factor to a corporate event or private affair.

blue plate special

here's another fun island inspired find far from the islands. new york's fishs eddy specializes in american sturdyware and has a playful hula collection which will definitely add some whimsy to your dinner table.

and though you may not be familiar with the term sturdyware, you have surely enjoyed many a meal on it since diners and restaurants across the country dish up food on its durable surface. the hula line includes everything from mugs & glassware to plates & serving trays so you have the option of stocking up on your favorite pieces or jazzing up your kitchen cabinets with the entire set.