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2008 KAHALA FOOD & WINE CLASSIC

August 7, 2008 on 10:12 am | In Australia, Dine Drink, Hawaiian Islands, New South Wales, Northern, Pacific Islands, Queensland, South Australia, Spa Resorts, Surfing Resorts, Sydney, Tasmania, Victoria, Webbandstand, Western |

SEPTEMBER 12 AND 13,

WHEN “G’DAY MEETS ALOHA”

The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Fresh off a Successful Food & Wine Classic Debut in June, Presents a Culinary Journey Down Under

HONOLULU, HI ) - The Kahala Hotel & Resort presents “G’day Meets Aloha,” its second 2008 Kahala Food & Wine Classic on September 12 and 13. Hosted by The Kahala’s executive chef Wayne Hirabayashi, this event takes you down under to Australia with visiting chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt of Bentley Restaurant and Bar, one of Sydney’s most celebrated dining establishments, and winemaker Michael Twelftree of Two Hands Wines, whose wines continue to receive numerous accolades from Wine Spectator.

Chef Savage is known as an artist at work in the kitchen. He brings dishes of exotic textures, flavors and colors to what will be remembered as a truly awesome Aussie dining experience. The fare will be paired with vintages from winemaker Michael Twelftree of Two Hands Wines, who sources the finest fruits from the famous vines of the Barossa Valley to showcase the best of Australia’s liquid gold. Two Hands Wines were listed in the Wine Spectator Top 100 for the last five years with two listings in the top 10, most recently the 2005 Bella’s Garden Barossa Valley Shiraz at #5 and The Ares voted one of the 25 Benchmark Wines of Australia. Two Hands Wines have consistently received scores of 90+ in reviews from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, James Halliday’s Wine Companion, Wine Spectator and the UK Decanter magazine.

These Australian stars will share the stage with:

Visiting local chef Beverly Gannon of Hali’imaile General Store and Joe’s Bar & Grill in Wailea, Maui and one of the 12 original founders of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement

Master of Ceremony Fred Schrader, proprietor of Schrader Cellars
Cigar aficionado Michael Herklots of Davidoff of Geneva, New York
“One aspect that distinguishes The Kahala Food & Wine Classic from other food & wine events is the level of intimate interactions participants have with the chefs, winemakers and cigar aficionados,” said John Blanco, managing director of The Kahala Hotel & Resort. “All the events are very hands-on, up close and personal.”

Walkabout: A Progressive Dinner

Friday, September 12; 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.; $135 per person

The ancient Aboriginal tribes of Australia used “walkabout” as a term for travel, to hunt food and prosper from the land. In that tradition, guests will journey between courses, and explore the best flavors of Australia’s outback and Hawaii. On the Koko Head lawn, guests will venture from one location to another at different points in the meal (hence the walkabout) and alternate between dishes from the visiting chefs. Chef Brent Savage partners with Hawaii’s own Bev Gannon and the culinary team of The Kahala Hotel & Resort, led by Wayne Hirabayashi. Michael Twelftree will showcase the finest Australian wines to stimulate the senses and synergize with the food. After dinner, guests can light up under the stars with their own Davidoff cigar.

Barbie on the Beach: A Cooking Class

Saturday, September 13; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; $75 per person

Learn the artistry of the Australian barbecue, where the summers down under are hot and fun. Chef Brent Savage highlights Australian cuisine and cooking styles using a barbecue to prepare dishes and demonstrate techniques for guests. Attendees participate in this interactive class, with the Kahala chefs assisting.

The Art of Cigar Blending and Tasting

Saturday, September 13; 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.; $30 per person

Michael Herklots, general manager of Davidoff of Geneva, New York, dissects the science of cigars, from the blending of the finest tobaccos to rolling and tasting. Guests will sample an assortment of cigars.

Wine-Ology with Michael Twelftree

Saturday, September 13; 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.; $50 per person

Michael makes some of the finest Shiraz wines from prized producing regions in Australia. He will discuss the diversity of Australian Shiraz by highlighting regional characteristics. At the beachfront Plumeria Beach House, guests will enjoy six wines and exceptional tapas-style pairings.

Sinful Sydney: A Decadent Journey of Food and Wine

Saturday, September 13; 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.; $185 per person

Chef Brent Savage brings the heartbeat of Sydney to the kitchen of Hoku’s, while Chef Wayne Hirabayashi showcases the bountiful offerings of Hawaii to enhance this 6-course dining experience paired with wines from Michael Twelftree. Flavors that are seductive and decadent, savory and sweet, and delicious and comforting combine to create a celebration of Sydney that is truly “sinful.”

Puff’n Out-Back

Saturday, September 13; 10 p.m. - 12 a.m.; $45 per person

For a relaxing after dinner experience, guests will enjoy a smoke and a drink on the Koko Head lawn while Michael Herklots discusses cigars with the group. Fire pits, lounge seating, petit fours and robes will be available. A selection of ports, cognacs, whiskeys, rums and dessert wines will also be available for purchase.

Event prices listed above do not include tax and gratuity. For Classic event reservations only, please call 808-739-8760 or email foodandwineclassic@kahalaresort.com

Special room and event packages are available for The 2008 Kahala Food & Wine Classic. For room and Classic event reservations, call 1-800-367-2525 or go to www.kahalaresort.com

About The Kahala -

A secluded, exclusive retreat, the 343-room hotel is on Kahala Beach, a short distance from Waikiki. The Kahala has been Honolulu’s social address for weddings and gatherings since its opening in 1964. Captains of industry and celebrity guests continue to call The Kahala their hideaway in Hawai’i.

The Kahala has five restaurants including the award-winning Hoku’s, a spa, and a lagoon that is home to six Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The resort is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and is long recognized internationally as an icon among luxury resorts.

For more information, please contact The Kahala Hotel & Resort at (808) 739-8888 or toll-free at (800) 367-2525; or visit their website at www.kahalaresort.com