Executive Chef James Babian and Pastry Chef Linda Rodriguez of Four Seasons are leading a selection of hand-picked pastry chefs, confectioners and chocolatiers to offer an evening of chocolate decadence and savory bites at the inaugural Big Island Chocolate Festival, June 8 at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.
Celebrity chef demonstrations and an educational cacao presentation are also scheduled. Tours of Keauhou cacao farms will be available to showcase how cacao is grown, processed and made into chocolate.
The gala, held from 6 to 10 p.m., is a benefit for the Kona Pacific Public Charter School and the Culinary Arts Program of Palamanui Community College. Enjoy a silent auction, gourmet savory and sweet appetizers, local beer, sparkling wine, dancing and music by Cyril Pahanui and Salsa Latinos.
Competitions will be held for best savory and sweet culinary stations as determined by local and celebrity chefs. Attendees will vote for The People’s Choice Award. Download entry guidelines and an application at BigIslandChocolateFestival.com after March 21 or contact Farsheed Bonakdar at 937-4736.
Gala attendance is limited to 400 and tickets are $75 per person. Tickets go on sale April 15 online through EventBrite, and are available at the Kona Public Pacific Charter School and Kona Wine Market. Symposium tickets and chocolate tours are separate ticketed events and can be purchased at BigIslandChocolateFestival.com after April 15.
Babian will prepare a prix fixe chocolate-themed dinner prior to the gala at Pahu ia. More information about this specialty dinner can be found on the event website.
The 2012 Big Island Chocolate Festival is presented by the newly formed Kona Cacao Association, Inc. The mission and goal of this association is to promote the cacao industry on the Big Island of Hawaii by presenting the BICF as an educational and outreach opportunity for local cacao farmers, the hospitality industry and cacao enthusiasts.