Our monthly visit with Thomas Obungen was all about his favorite spots of 2020. Thomas is an avid foodie who spends his time in search of the new and the not-so-ordinary. One of the places he found great food this year was, surprisingly, at Ohana Hale Marketplace.  We  heartily agree that Nana Ai Katsu is indeed one of the best food finds of 2020.

Tim Golden of Village Bottle Shop and Tasting Room, joined Jo to chat about a favorite topic - beer. Whether it's gifting or getting, the  Village has everything you need, with  up to 800 different beers, gift baskets and a passionate staff to help you make great choices.

And it wouldn't be the holidays without thinking of those in need. Ron Mizutani, CEO and President of Hawaii Foodbank joined us to talk about how 2020 was the most challenging year in Foodbank history - but also one of the most rewarding in terms of outreach and community involvement. "The pandemic changed the face of hunger," says Ron. You can donate or volunteer here. 

Merry Christmas, everyone, 

With the opener for UH basketball and the final UH football game of the season, it's an exciting weekend for sports fans who've had so many challenges and disappointments  this year. Bobby shares his thoughts on a busy sports weekend.
In the food world, Martha Cheng , food editor for Honolulu Magazine joins Jo to chat about the local food scene and some of her favorite food gifts of 2020.
You can find more of Martha's articles here . Among the deliciousness of local offerings include Manoa Chocolate Bean-to Bar offerings and a regional look at chocolate around the islands. 
For beautifully packaged, fresh and healthful  gifts, The Slow Island Company have turmeric in elixirs and tonics that will have you rushing to take a sip - and they make perfect mixers for holiday cocktails. 
Enjoy! 

We needed something to sweeten the show this week as we're taking a bit of a somber tone with guest Ryan Tanaka - the  president of Island Business Management and the  driving force behind the National Commercial Rent Study.... So,  after you've gone here to give your valuable input, and here to read the previous two studies... you can  head here for some seriously sustainable sweet and sassy donuts. 
Enjoy!

Keoni Chang, Foodland's CFO ( that's Chief Food Officer), joins us to chat about the opening of Kahala Mkt - where customers are sure to be impressed - overwhelmed even - by the sheer amount of food options in this relatively small space... "We've gradually adjusted over the years with our food concepts at Foodland....  and the store with 'et al' as  the  restaurant is the next phase in what we're doing... there's a really nice curation of conventional, natural and organic products ... including the  full service restaurant," Keoni explains.

And our favorite Master Sommelier, Chris Ramelb of Southern Glazer's Wines and Spirits brings us sparkling suggestions for the holiday, including some incredible wine finds - the like of which you may never see again,   "We always love to support local, and this Lokelani prosecco from Maui is wonderful," says Chris  " And we're sure listeners will love this incredible Sommariva Prosecco as the perfect start to the holiday. "
And, one of our favorite wines of all time - Saracco Moscato - is  undoubtedly one of the best Moscato d'Asti's you'll ever taste - and perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

And here's the news you don't want to miss ....
Two of  Ramelb's favorite producers  - Reynvann and Force Majeure ( both out of Washington ) are being offered for the next few weeks at a really incredible price.  He says he can't quite believe he's still seeing them on the shelves...  Not for long, Chris.... 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kevin Hanney, the owner of 12th Avenue Grill, Diamond Head Cafe and Chop Chop Rotisserie in Waikiki, chats about his new deli - opening Wednesday November 18th as part of his 12th Avenue restaurant revamp.   "We've split the restaurant in two and have created a Deli Cafe -  and will be serving sandwiches and salads, hot dishes, take-home dinners... and we also have a great outdoor seating set up so you can grab deli food and eat here too."  

Expect long lines and lots of excitement as Kevin and his team bring dishes that include house made pastrami, porcetta panini, pastrami French toast, tuna melt with  ( house made) Koko Head Foods smoked Ahi spread, burgers made with Maui Cattle Company beef , fresh ground ahi burgers  lamb. burgers.....salads...  home made Burrata... ...and there will be breakfast too.

There's a new Italian exec chef on board who is also a Master Cheesemaker... so look for house made burrata and a celebration of cheese... in fact just  expect more of the greatness we've come to know and love from Kevin and his creative team... we can't wait! 

Chef Keith Kong joins us from Basalt, Waikiki as the restaurant prepares to open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.  And for those of you who don't want to cook ? There's Thanksgiving in a box of course... the menu features oven roasted turkey and all the trimmings. Book now as they're sure to run out soon. 

Hideo Simon, co-owner of Pint and Jigger and Square Barrels, joins us to chat about his new restaurant, HeiHo House.  Think upmarket neighborhood Izakaya with craft cocktails and excellent beers on tap. And Thomas Obungen chats about his favorite new food finds, including the newest food truck in town- La Birria Tacos. Located at Pearlridge Mall, this little Mexican food stop has already caught the attention of devout foodies. Get ready to stand in line! 

Enjoy 

Kurt Osaki and Sherry Menor McNamara came up with a big idea and the result is the Restaurant Card ; Jo MacFarlane an award-winning Scottish Candle Maker is full of great ideas for entrepreneurs, and her new book, Ask and Act ,is an inspiration ; and Chris Ramelb is out to change your views on Merlot starting with this gorgeous recommendation from Broadside.  
Enjoy! 

Melissa Chang joins us in this episode to remember Ed Morita, a gifted pastry chef, blogger, food photographer and leading light in the world of culinary social media. Ed passed away recently and is remembered in this blog , and for a wonderful example of his generosity when sharing baking tips - read on. Who knew that resting cookie dough could reap such rewards.

Stu Simmons, the CEO of Seafood Connection is pivoting as his high end customer base of resorts, hotels and restaurants has been reduced by the pandemic. His response is to open up the wholesale business to the public.  Go here for the full menu of luxury seafood items sourced from around the globe.

And Chef Mark Freiberg of The Green Apron chats about the debut of his healthy, balanced keiki boxes- find them at  ChefZone. 

Enjoy! 

We loved this conversation with co founder of Maui Nui Venison Jake Muise as he talks about the history of Axis Deer in Hawaii, their completely free range and undisturbed lifestyle contributes to the high quality of the venison. If you aren't familiar with this huge Maui success in sustainability, you should enjoy this episode.

And Ryan Tanaka Joins Jo to Discuss the Rent Relief Program that's he's spearheaded. Want to help save our small businesses ? Please consider sending in a testimonial NOW..
Email : (808) 224-5418
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( And Yes, Ryan gave us permission to print his contact info!)