I finally got around to organizing my pictures and clips of the Lei Day for Japan event held in Honolulu on May 1st, 2011. A big mahalo to Hawaiian Airlines for organizing and sponsoring this event. And an equally big mahalo to all the entertainers, chefs and volunteers who donated their time to make this event a smashing success. 1,500 people attended and over $200,000 was raised in this top-notch affair. As you can see by the camera angle in pictures and video clips below, we were fortunate enough to have front row seats. (Just wish we had a better camera!) Toward the end of this post is a clip of Jake Shimabukuro with his mom doing an impromptu performance. It was a hoot! (We’ll follow up with his other performances in future posts.)
But let’s start with some pictures of the food and give lots of credit to the chefs who volunteered their time and resources to make this event a success. (Check out the “credits” at the end.) In the meantime, here’s a sampling of food we were served:
Ono Food!
Almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
Last but not least…
Patrick Makuakane (featuring Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu)
Check out this live clip of Jake Shimabukuro with his mom:
Chef’s who graciously volunteered their time:
Kevin Hanny, 12th Ave Grill
Alan Wong, Alan Wong’s
John Matusbara, Azure
Rodney Uehara, Beachhouse at Moana Surfrider
Cyrus Goo, Cafe Laufer
Chai Chaowasaree, Chai’s Island Bistro
George Mavrothalassitis, Chef Mavro’s
DK Kodama, DK’s Steak and Sansei Seafood
Matt Nelson, Don Ho’s Island Grill
Lawtene Angelias, Eggs’n Things
Aldo Romero, Gate Gourmet
Glenn Chu, Indigo
JJ Luangkhot, JJ Bistro and French Pastry
Colin Hazama, Kauai Grill Culinary Concepts by Jean-Goerges
Alan Takasaki, Le Bistro
Marc Anthony Freiberg, Mariposa at Neiman Marcus
Eberhard Kintscher, Michel’s at the Colony Surf
Masaharu Morimoto, Morimoto Waikiki
Andy Degamo, Morton’s The Steakhouse
BethAn Nishijima, Nori’s
Fred DeAngelo, Ola at the Turtle Bay Resort
ERic Leterc, The Pacific Club
Elmer Guzman, Poke Stop
Roy Yamaguchi, Roy’s
Leighton Miyakawa, Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Bryan Ashlock, Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa
Colin Nishida, Side Street Inn
Joy Chaowasaree, Singha Thai Cuisine
Goran Streng, Tango Contemporary Cafe
Chuck Furuya, Master Sommelier and Manager of Vino and Hiroshi’s
Copyright © Tim Sullivan 2011
Intercultural Twilight Zone 
