Kokoleka: Chocolate with Aloha

Mahalo to Chef Ronnie and Pastry Chef Shay for participating in the first Annual Hawaii Chocolate Festival.


From http://www.hawaiian-skies.com Blog:

As if beautiful beaches, scenic mountains and lush rainforests weren’t enough, Hawai‘i also offers the world the sweet pleasure of chocolate. With thousands of acres of farmland and the perfect growing weather, this delicious treat is a natural for the Islands.

Hawai‘i is the only place in America that grows cacao, the raw material for chocolate. You can experience the end result in a growing number of specialty chocolates. They make a great souvenir -- and a sweet indulgence.

You can learn more about some of the great places profiled in this story at SweetParadiseChocolate.com, HiloSharksCoffeeShop.webs.com, WaialuaEstate.com, MalieKai.com and KonaNaturalSoap.com.

This story was produced by Take 2 Production.  Visit them at take2-production.com.

NO golf skill, NO problem in 20 min crash course for local fundraiser

I played in my very first golf tournament ever. Mahalo to Chad from Better Brands/ Young's Market for extending the invitation. I borrowed a 9 iron, wedge, and a putter, got a bag of golf balls from another friend and showed up with a homemade mini club carrier made by my father in law.

Got the invitation on Tuesday, borrowed clubs on Wednesday, went to a range where Chie a Aloha Section PGA Pro, my college classmate, gave me a 20 minute crash course on how to hit my 9 iron. Friday I showed up to play and was greeted by Amy Hammond, that put me at ease and told me just to have a good time.

Here is a highlight reel of the day, shot and edited on my Iphone.

Mahalo to Better Brands, American Express, players, volunteers, sponsors and Amy! 

The 13th Hale 'Aina 'Ohana Golf Tournament was held April 25 at the Kapolei Golf Course. Local celebrity chefs, restaurant owners, and hospitality professionals all turned out in support of the 'Ohana, a nonprofit that provides Hawaii culinary students and professionals access to cutting edge knowledge through programs with local and visiting chefs, as well as "hands on" apprentice opportunities.

2011 Arthritis Walk and benefits of healthy eating - Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL, KFIVE

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - On Sunday, May 22nd, the Arthritis Foundation hosts the 2011 Hawaii Arthritis Walk at Ala Moana's Magic Island. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m. The event features a one-mile or three-mile course with activities for the entire family, a Keiki Zone, live entertainment, food, beverages and arthritis information.

The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation's annual nationwide signature event that raises funds and awareness to find a cure for the nation's leading cause of disability. Participants walk as individuals or in teams in honor of a friend or family member with arthritis. People with arthritis wear blue hats to signify their action in taking control of their condition.

Watch the video to see Ronnie Nasuti, executive chef of Tiki's Grill & Bar demonstrate how to prepare tapenade-crusted fish filet seared and served atop, whole wheat pasta, fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, olive oil, fresh herbs and sun-dried tomatoes.




Recipe courtesy of Ronnie Nasuti, Executive Chef, Tiki's Grill & Bar

The Benefits of Eating Healthy

Hawaii Swordfish
Hawaii Swordfish is an excellent source of lean protein. It is rich in niacin, vitamin B12, phosphorus and selenium and it is also low in sodium. Hawaii Swordfish is a good source of vitamin B6 and iodine. Hawaii Swordfish also provides about 1200 mg of omega-3's (DHA and EPA) per 4 ounce serving of fresh fish.

Olives
The Vitamin E contained in olives is the body's primary fat-soluble antioxidant. Antioxidants help to strengthen the body's immune system; reducing the severity of asthma, cancer, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, premature aging, as well as delaying the effects of aging. Olives contain compounds called polyphenols that appear to have significant anti-inflammatory properties. The juice of the olive, otherwise known as olive oil, is a delicious source of antioxidants. This oil is monounsaturated, and it has a positive effect on the cholesterol level in our blood streams, by helping to reduce it. Monounsaturated fats are an important part of our diets. These oils act to keep cholesterol from sticking to our artery walls, and thus combating against diseases such as heart disease and strokes. Not only that, but they help to control blood sugar, a big plus in offering protection against diabetes.

Artichokes
Most rheumatism and arthritis problems are linked to liver function. This is why artichokes, with choleretic and cholagogic properties, accelerate the transportation and elimination of bile, and considerably increase diuresis, thus removing excess congestants from tissues and joints. Artichokes are therefore recommended for cases of rheumatism and arthritis, in general, given the importance of liver function in the development of these illnesses.

Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar contains all mentioned nutrients. This is the reason why it can prevent stroke. Balsamic vinegar should be consumed regularly in order to balance cholesterol in blood. Another important thing is that it lowers high blood pressure. It helps people who suffer from osteoporosis since it is healthy for our bones. It can ease headaches and prevent occurrence of new headaches. It can help in digestion process and it can boost metabolism. However, it can suppress appetite in a natural way. Amino acids from it help in reducing aging symptoms. It is rich not only in amino acids but also minerals and thus can help treating anemia, chronic tiredness etc.

Lemon
The incredible, amazing lemon may help with wrist arthritis, knee arthritis, or arthritis in any joint. Lemon is a popular fruit when it comes to therapeutic properties.

Recipe courtesy of Ronnie Nasuti, Executive Chef, Tiki's Grill & Bar

May 22 is also National Gout Awareness Day. Gout is one of 120 different forms of arthritis. Hawaii has one of the highest percentage of people who suffer from gout in the United States.

For more information about the Arthritis Foundation, visit www.arthritis.org.
Copyright 2011 by Hawaii News Now. All Rights Reserved.