MEDIA RELEASE

Tickets are still available for Quisine of Hearts — a delectable Valentine brunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Tickets, priced at $45 for adults and $20 for children aged 5-10, are for sale at Gourmet Chef’s Supply, Kailua Candy Company and Kona Wine Market in Kona or at Tropical Dreams Ice Cream in Waimea. Charge by phone at 808-329-2522.

Quisine of Hearts is presented by the ACF Kona Kohala Chefs Association as a benefit for local keiki nutrition awareness programs. It has been hosted by Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort for the last 17 years.

Debi Bishop, resort general manager, said, “As an award-winning resort for families, Hilton Waikoloa Village is absolutely delighted to be a part of an event that benefits nutritional education programs for kids of all ages. Executive Chef Charles certainly promotes the importance of a healthy balance of nutrition in what we serve every day at our resort. In our continued support of ‘Q’uisine of Hearts, we are excited to help bolster the efforts of ACF in keeping our community and children healthy and well-nourished.”

The event offers a bruschetta buffet, custom omelet stations and eggs benedict — all prepared by the culinary students at Hawaii Community College-West Hawaii.

An array of handcrafted miniature desserts by local pastry chefs, bakers, chocolatiers and ice-cream makers are sure to please your special someone.

Up to 15 culinary stations annually vie for Best Dessert bragging rights to the delight of enthusiastic tasters. This year, Kailua Candy Company will be offering its scrumptious Kona Coffee Chocolate Dream, which earned third place in the professional division at the 2011 Kona Coffee Festival Recipe Contest.

Sip champagne, wines, handcrafted ales, 100% Kona coffee, or tropical teas while enjoying tinkling on the keyboard by pianist Loren Wilken. A silent auction includes bidding on premier floral arrangements, plus intimate dinners and pupu parties prepared by local chefs.

“Conceived to showcase the isle’s hard-working pastry chefs, bakers and confectioners — the event takes pride in delivering awe-inspiring delicacies that are infused with local products,” said Patti Kimball, event co-chair. “The undisputed high caliber of sweets is recognized through an annual critique performed by a trio of judges.”

Additionally, Quisine supports Green Tables, a farm and garden philanthropic initiative for children by Les Dames d’Escoffier Hawaii in Waimea. Through Green Tables, CCF supports students who are planting a school garden. It also provides funds for Choose My Plate brochures geared for teens and seniors.

“The CCF initiative also reaches youth through hands-on fun at the annual Waimea Healthy Keiki Fest and workshops at Kona’s annual Girls Exploring Math & Science (GEMS),” said Carol Whitaker, event co-chair.

For information, contact 333-5442.