MEDIA RELEASE

Executive Sous Chef Jayson Kanekoa engages culinary enthusiasts on an exclusive “Chef Shuttle” excursion at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

Local boy Kanekoa, who received first place honors March 18 for three of his poke recipes in the First Annual Sam Choyʻs Keauhou Poke Contest, leads this locovore sojourn where farm-to-table dining takes on a creative twist.

Starting at $299 per room night for Hawaii residents, the kamaaina package rate is perfect for a weekend getaway.

Bright and early Saturday morning, Kanekoa will whisk guests from the resort’s porte cochere to his hometown of Waimea where they’ll dine at one of his local favorites, Hawaiian Style Cafe, for breakfast.

Along the scenic drive, he will inquire about their food interests and preferences before planning the day’s route.

“I enjoy talking story with my guests. In that way, I’ll be able to plan where I should take them because there’s something to be said about providing a unique excursion for each guest,” Kanekoa said. “I tailor each tour according to the season and the guest’s palate.”

Kanekoa will then take guests to the Waimea farmers market to talk story with local agriculturists such as Flavio Miche who produces an array of greens at JA Farms, Luis Rincon who grows strawberries or Wow Farm’s Mike and Tricia Hodson who produce vine ripened tomatoes. There are also local ranchers and fishermen to meet.

To round out the trip, they will visit family owned and operated farms or the nearby fish market. After shopping for fresh produce, meat or seafood, Kanekoa will return to the resort to prepare those items for a farm-to-table dinner that evening.

Once back at the resort’s Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge, Kanekoa will design a customized menu featuring the day’s ingredients and prepare the fresh dinner for the guests to enjoy, all within a matter of a few hours.

The Chef Shuttle Package includes:

* Weekend (Friday to Sunday) two-night stay
* Chef Shuttle
* Dinner for two at Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge

Offered the first weekend of every month. Must stay Friday through Sunday. Rate valid through Dec. 22, 2012. Based on availability, restrictions may apply. A valid Hawaii State ID must be provided upon check-in.

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on the Big Island is located on 15 oceanfront acres overlooking Anaehoomalu Bay and just 18 miles north of the Kona International Airport at Keahole.

Offering 555 contemporary guest rooms, suites and cabanas with private lanai and spectacular views, 5,750 square-foot world-renowned Mandara Spa and a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment from cardio to free weights, Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge with an outdoor lanai for ocean view dining, three pools including the Infinity pool with lava pots, Sunset Luau, nearby Waikoloa Golf Club offering 36 holes of championship golf and shops, restaurants and boutiques at The Kings’ Shops and the newly-opened Queens’ MarketPlace.

For reservations, call (808) 886-6789 with code D60. For more information, call 886-6789 or visit www.waikoloamarriott.com