(Photo courtesy of Taste of the Hawaiian Range)

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, Sept. 21 is the date of the 17th Mealani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agriculture Festival. Sprawling again inside and out of Hilton Waikoloa Village, the annual event showcases the isle’s grass-fed beef industry while bringing together local ranchers, farmers, restaurateurs and eager eaters to celebrate a bounty of locally produced food.

More than 30 of the state’s top chefs dazzle diners 6-8 p.m. with delectable dishes using grass-fed beef, pork, lamb, goat, mutton and wild boar — plus a cornucopia of fresh island fruit, veggies, honey, spices and beverages.

Culinary adventure seekers can taste and enjoy all the cuts of grass-fed beef — everything from tongue to tail — prepared expertly by Hawaii chefs. Enjoy familiar cuts like sirloin tip and ribs, plus beef cheek and the infamous “rocky mountain oysters” or bull testicles.

While “tasting,” festival goers can meet Hawaii’s food producers at gaily decorated vendor booths and talk story with the ranchers and farmers who make a living growing our food. Taste also affords local food producers the opportunity to hookup with isle chefs, wholesale buyers and consumers.

Learn how to use and prepare 100 percent pasture-raised beef at a 3 p.m. informative culinary activity: Grass-Fed Beef Cooking 101.

This year’s guest presenter is James Babian, executive chef at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. The presentation includes sampling.

Tickets prices for the evening Taste and Cooking 101 demo will be sold starting June 1 at http://www.TasteOfTheHawaiianRange.com

Taste tickets remain priced at $40 presale and $60 at the door, while the fee for the cooking demo is $10. Watch for ticket giveaways on Facebook at Taste of the Hawaiian Range.

For general event information, phone (808) 969-8228.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a modification of policies and procedures to participate in this event should contact Jeri Moniz at 808-960-8411 as soon as possible and no later than Sept. 14.

Mealani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agriculture Festival provides a venue for sustainable agricultural education, encouragement and support of locally produced ag products.

The premiere ag-tourism event is a partnership between CTAHR, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Association, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, Kulana Foods and community volunteers.

Sponsorship also includes the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Hawaii County Research and Development, Hawaii Community College Food Service & Culinary Program and KTA SuperStores.

The quality and growth of this event are rooted in small business participation, sponsorship and in-kind donations.

— Find out more:
www.TasteOfTheHawaiianRange.com

(Photo courtesy of Taste of the Hawaiian Range)