Chef Ippy Aiona and The Three Fat Pigs. (Photo by Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7)

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Editor

What a difference a year makes.

Barely 13 months ago, Ippy Aiona got the call to appear on the ‘Food Network Star’ TV program and headed to the mainland to seek his fortune.

Aiona made the finals, learned a lot and had a great time. However, it wasn’t until he returned home that the hard work began.

Now, with his name is on two restaurants, Aiona, 24, is learning how to juggle the demands of being boss.

Along with his parents and partners, Max and Robin Aiona, the Waikoloa native was flashing a big smile and posing for photos at Saturday’s opening of The Three Fat Pigs restaurant and The Thirsty Wolf bar.

“It’s been an amazing year. It was the Year of the Dragon and that’s my year,” he said. “A wise chef once told me you’ll be happy if you serve food you want to eat. And it’s working so far.”

Aiona was quick to give credit to the kitchen staff.

“They’re the ones who make me look good. They whole crew is very young and they enjoy food,” he said. “It’s the attention to detail that tells the difference between a cook and a chef. These guys know that.”

At Saturday evening’s gala opening, Mayor Billy Kenoi read a proclamation, declaring March 16, 2013 as ‘The Three Fat Pigs and Thirsty Wolf Day’ in Hawaii County.

Located in the Kings’ Shops at Waikoloa Beach Resort, the gastropub builds on the fairy tale and offers up a menu sure to delight the island’s foodies and visiting diners.

“The menu kind of follows the Three Little Pigs story,” Aiona said. “It’s whimiscal and fun and I really hope people like it.”

Among the items Aiona highlights on the menu are “Oyster Shooters” with yuzu lemon juice and soy sauce Sriracha spheres, “Pigtail” with pickled watermelon rind, and roasted “Bone Marrow” with grilled French bread and roasted tomatoes.

A selection of salads also includes “Hamakua Mushrooms,” featuring alii mushrooms with pickled Hirabara Farm radishes and a pistachio vinaigrette, and a beef carpaccio with Worcestershire lemon aioli.

The Three Fat Pigs employs about 60 people and seats about 120.

Aiona’s other restaurant, Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque, also is open at Queen’s Marketplace’s food court.

Dinner is served nightly starting at 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended at The Three Fat Pigs.

Call The Fat Pigs at 339-7145.

— Find out more:
www.kingsshops.com

Chef Ippy Aiona and Mayor Billy Kenoi. (Photo by Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7)

The Thirsty Wolf bar, upstairs. (Photo by Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7)

(Photo by Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7)

(Photo by Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7)