George Bernard Shaw said there was no greater love than the love of food, and this year’s Big Island Film Festival validates those sentiments by bringing together ten of Hawaii’s greatest chefs to celebrate foodie films. Great films encourage viewers to explore all of their senses, including the rich significance of food, and how it is associated with both pleasurable memories and events.
George Bernard Shaw said there was no greater love than the love of food, and this year’s Big Island Film Festival validates those sentiments by bringing together ten of Hawaii’s greatest chefs to celebrate foodie films. Great films encourage viewers to explore all of their senses, including the rich significance of food, and how it is associated with both pleasurable memories and events.
This year the festival celebrates its tenth year with the addition of the first-ever “Taste of the Movies,” which will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. May 22 at The Shops at Mauna Lani. The festival has invited 10 chefs to prepare movie-themed cuisine in an open-air “dine-around” that will benefit the next decade of Big Island Film Festival programming.
“It’s our tenth anniversary so we thought we would try to get ten chefs to pick a movie themed food and do a fun tasting,” said Catherine Tarleton, a public relations representative for the event. “There’s so many of them when you start thinking about it. Some of these guys really went outside the box. Tropics Alehouse’ chef, Keola Valdez, asked if it had to be a movie with food in the name because he wanted to do Hunger Games. He said he wanted to make lamb stew because it’s the first thing Katniss ate after she came back from the tournament.”
These 10 participating chefs chose the following films to inspire their dishes:
Outrageous Food and Events, Chef David Paul Johnson, “Chocolat” Hot Chocolate
Under the Bodhi Tree, Chef Stephen Rouelle, “Everything is Illuminated” Fresh Beet Borscht
Monstera Noodles &Sushi, Chef Norio Yamamoto, “Spicy Tuna” Spicy Ahi Crunch
The Blue Room Brasserie and Bar, Chef Eric Rouelle, “Princess Kaiuilani” Pork Katsu Curry
Osteria, Chef James Babian, “Under the Tuscan Sun” Burrata Caprese &Kona Lobster and Kauai Shrimp Ravioli
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Chef Darcy Ambrosio, “The Wild, Wild West” Braised Brisket, Chili &Cornbread
Tommy Bahama, Chef Stennis Hirayama, “The Rum Diary” Jerk Marinated Flank Steak, Bibb Lettuce Wrap, Green Papaya Slaw, House Made Kim Chee, Hawaiian Chili Pepper &Vanilla Bean
Sansei Seafood, Steak and Sushi Bar, Chef Scott Lutey, “The Fishing Club” Deconstructed Lau Lau
Tropics Ale House, Chef Keola Valdez, “The Hunger Games” Lamb Stew
The Feeding Leaf, Chef Scott Hiraishi, “Charlotte’s Web” “Spider Roll” Bao
“I chose Chocolate because these events are typically very weak when it comes to desserts. My goal is to do something that is relatively simple, yet rich and elegant. I remember the one scene in Chocolat where the proprietor of the chocolate shop was giving the older woman a cup of hot chocolate and it had a sprinkle of chipotle powder on top of it. I thought we would play off of that, so we’re doing a cappuccino of hot chocolate with almond madeleine cookies for dipping. The presentation is what makes it really special, I think,” said Johnson about why he chose the film Chocolat to influence his culinary contribution to the event. “We’re playing off of the theme and dressing our table up in chocolate colors and we’ll do some displays in chocolate. It’s in a clear cup with a clear plate topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chipotle chocolate powder.”
Foodie film lovers will also delight in a variety of beverages as they are treated to “liquid aloha” from Kona Brewing Co., Pau Maui Vodka, and a very special Hanaialii Merlot, presented and poured by renowned musician Amy Hanaialii.
Big Island Film Festival’s Executive Director Leo Sears says that “Taste of the Movies” is an event that has been in discussion since last year.
“It’s a terrific fit, the chefs are excited, and I think the audience is going to be really happy with the experience of ‘Taste,’” he said. “What people might not realize, is that our filmmakers and celebrities attend these events and love interacting with the people who live here. It’s part of the total package of BIFF.”
The “Taste of the Movies” event includes food tastings, beverages, and a ticket to the evening’s double feature at The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii Plantation Estate. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased by calling 883-0394 in advance. Tickets are not available online; space is limited.