2019 Hale ‘Aina Awards Presented by First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard—Chefs’ Reception
A few honorees talk story at the Chefs’ Reception at the 2019 Hale ’Aina Awards held in June.
Last month, HONOLULU Magazine celebrated the 2019 Hale ‘Aina Awards presented by First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard. The Hale ‘Aina Awards are the state’s longest-running and most prestigious dining honors, launched in 1984 to recognize the best restaurants in Hawai‘i.
This year, more than 8,000 readers cast their votes for their favorite restaurants in the Islands. The top picks were announced and honored at a gala reception held at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort in early June.
Assistant Vice President Angie Shiroma of First Hawaiian Bank has worked with many of the winning eateries. But she is especially proud of a few clients who were in attendance at this year’s Chefs’ Reception, including downtown favorites Rangoon Burmese Kitchen and Fête.
Rangoon Burmese Kitchen took home top honors as the Editor’s Choice for Best New Restaurant. Chef-Owner Khun Sai spoke to his approach to cooking, “The important thing is you make with love and then people can feel the love.” In this video, he speaks to the important advisory role that Shiroma has played in the success of his business.
Chuck Bussler and Robynn Maii, managing partners at Fête, concur, noting that Shiroma helps keep them focused on the business aspects.“We’re very good at the restaurant, service and cooking side. The things we forget to do are sometimes all the other nuts and bolts,” says Bussler. The couple was honored in the Best Business Lunch category at this year’s Hale ‘Aina award ceremony.
Tickets are on sale now for the Hale ‘Aina Awards Celebration. Presented by First Hawaiian Bank, the event will showcase the creativity of some of Hawai‘i’s top culinary talent. Sample signature dishes from award-winning chefs on September 7, 2019, at the ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. The evening event is your chance to experience some of Hawai‘i’s very best cuisine.
