Molokai Ranch beef shines in Chef Bloc Maui dinner
The Maui food scene is heating up. There’s an impressive list of talented chefs and award-winning restaurants on the Valley Isle right now. With mom-and-pop shops, gourmet pies, juices, food trucks and fine dining, Maui has emerged as one of the must-taste destinations for the epicurious.
One of the latest installments in this growing culinary revolution is Chef Bloc Maui. Held every second Saturday of the month at Andaz Maui in Wailea and hosted at Ka’ana Kitchen restaurant, the dinner event seats 12 guests on an intimate marble block table, and serves up 10 courses prepared by three chefs featuring a special ingredient. The evening is meant to be fun, interactive and allow the chefs to let their culinary imaginations run wild… I was ecstatic to be invited to partake in this culinary experience.
This month’s three featured chefs included Kyle Kawakami from Maui Fresh Streatery food truck, Gevin Utrillo from Japengo at the Hyatt Regency Maui and Isaac Bancaco of Ka’ana Kitchen. The chefs collaborated to compose a menu, created and cooked the dishes, then took turns sharing the inspiration and techniques with guests.
This month’s ingredient was Molokai Ranch grass-fed Angus beef. Each course, with the exception of dessert, highlighted the locally raised beef from the rolling pastures of Molokai. Rancher Dathan Bicoy and C.E.O. Clay Rumbaoa also took part in the dinner and shared details about the ranch. Bicoy says when herding the cattle, it takes three times as long because they allow the cattle to graze and roam freely in a stress free environment.
Coming up: Frolic Hawaii’s very own Will Chen is expected to participate in Chef Bloc in a few months.. In the meantime, here’s a look at January’s dinner:
Chef Bloc Maui
Chef Bloc Maui
Every 2nd Saturday of the month, except February because it’s Valentine’s Day.
Cost is $150, plus $75 for wine and cocktails.
