PETA ranks our burg among best in U.S. for vegans

For the first time, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals organization has rated Honolulu among the top 10 U.S. cities for vegans.

PETA referred to Honolulu as the “Big Pineapple” in touting the city’s ranking. Yeah, because everybody calls Honolulu that.

“Hawaii’s capital is the perfect place to say aloha to hearty meat-free barbecue sandwiches, decadent dairy-free cheesecake and more,” PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman said in a statement. “Honolulu landed on PETA’s list this year thanks to a huge rise in delicious plant-based meals that are kind to animals, the environment and health-conscious diners alike.”

PETA prepared a framed certificate reflecting the distinction for Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell.

In its announcement, PETA named some of Oahu’s all-vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, stores and food trucks, including Banan, Blue Tree Cafe, Down to Earth, Downbeat Diner & Lounge, Govinda’s Buffet, Greens & Vines, Loving Hut, Nickie-Cafe, Peace Cafe, Ruffage Natural Foods, Simple Joy and Water Drop Vegetarian House. …

The Bloomingdale’s Forty Carrots restaurant culinary director, Jon Matsubara, has been named official guest chef of the fifth annual Goodwill Goes GLAM event July 21 at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

Matsubara’s career is a bit on the glam side, too, with national TV appearances and the like, but it didn’t start that way. He began his food and beverage career as a dishwasher at Alan Wong’s and Roy’s restaurants in Honolulu.

Tickets for the dinner are $250 for individual seats. Email mcd@higoodwill.org. …

Two Hawaii wine professionals can now be called advanced sommeliers, having passed a rigorous examination by the Court of Master Sommeliers — Americas.

Chris Ramelb of Honolulu and Yeshua Goodman of Maui both passed the advanced examination last week in Portland, Ore.

Goodman has transitioned from beverage manager at the Grand Wailea to an entrepreneurship role. Ramelb, a fine-wine salesman for Southern Wine & Spirits, plans to take the master sommelier exam next year. “There are many, many talented” professionals working hard for the certification, he said, and it will be no small feat to join Hawaii’s three masters: Chuck Furuya, Patrick Okubo and Roberto Viernes. Ramelb knows some industry professionals who have taken the exam unsuccessfully “five, six, seven times,” he said.

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