‘Cutthroat Kitchen’ winner featured at gala

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COURTESY PHOTO

Mini chocolate bombs comprise hard chocolate ball with a soft haupia center. Rice noodles are transformed into wicks.

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COURTESY FOODLAND

Steamed-to-order bao buns, foreground, including a soy-braised pork belly bao with pickled vegetables and “awe-ssam” sauce are available at the grill station at Foodland Farms Ala Moana, while the sandwich case’s new additions include a prosciutto and Gorgonzola sandwich with fig jam on a baguetted.

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COURTESY HAWAIIAN PIE COMPANY

Hawaiian Pie Company’s new matcha custard pie.

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Expat chef Kaimana Chee, a 2016 Food Network “Cutthroat Kitchen” winner with thriving businesses in Maryland, will be coming home to cook for a special event.

Hawaii Speed and Quickness, a nonprofit that provides sports training, mentoring and scholarships to youth, has enlisted Chee and former scholarship recipient chef Ho‘ouila Sua to prepare the food for its inaugural fundraising gala this weekend.

Chee plans five appetizers, a multicourse dinner featuring seafood, beef and vegetarian options, and five desserts. Even the tables will be set with an edible centerpiece.

REACHING FOR THE STARS

>> When: 5 p.m. Sunday
>> Where: Bayer Estate, 5329 Kalanianaole Hwy.
>> Cost: $500 a seat or $5,000 per table
>> Info: 228-7447

“Edible soil is made from dehydrated mushrooms and puffed wild rice displayed in a planter … and in there, there will be a garden of edible greens and mini vegetables. It’ll look like it’s planted in there,” he said. The centerpiece will be accompanied by passion fruit and miso vinaigrettes.

Chee and Sua have been collaborating on the menu online. Chee arrived Tuesday, and four chefs from the mainland are paying their own way to Hawaii to help Chee cook at the event.

An auction of donated items also will raise funds for the organization.

Led by President and CEO Rich Miano, Hawaii Speed and Quickness has served more than 15,000 youth and families for 17 years. It also provides academic support, health and nutrition education, and speed and agility sports camps and counseling.

FOODLAND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATES NEW FOOD ITEMS

Foodland Farms at Ala Moana Center marks its first anniversary starting Thursday and will launch more than three dozen new food items.

Three steamed-to-order bao buns including a soy-braised pork belly bao with pickled vegetables and “awe-ssam” sauce are available at the grill station, while the sandwich case’s new additions include a vegetarian beet hummus and grilled vegetable sandwich on focaccia bread , and prosciutto and Gorgonzola with fig jam on a baguette .

Other new foods include fried saimin at the grill station and tonkotsu-style sirloin steak ramen from HI Steaks.

Through Monday, the market will offer its own take on the first-birthday luau tradition at the self-serve hot- and cold-food bars, with traditional and contemporary Hawaiian and Hawaii-inspired dishes.

Also through Monday, shoppers who spend $100 or more will receive a canvas bag emblazoned with “Eat Your Heart Out at Foodland Farms Ala Moana.”

The company is holding an online contest at foodlandala moana.com for a pair of tickets to its Sept. 17 “Sip and Savor” dinner and wine-pairing event at The Bar, located inside the store.

CALLING ALL MATCHA LOVERS

Hawaiian Pie Company’s new matcha custard pie will continue being offered on Fridays and Saturdays throughout September.

The creamy pie comes in two sizes: 9-inch for $20 and 4-inch for $5.

Hawaiian Pie Company is located at 508 Waiakamilo Road. Call 988-7828.

— Michelle Ramos, Star-Advertiser