Thursday, June 3, 2010

Avocado Heaven at the Four Seasons


I died and went to Avocado Heaven.

Yesterday was the AFC Kona Kohala Chefs Association June meeting and luncheon hosted by the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the big island of Hawai'i and Executive Chef James Babian. Oh MY!  I am still in awe thinking about the 14 wonderful and creative dishes that the chefs at the Four Seasons prepared for us.
The Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers and the University of Hawaii also gave us an Avocado tasting of ten varieties that are in season right now. Ken Love, who is considered one of the world's authorities on Avocados and in Tropical Fruit in General set up the tasting with special guests from Manoa, Dr. Ted Radovich, Jyotsna Krishnakumar and Kelly Assai. In the tasting members and guests of the Kona Kohala Chefs Associaion tasted and rated 10 varieties of local Avocados and then those ten varieties were incorporated in various ways in the fantastic menu created by the Four Seasons Chefs.
Executive Chef James Babian of the Four Seasons Resort
The tasters took the assignment seriously... and happily. 
Here is the menu for the afternoon: 

Prickly Pear Gelle, Avocado Pudding and Maui Pineapple Salsa

Smoked Marlin-Ono Avocado Terrine with Umi Vinaigrette
 
Ahi Avocado Poke with Heart of Palm Salad


Avocado Flan with Grilled Kona Shrimp & Mango Salsa
One of my favorites, Wild Boar Adobo with Cilantro Lime Avocado Sauce
 
Another favorite of mine... Compressed Watermelon Carpaccio, Puna Feta Cheese
Avocado Mousse, Micro Shiso and Liquid Olives (that last part was amazing!)
Fulton Valley Organic Chicken, Puna Feta Cheese, Sharwil Avocado Salad
Up Country Palani Ranch Tri Tip, Black Bean Avocado Relish, Hawaiian Chili Pepper Tuille 
Local Grass Fed Beef Sliders with House-Made Local Accompaniments
Macadamia Nut Cake with Avocado Mousse


Dessert Table 
!
These are some of the up and coming Culinary Students that our Association Supports
After lunch... the outrigger awaits

5 comments:

Samdooby said...

Looks beautiful Dev. FS Hualalai is one of our FAVORITE resorts. Kona Village being our fav (Both owned by same owner(s).

Kaupulehu is a beautiful area. Actually, one of my friends, her husband is the #2 at Hualalai. You probably met him. His name is not registering right now...lol...Anyway, looks like you had fun. Love the pics...

Oh yea, we are on our way to Kaupulehu this weekend! Yee-haw!! Natalia and mineʻs 6 yr wedding anniversary!! Woo-hoo!!

Anonymous said...

Awesome avocados, Dev. Wish we could be there to sample. - Chuck

Unknown said...

Great post and pics Devany...good food, beautiful day and wonderful company—great to meet you!

Devany said...

It was great!!!!

Congrats on your 6 years of love and bliss Sam!

gail said...

Mmmmmm. Have been thinking much about avocados lately and some favorite avocado eating experiences. What a tasty treat this must have been! And the setting looks so perfect. Now I will go back to browsing the photos...aloha! Gail