Aloha and Happy Birthday to ME!
As I launch into my __year of life (hmmm, how many years is that, I can't remember!), I just want to thank each of you for being a part of my journey. I am grateful.
I am in a mellow sort of mood because I just got back from The Big Island of Hawai'i. Wayne bought this nice trip at my favorite auction benefiting
EDI. The Executive Development Institute offers leadership programs culturally tailored for Asian/Pacific Islanders and also for Hispanic/Latino professionals in Seattle and Portland. (My sister is a graduate.)
But back to the island. Initially, Wayne was worried he wil be bored but our friends and family reassured him, that it is his kind of place (active and fired up). Being the Aries that he is, they were right on.
The Big Island of Hawai'i' has 10 of the 15 types of climatic zones in the world. It has beautiful rugged lava flows with a dry west coast and tropical rainforest east coast. It is composed of a family of volcanos (Grandmother, mothers, daughters, aunts) all governed by Pele the Goddess of Fire the active hot chick of lava lakes that glow red in the dark. As my masseuse said--Pele likes strong women. Humm no wonder I felt comfortable there. It is fun to drive from the beach up to cool coffee plantation areas and then dive back down to the beach on the way to the volcano. My ears were popping!
I had to rev up my courage to drive up to the top of the summit of Mauna Kea (13,796 ft) in our rental car--no we didn't get the 4-wheel drive that was recommended.....but after a mini melt down in the lower parking lot, I got my courage back and thought, so what if the brakes fail on the way down? It is just a rental! The sunset was unsurpassed, it is like being on another planet with the 12 large telescopes from half dozen other countries and ours. The air is thin there and good for stargazing. We saw Venus right up close.
In Hawai'i Volcanos National Park (site of Kilauea active crater) we took a short hike which goes up and down 400 ft and crosses a dry lava lake, a part of the 1959's eruption, solid but still not completely cool, it keeps me humble.
We were lucky to be there on June 11, King Kamehameha Day and got to watch a beautiful parade in the middle of Kailua-Kona. Each of the islands sent their representatives, beautiful princesses on horseback with their escorts bearing gifts as they did during the Kingdom of Kamehameha. During that time, there were different chiefs who ruled each of the islands. The practice of human sacrifice to keep the Gods happy and keep the people at peace. We really haven't changed much in all this time....
So I know the big question? How was the food? Excellent, we cooked for ourselves and hit the Farmers Market on the first day for some fresh produce and fruit. Wayne was in his fine bargaining form for sure! I do think the highlight was our lunch which featured two types of poke on top of rice from Suisan sitting next to the water in Hilo; oh and then the Ono fish and chips at Quinn's in Kailua-Kona; and the nice salad at Mauna Lani Golf Course after a great round of golf. Ok you got the highlights.
Ah but back to Seattle where is grass is growing high from the rain and a little bit of sun. We have made some changes to accomodate our students--
NuKids Cooking Camp is now for kids 7 years old and above (it was 8 year old but we have some great younger chefs)
This Thursday's
soba noodle class--super summer foods, fresh and all you need is to boil the water, I know you can do it--Soba two ways.
The
Art of Sushi tomorrow--they only come monthly for two more months.
Wok a thon, are you really happy with your stir-frys?
Come cook with us or at least watch and eat, I think you will walk away changed for the better.
Building Community through Cuisine
Mahalo,
Naomi
