Last night was the official kick off of the “Hot and Hip Honolulu” press trip at Rum Fire, a trendy restaurant located on the water in Waikiki.
As I’ve mentioned before, I was invited on a press trip to Oahu by the Oahu Visitor’s Bureau along with other writers, bloggers and media personnel. The press trip hopes to highlight Oahu as a destination that has a bit of everything, including lots of adventure, fine dining, excellent hotels and a vibrant nightlife. Up until now, everything you’ve seen me blog about since we arrived in Hawaii was part of the four-day vacation Ryan and I planned for ourselves before the press trip began, but from here on out, all of our time in Hawaii will be spent enjoying pre-determined activities planned by the Oahu Visitor’s Bureau. I am excited and feel honored and grateful to be here!
When we arrived at Rum Fire, we were greeted by Roy Yamaguchi, the famous celebrity chef and creator of Roy’s Restaurants. He is also one of the masterminds behind the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival and a former contestant on Top Chef Masters.
When Roy took the microphone, I smacked Ryan on the arm and said, “Oh my gosh, that’s the Roy! From the restaurants!” I didn’t get a chance to speak with him directly, but he seemed very laid back and personable.
After the welcoming words, we enjoyed some specialty drinks and mingled with all of the other people at the event.
My drink of choice for the evening was a vodka-based drink with hints of citrus and watermelon. It was refreshing, light and perfectly sweet. When it comes to cocktails, I’m a vodka girl and this one was right up my alley.
The event included various stations of food prepared by local chefs. I had a wonderful time speaking with the chefs, learning about their cooking style and eating some incredible local cuisine.
Many of the chefs spoke about the use of local ingredients and said they enjoy preparing fresh food with vibrant flavors using seasonal ingredients they can find on the island.
I had the best time talking to other press trip attendees last night. I spoke with a woman who writes for a newspaper in New Zealand, a freelance travel writer who used to write for Bride’s Magazine and now contributes to Passport Magazine, a man who writes for Via Magazine (AAA’s west-coast magazine) and the blogger behind Food, Wine, Travel who came all the way from Australia. Such a fun mix of people!
My favorite dishes of the evening included the grilled Kona lobster prepared by Chef Jon from Azure and twice cooked wagyu beef prepared by Chef Darren of Kai Market,
Dessert was also phenomenal and my favorite sweet treats included a Kona coffee mousse cup, chocolate dipped macadamia nut cookie and coffee coconut pudding.
I left the event feeling like quite the full and happy little camper. More press trip adventures to come!
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I am glad you and Ryan get to experience this opportunity together 🙂
So jealous you saw Roy! Also, I don’t think you realize that you’ve traveled longer to get here than the Australia and NZ people;) My parents live in DC and we chose to spend Christmas in NZ last year because it was a shorter and cheaper flight!
That is so awesome you’re able to do this. My father-in-law has a magazine and will often go on trips like this and my mother-in-law will tag along too…it’s a great way to experience a new place. I think it’s great that you were able to do your own thing beforehand, but now you’re able to experience different spots/foods from “the experts” and locals…a happy balance! Enjoy the rest of your trip! 🙂
Oh my goodness; all of the food looks delicious!
What an amazing opportunity! That food all looks amaaaazing. I hope today is full of adventures and more delicious eating.
Roy’s is one of my favorite restaurants in Oahu! Everything looks so delicious! 🙂
Looks like such a great time, and I loveeee your dress. You seriously have the cutest dresses! 🙂
What an awesome opportunity! I think it’s so great that you are able to share this with Ryan and experience Hawaii together!
Your trip is such an incredible opportunity! 🙂 All of that food looks delicious!
Ahhh you are so blessed to have been invited on this trip! And that food looks amazing, I can’t remember the last time I had lobster! Enjoy!!
Bleah I was in Hawaii a year ago and just loved it! Looks like you are having a great time
Ellie
That sounds like a blast. What a fun mix of people! Oh, and I think I spied gazpacho shooters in one of your pics? Delish!
Wow! I can’t wait to see what the rest of your trip brings!
That cocktail looks quite yummy…I’m a vodka girl too for the most part. It’s 8 in the morning on the east coast, I shouldn’t be thinking about cocktails just yet!
Oooh what a fun adventure!! The lobster sounds amazing. I rarely eat it or cook it for myself because it’s a lot of work to crack open and eat (and I have no idea how to cook it in the first place!!) but it’s a great treat once in a while! Can’t wait to see what’s up next!
Oh m gosh, that’s so cool! What a neat way to explore Oahu!
All of that food looks so good! And I love your dress!
How cool that you AND Ryan get to do this together?! Love it. And that food sounds/looks delicious. ENJOY!
What an AWESOME opportunity! Looks like you’re going to have an amazing last few days … and some even more amazing food! Have fun!!
That looks so fun! Have a great rest of your trip! How cool that you guys have a pre-planned trip! I’m sure you’ll experience a ton.
Such an amazing opportunity! That’s so great you two get to spend it together!
Everything looks delicious and you two look happy as ever. Can’t wait to see what they have planned for you guys!
Food looks amazing and another gorgeous dress missus!
What an amazing experience. This has been great fun to follow. 🙂
Looks like you’re having the best time ever! I am super jealous!
all the food looks absolutely delicious!! can’t wait to read more about your trip! 🙂
Coffee Coconut Pudding? Count me in!!!!
That’s so incredible! What a fun and exciting experience! Soak it all in for us. 🙂
you are seriously going to all of my favorite places!
what a cool event to meet THE Roy. most of the blackcod that my dad catches on his boats is sold to all the Roys restaurants.
Sounds awesome! Very happy to see some Aussie represents over there 😉
Oh my gosh! That looks like fun! I wish I was in Hawaii rather than school….
also, I love your dress!
Lucky you!!!
looks like an awesome event with amazing food! I have only been to hawaii once, Bobby wants to go so badly!
This trip sounds amazing! I am so glad that you got to experience it… and tell us all about it!
What a fun looking trip. I’ve been catching up on your blog (obviously). Question: What do you do with Sadie when you’re both gone?