Goodbye Taste, Hello Flavors!
Lots of people were saddened when they heard that Taste of Honolulu was dead. But thanks to Abilities Unlimited, which trains people with disabilities to work and live productive lives, a new and expanded Flavors of Honolulu debuts this weekend
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Mayor Mufi Hannemann congratulates
Johnny B on being named ambassador
of Flavors of Honolulu
Hired by Safeway in its first interview with him, Johnny B takes the Handivan from Kalihi to Mililani three times a week to report to work. He returns home via two city buses. Like other disabled employees who respect and appreciate the privilege to be employed, he is always punctual and has never missed a day of work.
“No one should set limits for themselves because if you do, you’ll never find out just how far in life you can go,” says Johnny B, who is afflicted by cerebral palsy. “My dream is to help other people fulfill their destiny. We simply ask for a chance to prove ourselves. The time for change is now!”
But for this weekend, Johnny B’s agenda is fun and food. “It’s not a party without me,” he exclaims.
SPICY. From lion dances to Makaha Sons, the event will be a pulsating to music each day. A headliner takes center stage nearly every hour, 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Among the highlights are performances by Maunalua, 8 p.m. Friday; a tribute to Don Ho, 8 p.m. Saturday; and the duet debut of Tia Carrere and Daniel Ho, 4 p.m. Sunday. The Makaha Sons will entertain fans at Sunday’s closing concert at 5 p.m.
Another crowd-pleaser will be celebrity cooking demonstrations pitting notables such as San Francisco 49er Eric Wright vs. Chef Alan Wong; Jimmy and Vicki Borges; political leaders vs. sports stars; and media honchos such as Dave Kennedy of MidWeek and the Star Bulletin vs. Joe McNamara of KHON2-TV.
ZESTY. A lot of time and effort goes to putting on this community party. Aside from the charitable benefits to be gained by Abilities Unlimited, Flavors of Honolulu represents something else worth celebrating.
And that is the City of Honolulu itself.
Mayor Mufi Hannemann puts it this way: “One of the things Honolulu is known for is its excellent cuisine, its agricultural traditions - not just sugar and pineapple anymore -and its diversified future. This event showcases fine restaurants, talented chefs, and the vitality of our residents. It is a major statement that Honolulu can do a food festival as well as anyone. It’s a major opportunity to tell our story.”
So hang out at Flavors of Honolulu with your family and friends this weekend. Join our City administrators, Abilities Unlimited board members and supporters, as well as a cadre of volunteers and service organizations who want to show you a good time. There’s even a drawing to win a trip to New Zealand when you cast a ballot for the festival’s most flavorful dishes.
If you can’t make it to the Civic Center in person, KHON2-TV with Justin Cruz will broadcast live from Flavors of Honolulu on Friday, June 29, from 5 to 10 p.m. The continuous live coverage will be uninterrupted by local commercials.
And don’t forget to save room for dessert. White chocolate-dipped Oreo cheesecake. Chocolate-covered haupia baklava. Azuki bean custard with ginger and Midori melon sauce.
Life is sweet in Honolulu.
Flavors of Honolulu hours are Friday, June 29, 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, June 30, noon to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, July 1, noon to 6 p.m. Information: 948-0088
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