When I first started blogging a little more than 6 years ago, my main goal was to eat my way around town in hopes of showing people what Hawaii had to offer. After the first year or so, real life took a turn for the worse and my free time pretty much vanished. I was still eating, but doing very little writing.

There were numerous attempts to get this blog going again, but with each attempt, there was a set back. I hit a low point when I received a comment from a reader that really struck a chord in me. You can read about it here. I started to question myself and what I was doing. Did I even want to keep this blog going and did I really want to start writing again?

In the meantime, I had the opportunity to sample some of the best food that the world has to offer at places like Manresa in Los Gatos, Ubuntu in Napa, Tetsuya’s in Sydney, Pierre Gagnaire in Paris, Alinea in Chicago, St John in London and The Fat Duck in Bray. Dining in these restaurants really gave me a fresh perspective on food and dining out; on eating in and cooking at home; and shopping at the local grocery store and at my local farmer’s market.

Late last year, I became active on Twitter and started connecting with all types of people. It was fascinating to finally have real dialogue with others that enjoyed food just as much as I did, in a truly meaningful and dynamic way. I met local chefs and farmers, food writers and food bloggers. The conversations opened my eyes to what was here all along, and what is essentially at the heart of this blog. My love of food.

When I started blogging back in 2004, there were just a handful of food bloggers out there, with just a small handful of us here in Hawaii. I had often thought of organizing a get together, but it never happened for one reason or another. Until now.

Kathy, from A Passion for Food, was going to be returning home to Hawaii for a visit with family and joining her was going to be Robyn from The Girl Who Ate Everything. I had long been a fan of both blogs, so it was essentially a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet them both here at the same time. Rounding out our group would be Alan from ma`ona and Pomai from The Tasty Island. Due to a mix up with the dates, Pomai was unable to join us.

TBC…

A

B

C

D

Sous vide watermelon & umeshu, lime granite; Azuki panna cotta, matcha sorbet, tapioca pearls, kuri tuile

Creme de mascarpone, honey caviar, almond EVOO crumble, passion coulis, shiso syrup; Pistachio ice cream, coconut foam, carmelized goma

Gianduja cremoso, peanut praline powder, frozen raspberry bits, cacao nibs; Espresso snow, sweet milk, cardamom ice cream, financier crisps

Thank you to Robyn for the photos from Town. I am hoping to finish this post soon.

{ 9 comments }