Chef it Up: Mauna Lani Style

Chefs from the Mauna Lani Auberge Resort came to the garden and taught 3 classes about the culinary arts! Giving students the opportunity to practice cooking skills and learn new ones. Using Big Island beef we made hamburger sliders, with slaw, chimichurri and guacamole all made from Mala`ai fresh ingredients. The students got the chance to help harvest all the plants they were going to use to cook, which is rare for many people. Most people in our society today don’t get the chance to grow from start to finish crops like onions and avocados, only then to cook and eat with them. Its a full food cycle and that’s really what we try to teach our students about. Healthy food systems and how to grow healthy food. This visit from Mauna Lani chefs was really special because one of the chefs was a graduate of Waimea Middle School and Mala`ai. He shared his story of how his time in the garden gave him a love for food and cooking that has helped lead him to be successful in his career as a chef and restaurant owner. Making these connections between education and career paths is also an essential part of the work we do. We know this event was a highlight for so many of our students and we hope you enjoy all the funs pictures!