“Today it would be hard to name a restaurant that does not use our mushrooms,” says Janice with a laugh. Alan Wong is another preeminent chef that uses Hamakua Mushrooms. One of the 12 co-founding chefs of the Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine movement, Wong is ranked as one of the top 10 chefs in the world. In 2009, he was invited by President Obama to prepare a lu‘au meal at the White House for the first family and members of Congress. Wong served Hamakua Mushrooms at the White House. It’s a distinction few other farmers can claim. World leaders also dined on Hamakua Mushrooms prepared by Chef Wong at the recent APEC Conference in Hawai‘i. Bob and Janice value the relationships they’ve built over the years with various world-class chefs. So much so, that they recently built a one-bedroom Chef House on the farm as a getaway retreat just for chefs. With spectacular sweeping views of the ocean, the cottage comes complete with a hot tub and an expansive, covered lanai designed for entertaining. “It’s a place where chefs can come for a retreat away from a hectic kitchen, relax and be creative,” says Janice. The Stangas planted a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs around the house so the chefs can stroll the grounds and pick whatever is in season and use it in their cooking. The setting lends itself well to culinary events and fundraisers, and the plan is to offer events featuring different chefs. Alan Wong will be hosting the first event at the Chef House later this year. ❖ Contact writer Denise Laitinen at wahineokekai@yahoo.com.
Close-up of ali‘i mushrooms growing in substrate jars
Local food delivered to your door. Looking to go local and eat healthy? Join our community-supported agriculture program for delicious vegetables,
herbs, eggs, lamb and a newsletter full of recipes . Call or e-mail now to participate in the culinary
adventure!
ohiafieldsfarm@gmail.com
(808) 430-3847
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 63
Resources: For more information on Hamakua Mushrooms, check out their website www.fungaljungle.com. It features recipes using their mushrooms, including Ali‘i Oyster mushrooms with spinach and hazelnuts, grilled mushrooms, and mushroom risotto. While the mushroom facility does not offer tours to the general public, you can view a tour on YouTube.
Fresh, local and full of aloha.