This year, the contest takes an innovative twist by focusing on a recipe that young culinary superstars would like to see featured on their school lunch menu.
HONOLULU, HI – Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival (HFWF) announced the highly anticipated return of the Hawai‘i Gas Presents 2023 Localicious Recipe Contest. As part of the Festival’s commitment to culinary education and nurturing young talent, the keiki cooking competition invites budding chefs to craft an original, healthful recipe showcasing a locally grown, raised or caught ingredient—a dish they envision as part of their school lunch menu. Submissions will be accepted from August 21 to September 22, 2023.
Open to students in grades 4-12, entries will be evaluated in two age categories: grades 4-8 and grades 9-12. The top three finalists in each age group will be determined and the six chosen finalists will earn the opportunity to shine in a thrilling live cook-off, set to take place on Saturday, October 29, 2023 at the Festival’s family Sunday event, HMAA Presents Keiki in the Kitchen at Bishop Museum. The cook-off will captivate an in-person audience and celebrate the culinary artistry of the young talents as they present their creations for tasting and evaluation by a panel of celebrity chef judges.
This year, the contest takes an innovative twist by focusing on a recipe that young culinary superstars would like to see featured on their school lunch menu. “By centering the contest around school lunches, we’re not only fostering culinary creativity but also actively involving our youth in shaping the future of their dining experience,” shared Denise Yamaguchi, Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival Chief Executive Officer.
Cash scholarships await the finalists in grades 9-12, with $300 awarded to the first-place winner, $200 to the second-place winner, and $100 to the third-place winner. Meanwhile, finalists in grades 4-8 will compete for cash gift cards valued up to $150.
“Hawai‘i Gas is proud of the energy we provide to fuel the culinary creativity of Hawai‘i’s young chefs,” said Kendall Horner, Hawai‘i Gas, VP, Strategy & New Markets. “As a longstanding sponsor of this event, the Localicious® Recipe Contest aligns with Hawai‘i Gas’ commitment to education and community engagement,” Horner stated.
Submissions for the contest are currently open and will be accepted until September 22.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
