A Taste of Hawaiian Airlines by Pili Group

Over the weekend I was fortunate to attend a social meetup at the LunchBox by Pili Group at Hawaiian Airlines.

Run by Mark Noguchi, the LunchBox offers Hawaiian Airlines employees a variety of dishes with an emphasis on using local ingredients.

At the social meetup guests were treated to some amazing dishes created by Noguchi and his team.

Top row: LunchBox at Hawaiian Airlines; Middle row:  DIY Italian Sodas; Bottom Row from L to R: Molokai Vennison Chukka Salad - Ho Farms Cucumber, Green Onion; Mrs. Chengs Tofu Custard - He`eia Limu, Ho Farms Tomato & Cucumber, Katsuo Dashi, Luau Stew - Pork, Kalo Leaves, `Ulu

Despite being born and raised in Hawaii, this was my first time ever eating limu, luau stew, and `ulu.  I must say - everything was absolutely delicious.    

The Molokai Vennison Chukka Salad was very flavorful, and the vennison was nice and tender.  The Luau Stew was melt-in-your-mouth good!  My favorite dish was the Tofu Custard, which consisted of a silky, soft tofu custard that was nicely contrasted with the saltiness and crunchiness of the limu from Paepae O He`eia.

Noguchi and Pili Group's passion for Hawaii's food-sustainability and the use of fresh, local ingredients was evident in all of the dishes.  

For those wishing to experience Noguchi's passion first-hand, join him and other world-renowned chefs at the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival Laulima at He`eia Event on Friday, September 5.

Hawaiian Airlines will also be presenting the signature Hawaii Food and Wine Festival event, Corks & Forks, on September 6.

To purchase tickets for Laulima at He`eia, Corks and Forks or other Hawaii Food & Wine Festival events, click here.