Chef Jon Matsubara Kicks Off the Hawaiian Airlines Featured Chef Series

Hawaiian Airlines, the only U.S. domestic carrier offering complimentary meals to guests in all cabins, and Executive Chef Chai Chaowasaree announced the launch of a new inflight culinary program featuring specially-designed menu creations from five of Hawai‘i’s burgeoning top chefs including: Jon Matsubara of Japengo; Lee Anne Wong of Koko Head Café; Wade Ueoka of MW Restaurant; Andrew Le of The Pig & The Lady; and Sheldon Simeon of Mala Wailea and MiGRANT.

Chef Jon Matsubara, Chef de Cuisine of Japengo Restaurant, officially kicked off the Hawaiian Airlines Featured Chef Series yesterday. Each of his locally inspired, handcrafted dishes will include distinctively Hawaiian ingredients like Maui Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Kalo (taro) Mash or Kalo (taro) poke with Seaweed, Inamona and Scallions.

“I’m so excited to join the Hawaiian Airlines’ ‘ohana,” added Chef Jon Matsubara. “I truly feel that our land produces some of the richest flavors, and I’m honored that guests will have a lasting impression of our beautiful islands through these dishes as they embark on their journey home.”

Hawaii to North America First Class Meals by Chef Matsubara:

Chef Matsubara

Brunch

Loco Moco with Beef Patty, Mushroom Gravy, Rice and Scrambled Eggs

Appetizer

Chilled Ramen Salad with Pipikaula (Salted Dried Beef), Kamaboko (Fish Cake) and Cucumber Kim Chee with Soy Ginger Vinaigrette

Lunch/Dinner

Maui Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Kalo (Taro) Mash, Broccolini and Baby Carrot

North America to Hawaii First Class Meals by Chef Chai:

Chef Chai

Brunch

Asparagus, Mushroom and Tomato Frittata

Lunch/Dinner

Braised Chicken with Tomato, Garbanzo, Bell Pepper, Green Peas and Mashed Potato