Poke Challenge 2011

This year's Poke Challenge was, without a doubt, a huge success. Three of last year's competitors, Ka 'Ohana Au, Ka 'Ohana Kuwada and Ka 'Ohana Carden, returned in an attempt to be dubbed the 2nd Annual Poke Challenge Campion! However, the three new families, Ka 'Ohana Tejada, Ka 'Ohana Stroud, and Ka 'Ohana Ah Quin came with the "in-it-to-win-it" attitude that would give our veterans a run for their money

The rules were simple. Each team was provided with the necessary ingredients for the most basic Poke recipe which included:

- 10 lbs of Ahi
- Shoyu
- Sesame Oil
- Oyster Sauce
- Pa'a Kai
- Chili Pepper Flakes
- Yellow and Red Onions
- Green Onion
- Garlic

Then to make things a little more interesting, each family was allowed to bring not one, but TWO secret ingredients to set their recipe aside from the rest. Each family had ONE HOUR to cut, prepare, and present their creations for the judges and the 100+ taste-testers in attendance that night.

After what seemed like the longest hour known to man, the contestants were ready. The judges, Vaughn Mossman of Pounders Island Grill, Jake Fitisimanu from the Pacific Island Medical Student Association (PIMSA), and Winona Lolofie, the Ka Lama Mohala Quilt Instructor, had the honor (some may even think it as a curse) to decided who would be this year's overall winner. Aside from the overall score, the families were critiqued on the following:

Best Presentation
Best Tasting
Most Original

The crowd was then given the honor to vote on their own personal favorite. Needless to say it was a tough decision. After the scores were tallied, everyone awaited the much anticipated answer to the burning question....who was this year's Poke Challenge Champion?!?!?!? SHOCKING would be an understatement to describe the following results:

Best Presentation: Ka 'Ohana Au
Best Tasting: Ka 'Ohana Au
Most Original: Ka 'Ohana Au

***see a pattern going on here???***

Crowd Favorite: Ka 'Ohana Au

3rd Place Overall: Ka 'Ohana Stroud
2nd Place Overall: Ka 'Ohana Tejada

and the 2011 Poke Challenge Champion
Ka 'Ohana Au

Yup. Ka 'Ohana Au definitely took the competition by storm!!!! Their secret ingredients??? Rice wine and coconut vinegar. Congratulations Au family on a job well done. Now that you've inherited this title, I hope you are aware that it comes with much responsibility. It is inherent that you be the sole Poke provider for every event put on by the Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana program and the Hawaiian Cultural Center. ;)

Mahalo Nui to all the contestants for their participation and enthusiasm. Also, a big mahalo to our judges for putting their palettes to the test. We all know it was a tough decision, but it was one that HAD to be made. Mahalo to all those who volunteered to make this event a success. Until next year....