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....

Ho'opuka

This past Saturday we had the opportunity to honor two more families who completed their journey with the Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana project. Ka 'Ohana Gerber and Ka 'Ohana Ruiz were recognized for their dedication and commitment to learning more about the Hawaiian Culture and implementing those values and practices taught at the weekly sessions within their own daily lives. Mahalo to their families and friends who came to support them in this great accomplishment.

'Umeke Workshop

Last week the Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana project hosted its very first 'umeke workshop.

Each family had the opportunity to work on their very own 'umeke. The process included:

1. Soaking the gourds in soap and warm water.
2. Scrubbing/cleaning off mold and residue on the outside of the gourd.
3. Individuals got to choose where they wanted to cut off the top for the opening.
4. After opening, soak gourds again inside and out for more cleaning.

Unfortunately, due to time constraints, the families weren't able to leave with a finished product, but proper directions were provided for varnishing techniques and also different ideas for decorating.

Mahalo to all those who participated and volunteered. We look forward to more workshops in the future.

No Session This Monday

With the Holidays coming up this weekend, there will be no session this coming Monday, December 27th. Mele Kalikimaka from the Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana team!!!

Santa's Workshop

Last week Thursday, December 2nd, the subtle sound of pitter patter was heard throughout the Hawaiian Cultural Center as Lei Aloha put on its very first Santa's Workshop! So far this year, we have had activities for all ages, with the exception of our kamali'i. So with that, we set aside a couple hours for our little ones and had fun-filled activities for them, including:

Cookie Decorating

Crafts - Reindeer Windsocks

Coloring

Story Time and Picture Taking

It was the perfect activity to get us ready for the start of a beautiful HOLIDAY season!

Holiday Season Fast Approaching...

With the holidays just around the corner, the Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana team has some fun activities planned. Here's a quick preview of what's to come:

Kauwahi 'Anaina Hawai'i Hawaiian Civic Club

This Saturday, the Lei Aloha team will be heading down south to Utah County to share a lesson with Kauwahi 'Anaina Hawai'i Hawaiian Civic Club. So if you're in the area, feel free to join us as we learn more about Kuleana, or responsibility. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at (801) 56-ALOHA.

Date: Saturday, November 13
Time: 1:00 pm
Place: Utah Lake Pavillion

Hope to see you there!!!