Athough Kauaʻi lacks the traditional autumn foliage of the mainland, the full harvest moon has appeared over the Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort, signaling the start of fall and the start of its harvest wine dinner at Kukui’s Restaurant.
The fall harvest dinner is a collaboration among the resort, locally produced chocolate and honey from local Lydgate Farms and the California-based Wagner Family of Wine.
Executive Chef Jhonny “Chef Rey” Montemayor told Kauaʻi Now the collaboration was “a natural fit — a true farm-to-table partnership that brings the best of Kauaʻi together on the plate.”
He said Lydgate Farm provides exceptional local ingredients like cacao, honey and vanilla.
“Rather than changing what makes these ingredients special, the chefs thoughtfully built around them, creating dishes that highlight the quality and character of the farm’s products,” the chef said.
Montemayor is known for his several culinary honors, including second place in the 2015 Mission Innovate Brilliant Leaders awards, wins at the 2015 and 2017 Kauaʻi Coffee Chef Cook-Offs, and recognition as a Marriott Master of the Craft hotel winner.
He has also spent more than 17 years working with the Kauaʻi Community College Culinary Student internship program and has participated in community service events for more than 15 years, including the Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association’s Annual Charity Walk and Taste of Hawaiʻi.
Certified sommelier Adam Lacagnina also will serve as a special guest speaker during the dinner, offering wine-related insights throughout the evening.
Dessert will feature a chocolate-focused creation from award-winning pastry Chef Orly Yadao, owner of Orly Patisserie in Līhuʻe, along with Lydgate Farms.
As Kauaʻi continues to recover, Chef Orly said nothing is more important than “supporting our own, the people here on Kauaʻi. Our community is our bread and butter.”
For visitors, Chef Montemayor said, “It’s a chance to experience a different side of Kauaʻi.”
“Local ingredients, local partnerships, and the creativity of our culinary team, all coming together for one memorable evening at Kukui’s,” he said. “It’s an experience you won’t find on the everyday menu and a delicious way to taste a little more of what makes Kauaʻi so special.”
Guests will receive Lydgate Farms chocolates as a souvenir at the conclusion of the dinner.
The Fall Harvest Wine Dinner is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2. Tickets are $120 per person with complimentary valet parking included.
“It’s a wonderful coming together of local agriculture and culinary talent, creating a memorable dining experience for resort guests and local foodies alike,” Chef Montemayor said. “Most importantly, it’s a great example of what can happen when local partners collaborate to celebrate Kaua’i’s incredible bounty.”
To make fall harvest dinner reservations, either call 808-246-5166 or click here.
Click here to explore Lydgate Farms and discover more about its chocolate, vanilla and honey.
