Last week Sunday, we had our second community service event with the senior citizens this year.  It was a summer barbeque theme that gave our talented cooks the chance to strut their stuff and learn something at the same time.

The spread consisted of dry coffee rubbed ribs, “wet” honey barbeque ribs, cole slaw, corn black bean salad, grilled romaine salad, panzanella salad, smoked salmon, yakitori sticks, kalbi, pork, baked beans, roasted chicken and of course “spong” dogs (when Spam meets Wong and the result is definitely better than the canned stuff).  On the beverage side, we did a take on the classic Arnold Palmer and came up with a "Ted Makalena"; Hanaoka farms lime juice, simple syrup and the Alan Wong’s blend iced tea garnished with a fresh cut lime wedge.  Sweet, sour and refreshing all at the same time!  Oh did I mention dessert?  Strawberry “Guri Guri” sorbet, kaffir lime frozen custard, Waialua chocolate semi freddo, chocolate chai pudding and house made cookies too!  Can you say kanak attack after that awesome meal?!?!

The food was great and the proof was in the no leftovers at the end of the luncheon!  Really though, the best part about the day was being able to interact with our seniors and have the new faces in our crew get together with them.  The younger generation really got a kick out of doing Tai Chi and listening to them have a “jam” session on their ukuleles!  What a great way to spend a Sunday – young and old together breaking bread and learning from each other.  Days like this are just one of the many reasons why being a part of this company is so rewarding.

~ Kerry Ichimasa, General Manager at Alan Wong's Honolulu