KTA SUPER STORES KONA COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST WINNERS REVEALED

Kona, Hawaii's Big Island (November 2007)— The 37th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival announced the winners of the KTA Super Stores Kona Coffee Recipe Contest.

"This year the Kona Coffee Recipe Contest grew significantly with over 60 entries. The support from our local community and Big Island Chefs has been overwhelming," expressed Event co-chair Carolyn Deal.

Judging criteria was based on a 40-point scale: general impression (5 points), plate or platter design (5 points), composition and harmony of ingredients (10 points), correct preparation and craftsmanship (15 points) and serving methods and portions (5 points).

The KTA Super Stores Kona Coffee Recipe Contest awarded prizes in four categories:

Professionals competed in an open division - entree or dessert. Amateur and culinary students competed in two divisions - entrée and dessert. Keiki were limited to the dessert division.

2007 Kona Coffee Recipe Contest Winners:

Professional Entrée
First Place – Executive Chef Clifton Loetree Berry, Huggo’s
Kona Coffee Cured Duck Breast Bacon with Pomegranate Coffee Sauce
Second Place – Executive Chef Arnold Arellano, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
Kona Coffee Crusted Rack of Lamb Stuffed with Portobello Mushrooms
Third Place – Executive Chef Keith Lowe, Rio’s
Pipeline Porter Ahi

Professional Dessert
First Place – Kathy Solywoda, pastry chef at Mauna Lani Resort
Kona Coffee Almond Smore Torte with an Orange Gelee & Cocoa Nib Tuile
Second Place – Suzanne Bearth (retired chef)
Black & White Kona Coffee Truffles
Third Place – Executive Chef Keith Lowe, Rio’s
Kona Coffee Crème Brulee

Entrée Division - Amateur
First Place – Barbara Housel
Lamb with Spicy Kiele O Kona Coffee Sauce
Second Place – Ilona A. O’Brien
Ahi Meatballs in Creamy Coffee Sauce & Caramelized Onions
Third Place – Steve Ford
Onolicious Stuffed Puffs

Dessert Division - Amateur
First Place – Makiko Alspach
Kona Coffee Kabocha Flan
Second Place –Sabina Pittman
Kona Coffee & Macadamia Nut Brownies
Third Place – Patti Faisca
Mocha Angel Delight

Entree Division - Culinary Student
First Place – Deanna Delmar
Mac Nut Crusted Seared Ahi with Tropical Fruit Relish
Second Place – Madeline Redo
Mediterranean Beef Roll
Third Place – Kaimi Aiu-Horie
Kona Coffee Lamb Loin

Dessert Division - Culinary Student
First Place – Felicia Cantu
Kona Coffee Delight
Second Place – Jose Calpito
Kona Coffee Layered Mousse
Third Place – Ashley Delos Santos
Kona Coffee Crème Brulee

Dessert Division - Keiki
First Place – Mika Bettencourt
Kona Coffee Espresso Cake
Second Place – Tehani Bray
Kona Mocha Rose
Third Place – David Bearth
Kona Coffee Cup-Cupcakes

The KTA Super Stores Kona Coffee Recipe Contest is a signature event of the 37th annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

For Kona Coffee Recipe Contest winners digital images contact Jeannette Vidgen at Current Events (808) 326-7820 or visit the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival web site at www.konacoffeefest.com.