Christmas with the Chefs

02/06/2026

Big flavors. Big heart. Big impact.

When you talk about leadership in our culinary community… Chef Ash is always part of the conversation.

From mentoring teams to creating unforgettable experiences for guests, he shows up every single day with passion and aloha.

That’s why tonight we’re proud to honor him as
Culinarian of the Year.

Chef Ash — you make our food scene better, stronger, and way more delicious.

Congratulations!”

01/02/2026

✨ Cheers to a New Year ✨
As we step into 2026, we’re carrying deep gratitude for the chefs, sponsors, volunteers, and guests who helped make Christmas with the Chefs a night to remember.

Because of you, we’re not just celebrating — we’re investing in students, opportunity, and the future of Hawaiʻi’s culinary community.

Here’s to a new year filled with purpose, partnership, and plates made with heart. 🥂🍽️

12/16/2025

✨ Mahalo from the bottom of our hearts ✨

Christmas with the Chefs was truly a night to remember—and it wouldn’t have been possible without this incredible community.

To our chefs: thank you for sharing your time, talent, and creativity so generously. Your passion lit up the evening and directly supports the future of Hawaiʻi’s culinary students.

To our attendees: thank you for showing up with open hearts and joyful spirits. Your presence and support are what turn this event into something truly meaningful.

To our volunteers: you are the quiet magic behind the scenes. Your dedication, smiles, and steady hands kept everything flowing—mahalo for being the backbone of the night.

And to our sponsors and partners: thank you for believing in this mission and investing in culinary education and opportunity here in our community. Your support makes real impact possible.

Together, you helped create an evening filled with connection, generosity, and purpose—and a brighter path forward for our students. 💛
We are deeply grateful.

CulinaryEducation GratefulHeart

12/16/2025

Wow!

Once in a while, if you’re passionate and lucky, something really special happens.
On the morning of December 7, just after midnight, I was out with clients on a nighttime photography adventure capturing some of the amazing aftermath of episode 38.
As we were getting the settings right and attempting to capture the first shot of the night, my clients Matthew Richter and happened to catch a shot of a lifetime with this image of a meteor over Kilauea Caldera with the glow of the cooling lava and the Giant glowing plume. 🌋
This was by far the most amazing celestial object I have ever witnessed with my naked eyes.
I’m not sure this has ever been captured over Kilauea but either way this is a super rare shot.
We all screamed from the excitement of what we had just witnessed and I turned and said, tell me your frame was open … IT WAS ! The very definition of I got what I signed up for.
When things like this happen, I feel like it’s almost an obligation to share it with the world because although this was an individual’s experience, this is the place we all call home(earth) until the day we die and therefore it’s part of the human experience.
Congratulations guys. 🤯
I think you’ll have an amazing future with that camera!

12/16/2025

Thank you to Big Island Candies for their amazing donation to our auction this year! What a beautiful way to celebrate those you love!!

12/16/2025

We appreciate Original Hawaiian Chocolate for their donation to our silent auction!

SATISFY the on your holiday list with selections of our artisan milk, dark and rare criollo chocolates made right here on the . Available at our Chocolate Shoppe 10A-3P TU-FR or at www.ohcf.us. Place your shipping order today to ensure Christmas delivery.

12/13/2025

Thank you for our drink sponsors.

12/13/2025

We are so excited to have the future of our culinary teams getting ready to serve tonight!!

This is what the event is all about. :)

Do you have your tickets!

12/13/2025

👨🏽‍🍳✨ Chef Announcement ✨👨🏽‍🍳

We’re honored to welcome George Gomes Jr., Executive Chef, to Christmas with the Chefs.

A native of Hawaiʻi with more than 37 years of culinary experience, Chef George brings a remarkable depth of knowledge, steady leadership, and an island-rooted perspective shaped by decades in Hawaiʻi kitchens. His work reflects a deep respect for culture, place, and craft — perfectly aligned with the heart of this event.

We’re grateful to have Chef George sharing his talent in support of culinary education and the next generation of chefs here on Hawaiʻi Island.

Join us in giving him a warm welcome and celebrating the incredible chefs who make this evening so meaningful. 🧡

📍 December 13
📍 Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa

12/13/2025

🍷☕🍺 Raising a Glass to Our Drink Sponsors 🍹✨

Christmas with the Chefs wouldn’t be the same without the incredible drink sponsors who help keep the glasses full and the spirit flowing — all in support of culinary education here on Hawaiʻi Island.

From bold Kona coffee and refreshing non-alcoholic options to thoughtfully curated wines, beers, and creative mocktails, these partners bring so much flavor, care, and generosity to the evening.

A heartfelt mahalo to our amazing drink sponsors:

🤍
💧
🍷 (serving both wine and a special mocktail!)
🍺 (including their non-alcoholic Kolea)
🍻
🍷
🍷
🍷

Your support helps make this night unforgettable and meaningful for our students, chefs, and guests alike. We’re so grateful to celebrate with you today - December 13 at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa. 🧡

✨ Sip with purpose. Celebrate with heart. ✨

12/13/2025

Getting ready!!! Got your tickets yet?

Don’t wait past 2 pm.. tickets will go up to $165 at door.

12/11/2025

Thank you BigIslandNow.com:

Those who attend will be treated to tasty temptations, dancing to live holiday tunes and stocked silent auction all in support of the local culinary industry’s future.