Last night I had the honor of co-emceeing — with Kimo Kahoano, no less! — the 2013 Hawaii Restaurant Association‘s Hall of Fame induction dinner at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki.
It was my first time attending this event, and I was blown away by the stories behind this year’s inductees.
There was the Honda family from Wahiawa — including the 91-year-old matriarch Josephine — who work 14-hour days making tofu. And Tsutao and Harriet Morioka who started the popular Dani’s Restaurant in Lihue who never went on a vacation together until they retired this year. And Randy Schoch, owner of Desert Island Restaurant, who didn’t get a bussing job at Nick’s Fishmarket and, five years later, bought the restaurant.
It was inspiring to hear their stories, to see how hard they’ve worked, to meet and get to know the people behind some of my favorite foods.
But the list had more than just restauranteurs, franchise owners and food producers.
The annual Hall of Fame recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the restaurant industry in Hawaii.
Like one of the most influential women in Hawaii journalism — and one of my personal idols — Emme Tomimbang.
This veteran broadcaster and beloved media personality, who survived an aneurysm and has been caring for her husband who has throat cancer, has done a lot to promote Hawaii chefs and restaurants, shining a light on the Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine and its impact on the Islands.
And when she took the stage to say a few words, it was obvious: she’s still a pro.
I learned it takes more than just a great plate of pork chops to make you a successful restaurant owner. You need to work hard, you need to believe in your product, and you need to be passionate about what you do.
Otherwise, what’s the point?
2013 HRA Hall of Fame inductees:
Josephine Honda, Dennis & Dulcie Honda; Honda Tofu
William J. Kimi, Jr., Uncle’s Billy Hilo Bay Hotel
Victor Lim, McDonald’s
Tsutao & Harriet Morioka, Dani’s Restaurant
Colin Nishida, Side Street Inn
Buddy Nobriga, Maui Soda & Ice
Randy Schoch, Desert Island Restaurants
Emme Tomimbang, Emme Inc.
5 Comments
Hi Cat…I attended the event in support of my franchisee owner Mr. Victor Lim.
I must say you did a magnificent job in co emcee with Kimo. You more than held your own, your flare for local jokes and timing with Kimo was tremendous. Continue your great freelance work and I look forward to reading your future blogs. You now have a new fan and supporter of The Cat Dish.
Much Mahalos
Jason Gushiken
General Manager
McDonalds Waimanalo
Hi Jason! Thanks for your message – and for stopping by on my blog! Glad you enjoyed last night. But to be honest, it was really Kimo who kept the show going. I was just comic relief! LOL
CAT: In the future, you may be also honored as the social media person who created “Fuud Fridays”! Aaaiiiyyyaaahhh!
LOL, I doubt it! But thanks! Wouldn’t that be something!
Great event! Victor Lim is a great Chinese Chamber of Commerce supporter also and a fantastic person, I second the motion for an award for you as per Dave!