Gourmet's Diary of a Foodie

Hawaii’s Big Island:

Food Lover’s Paradise

01.16.09

Episode 41

ALL-NEW SEASON PREMIERES JANUARY 2009 (CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS)

How can an island with barely any native produce evolve into a food lover’s paradise? Discover the many ways in which Hawaii has developed into a unique melting pot of flavors from around the world. Meet Peter Merriman, a chef who launched a regional cuisine based on splendid local bounty prepared in the simplest possible way. Then see fruits you won’t find anywhere else with Ken Love, a man obsessed with ultra-exotics such as tree tomatoes and poha berries. Journey to the Valley of the Kings, where three generations of a family have devoted themselves to farming taro to create traditional poi. Back in the Gourmet test kitchen, food editor Paul Grimes shares a simple recipe for macadamia nut shortbread that gives you a taste of the big island at home.