A celebration of mangoes

Calling all mango lovers! Mangoes at the Moana returns Saturday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa in Waikiki.

The sixth annual event, held in partnership with Makaha Mangoes, invites locals and visitors to a full day of mango fun, including a mango recipe contest, the Mango Throw Down celebrity chef cooking competition, food demonstrations, mango cocktail contest, mango seminars and workshops, a mango farmer’s market and more.

I’m salivating just thinking about it. Luckily, Moana Surfrider pastry chef Nanako Perez-Nava saves me with a taste of her Mango Trifle, which she created just for Mangoes at the Moana. She shares her recipe and demonstrates how to make it at the event. “It’s summertime and it’s hot, so I made this for people who want a light dessert that is refreshing,” she says. “I use fruits in a light cream and mousse instead, usually for trifle they use heavy cream and custard.”

It takes about an hour to prepare and there are three main components of the Mango Trifle — mango mousse, coconut cream and mango chips. At the bottom is coconut cream topped with a thin, fluffy sponge cake and fresh mangoes. Then the mango mousse with cubed mango haupia and mango chips complete the dessert.

According to Perez-Nava, mango season usually runs from the end of June to September, but this year it started a little later because of weather conditions. So, here’s your chance to make it up to your mango cravings, and head down to Mangoes at the Moana.

Schedule of events:

• Moana Mango Recipe Contest. 8 to 11 a.m. in the Parlor Room, Tower Wing, Third Floor. Chefs and chef hopefuls are invited to submit their best mango recipes.

• Best Mango Contest. 8 to 11 a.m. in the Ballroom, Tower Wing, Third Floor. Mango lovers and growers are welcome to submit two homegrown backyard man-goes for a chance to win “Best Mango of the Year.” A panel of judges will determine which mango has the best flavor, skin, flesh and aroma texture.

• Mango Farmer’s Market. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Banyan Courtyard and Ballroom. Sample a variety of mangoes grown by local mango farmers. There also will be unique mango-inspired products from Makaha Mangoes, Whole Foods, North Shore Soap Factory, Madre Chocolate, Ono Pops, Kaiulani Spices and more. Special guest Leonard Kim, owner of Cherrystone’s Restaurant in Gardena, Calif., also will be serving his award-winning chili that has won more than five acknowledgements. Also joining the lineup is Eric Hayashi, owner and creator of Eric’s Edibles from Orange County, Calif., who will present his signature mango macaroon with mango butter cream and vanilla macaroon with mango butter cream. Moana Surfrider also will be offering a selection of delectable mango appetizers, plate lunches, desserts and fresh mango smoothies for purchase.

• Mango Throw Down. 4 p.m. in the Banyan Courtyard. This popular event features 10 local celebrity chefs, who will prepare creative dishes using mango as the main ingredient. Admission is free and guests are welcome to taste each chef’s creation for $6 per script for one plate at each booth, or $75 for all-you-can-taste (also available for $65 pre-sale until July 18). Participating chefs will be judged by a panel of celebrity judges, including Louis Maldonado, this year’s Top Chef finalist and executive chef of Spoon Bar and Pizzando in Healdsburg, Calif. A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Kapiolani Community College’s Culinary Program.

• Mango Cooking Demonstration. Noon to 2:30 p.m. in the Grand Salon. Moana Surfrider’s new pastry chef Nanako Perez-Nava shares her recipes for Mango Puree, Mango Haupia, Mango Caramel, Mango Mostarda and Mango Trifle.

• Mango Cocktail Mixdown. 4 to 5 p.m. in the Ballroom, Tower Wing, Third Floor. Top mixologists will create a mixed drink using Cruzan Rum and mango, while competing for the title of Hawaii Cocktail Sessions 2014 Champion.

• Mango Seminars and Workshops. 11:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Ballroom, Tower Wing, Third Floor. Learn about different varieties of mango grown in Hawaii. Experts also will share best practices in growing a healthy fruit-bearing mango tree, pruning techniques, production, how to maintain a tree, prevention disease and other relevant information. There are two classes — Mango 101: Introduction to Mangoes at 11:45 a.m., and Mangoes for the Seasoned: How to Make My Mango Tree Productive at 2:45 p.m.

• Lunch and Afternoon Tea. Noon to 3 p.m. at The Veranda. Enjoy fine teas, delicious finger sandwiches, salads, scones and delicate pastries, along with relaxing views of Waikiki Beach. Throughout July, Mango lovers also will delight in a mango-filled menu, including mango tea, mango scones, sorbet and mousse. Veranda Tea service is $34, Moana Classic service is $40 and First Lady Tea service is $48.

There also will be free entertainment at the resort’s Banyan Courtyard from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit moanasurfrider.com/dining/mangoesatthemoana or call 922-3111. Self-parking is available at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and is complimentary for four hours with validation at the Mangoes at the Moana event.

Mangoes at the Moana

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
2365 Kalakaua Ave.
Saturday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
922-3111
www.moanasurfrider.com/dining/mangoesatthemoana

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