Exotic, luscious, sweet, and juicy –
all these words and more have been used to describe the mango. Ranked
among the most widely produced and consumed fruits in the world, mango takes
center stage on Saturday, Aug. 1, at the first Mango Festival 2009 held
on
The
Keauhou Beach Resort will host this luscious all-day
event and invites mango lovers to take advantage of its KEAUHOU MANGO FEST
package. Priced at $149 single occupancy or $199 double, the package includes one night
accommodations, a self-service buffet breakfast the following morning, and entry
to the Mango Festival’s Kona Mango Experience and the Mango Inspired Dinner on
Aug.1. For reservations or information, call toll free (866) 326-6803 or the hotel direct at (808) 324-2515, or visit www.keauhoubeachresort-hawaii.com.
Mango
Festival 2009 celebrates all things mango with a day filled with events and
activities. The festivities begin at the Keauhou Farmers’ Market at the
a.m. to noon, complete with farmer-chef cooking demonstrations and tastings that
begin at 10 a.m. This year, Stuart Johnson, also known as Mango Man, and Chef
William Trask, President of the ACF Kona Kohala Chefs Association, will be
featured.
The fun
continues at the oceanfront Keauhou Beach Resort from 2 to 6 p.m. with the
“Kona Mango Experience” held in the hotel’s
grow and prepare mango for eating, vote for the best mango-inspired art, enjoy
live entertainment and shop for mango-themed gifts. Refreshing “Mangoritas” also
will be available during the day at the hotel’s Veranda Lounge for
$6.
Topping
off the evening at 6:30 p.m. will be a three-course “Mango Inspired Dinner.”
Prepared by Keauhou Beach Resort’s Executive Sous Chef Cy Yamamoto, the menu
includes Thai Style Beef Salad with Mapulehu Mango Vinaigrette; South Kona Mango
Scented Grilled Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice, Asparagus and Rapoza Mango Relish;
and Warm Haden Mango Sweet Bread Pudding with Mango Cream
Anglaze.
Admission to the morning’s Keauhou Farmers Market is
Free. Entrance to the Kona Mango Experience at Keauhou Beach Resort is just $10
and includes a Kona Brewing Company beverage or the festival’s mango coloring
book. The evening’s Mango Inspired Dinner is priced at $40, plus
tax.
