Kirk Matthews came to visit Alan Joaquin and myself at Castle Hospital to view the rooftop farm that is being grown. The lettuces and herbs are grown, not only on a roof, but also in view of patients that are moving from one unit to the next.
Once at a restaurant I was at, I told the GM we spent so much money on grounds and landscaping, why don't we build a garden behind the restaurant. So, we did, and when the guests walking to the restaurant saw the basil and herbs being picked for the night and the mint being plucked for the iced tea, they knew it was the freshest possible, and this set the tone for the rest of the evening's meal.
Imagine, these patients go by and see this growing, knowing it may be a part of their meal today; the vision feeds the soul, and the soul helps heal the body.
We will be featuring Alan Joaquin and some of his greens at a Farmer Series Dinner come March 20th at the King St. restaurant. Other farmers and products, such as Big Island Red Veal, and North Shore Tilapia, are also on the menu. Hope to see you there.