Twelve people were chosen as Rising Stars from Hawaii. I am happy for them all. Congratulations and awesome recognition, not only for you but also for the state of Hawaii. What it should also mean for them, is that the bar has been raised. They now have a responsibility to hold themselves to a higher standard. Whether it be a professional thing, or a personal thing, other culinarians and especially students, will be looking at how they dress, how they talk, how they conduct themselves, and what food they produce at events and also in their restaurants on a consistent basis. As a rising star, are they forging ahead with new ideas and taking chances, or playing it safe, or even jumping on the sustainable farm to table bandwagon------or truly someone you will keep hearing about in the decades to come.----As an old dog, I guess it's a challenge----and for the ones that truly are shining stars for years, this is what will shine on the state of Hawaii and these are the ones that will lead the culinary charge for the next generation, put the spotlight on Hawaii and become the next leaders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. I hope all of them rise even further and meet the challenge and expecations, Hawaii needs it.
