An inspiring group of prominent restaurateurs and investment experts joined forces to uncover what it takes to transform a local value-added product into the next big “Made in Hawaiʻi” food project. On Monday, Aug. 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. at THE MODERN HONOLULU, the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation hosted five industry leaders and six of Honolulu’s hottest eateries for the third EAT THINK DRINK presented by Hawaiian Airlines, themed Show Me the Green–How to Access Capital and Move Your Project from Seed to Shelf.

Show Me the Green started with a thought-provoking, TED-style talk delivered by Keynote Speaker Lou Cooperhouse, executive director of the Rutgers Food Innovation Center and globally-renowned pioneer in food business innovation, incubation, acceleration and industry cluster formation. Afterward, a curated mix of business leaders contributed to a multifaceted conversation on food innovation and what makes a small product made with a locally grown or raised crop appear worthy to national investors. The panel was moderated by Meli James of the Hawaiʻi Venture Capital Association and include Kyle Datta of Ulupono Initiative, Greg Leong of Arocrest Company and Nancy Enos of Foodland Super Market.

At the conclusion of the panel discussion, guests engaged in continued fellowship over an interactive dine-around featuring six notable tastemakers, including Keaka Lee of The Pig & The Lady, Jason Schoonover of 12th Ave Grill, Kevin Lee of PAI Honolulu, Keith Pajinag of Ravish Honolulu, Michelle Karr-Ueoka of MW Restaurant and Lyndsey Simone of Roy’s Hawaii Kai.