Most people don't associate Hawaii with cowboys, but the paniolo is an iconic and enduring symbol of the state's ranching and agricultural heritage. On September 10th, Mealani's Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agriculture Festival celebrates all that is meaty and locally produced, at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island's sweeping Kohala Coast.

Now in its 15th year, the festival brings the public together with ranchers and farmers to promote locavorism and sustainable agriculture. Join over 30 chefs and food vendors for some ono grinds, and "talking story." On the menu: grassfed and -finished beef, pork, lamb, goat, and mutton, and wild boar, as well as produce from nearby family farms.
James Beard Award-winning chef George "Mavro" Mavrothalassitis-one of the founders of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine-will also be on hand to teach a Cooking Grass-fed Beef 101 class. No pupu platter jokes, please.

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, North America, United States, Ecotourism