“Election” season got really “heated” at JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa last week with three great “candidates” seeking the votes of their colleagues to win the top prize. We’re not talking about the General Election for Hawaii’s next governor or senators, but the coveted title of best burger in our first ever Associates’ Healthy Burger Contest!
Competing were: Margaret Laletin (Sales) with her Healthy Turkey/Veggie Burger,
Joe Alimbuyao (Culinary) with his Hamakua Mushroom Burger,
And Luana Resuello (Human Resources) with her Honey Mustard Turkey Burger.
Their recipes were made into sliders and served to all associates.
More than 100 associates voted for their favorite without knowing whose burgers they were eating.
At the end of the voting session, the ballots were counted and coming out on top was Joe’s Hamakua Mushroom Burger!
Joe received $100 in cash and a one-night stay at the new Waikiki Edition hotel. Margaret came in second and Luana in third. Mahalo to all those who participated and especially to Joe, Margaret and Luana for making it a yummy competition!
Here is Joe’s winning recipe:
HAMAKUA MUSHROOM BURGER
1 stem of Hamakua mushroom, washed and chopped by hand
1 cup egg whites
Panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 Maui onion, chopped
Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Shape into an 8 oz. patty. If it’s a little loose, slowly add in more panko until you get the desired firmness of the patty. Remember, mushrooms have an enormous amount of natural liquid.
