Kicking off the Festival, “Enter the MODERN Dragon: Morimoto and Friends” at The MODERN Honolulu will build on Hawaii’s unique location where East meets West.  In Chinese Astrology, 2012 is the year of the Dragon – the most powerful and auspicious of the 12 animal signs, bringing high energy and prosperity.  Once again led by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, “Enter the MODERN Dragon” will be a showcase of foods prepared by twelve of the most esteemed international chefs from Asia and the Pacific.

• Chai Chaowasaree, Chai’s Island Bistro, Honolulu
• Charles Phan, The Slanted Door, San Francisco
• Edward Kwon, LAB XXIV, Seoul
• Joanne Chang, Flour Bakery + Cafe, Myers + Chang, Boston
• Marco Anzani, Anzani, Cebu City, Philippines
• Masaharu Morimoto, Morimoto Waikiki, Hawaii
• Ming Tsai, Blue Ginger, Wellesley, MA
• Peter Doyle, est. restaurant, Merivale, Sydney
• Roy Choi, Kogi BBQ, Los Angeles
• Sam Leong, Forest Cooking School, Singapore
• Sang Yoon, Lukshon, Culver City
• Scott Toner, The MODERN Honolulu