Making Moves

Have you or your friends recently moved? This past year, so many have elected to ditch city life for the serenity (and extra space) provided by life in the country. For many, this has been a welcome change and has provided the canvas to re-imagine your home. Now that summer is upon us and the world is returning to normalcy, there is no better moment to share your time-honored family traditions with those you hold dear. This past spring our friend, Roger Alcain, the owner of lifestyle brand Māhū, relocated to Upstate NY with his husband. Roger recently hosted us for conversation and a delicious traditional Hawaiin meal at his home. The outdoor dining scene was set in his new backyard—a picturesque lakeside manor surrounded in pine groves. The discussion and cuisine were nothing short of spectacular.

ROGER, ON HOSTING A HAWAIIAN DINNER AT HOME

Roger Alcain, the owner of lifestyle brand Māhū, discusses being raised in Hawai’i and shares with us wonderful tips on Hawaiian food & culture.

What’s your favorite childhood Hawaiian food? Is it poi, Shave Ice or freshly caught crab straight from the Pacfic? Read on to see Roger’s secrets about Hawaiian food so you can host a beautiful Hawaiian dinner.

What is your favorite cuisine to cook? “The comfort food I grew up eating. The unique recipes are the result of plantation workers of different ethnicities sharing food with each other.”

Describe something you ate from childhood that might surprise us. “Something I ate as a child, which is very typical in Hawai’i are these tiny black crabs called ‘a’ama crab. You eat them raw straight out of the ocean,” he said.

What is something your grandparents make for special occasions? “My grandma makes a Filipino dessert called Biko, that I love. It is a sweet rice baked in coconut milk, ginger and brown sugar. I could eat the whole pan!”

Is there a recipe you inherited from them? “I think it’s important for recipes to get passed down because food and childhood memories go hand in hand,” said Roger. He has tried to learn as many recipes as he can from his grandparents so that they keep going to the next generation.

Tell us a bit about cultural heritage and rituals. "One of the more unique aspects of Hawaiian food is that modern Hawaiian food is a combination of Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Chinese, and even Portuguese cuisine. To this day, some of the traditional Hawaiian methods of cooking and preparation are used, such as an 'imu,' which is an underground oven used to cook a whole pig. There is something very ritualistic when you utilize the very basic necessities and natural resources to cook with. Which course of the meal do you enjoy most and why? “I love dessert,” he said. He gets it from his maternal grandmother. “She also has a sweet tooth and is always baking yummy treats.” He also said that Shave Ice is a must-try dessert when in Hawai’i. “There is nothing more refreshing than a Shave Ice on a hot day, which is most days in Hawai’i.

@mahulife

If you could pick just one dish for us to try, what would it be? “One dish everyone should try is Lomi Lomi salmon. ‘Lomi Lomi’ is a phrase that means ‘to massage.’ It is a tasty traditional Hawaiian dish that’s easy to make and can be enjoyed no matter where you reside!”

You can’t beat a classic. A dish you need to get your hands on!

LOMI LOMI SALMON

Ingredients • 1/2 lb. Salted Salmon • 2 medium tomatoes • 1 large sweet onion • 3-6 stalks of green onion

Directions

1) To prepare salted salmon, simply cover the salmon on all sides with

Hawaiian sea salt, or any other coarse sea salt. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for 48-72 hours. When ready, rinse off salt and soak salmon in water for an hour. Pat dry. 2) Cut all ingredients down to small cubes. 3) In a mixing bowl, “lomi” (massage) all ingredients together. Store in fridge for at least an hour before serving to let flavors combine. 4) Best served chilled.

welcome company

does anyone feel like celebrating?

Things are looking up! It’s finally time to enjoy some sunshine and each other’s company. It’s certainly been a while…we could all use some moments to cut loose. What better way to do it than by welcoming guests for dinner and drinks over your new dining table or by catching up on lost times by the campfire. Whatever way you choose to unwind, let’s toast to love, perseverance, and the journey we’ve all been through together.

To nurture: without question one of the most important acts a person can do for another. Bringing something from beginning to completion is a beautiful thing, particularly when the experience can be shared. One example is growing your very own herb garden. You and your loved ones can pick your favorites and add a flavorful homegrown touch to your food and drinks.

how-to

DIY HERB GARDEN

What you’ll need

• Seeds

Basil, cilantro, oregano, mint, and parsley just to name a few! • Planters

Try mason jars, mugs, or stick with classic terracotta or tin. • Pebbles or Small Rocks

• Potting Soil

Directions

Start by filling your planter with a thin layer of pebbles or rocks to allow for proper drainage. Fill the rest with potting soil until it’s 3/4 full. Place seeds approximately one inch apart, and only plant one variety of seed per container. Cover seeds with no more than a quarter inch more potting soil. Then, place your finished planter in a sunny spot, either on a window sill or outside. Water regularly—the soil should be moist but not soaking wet. Harvest your herbs once they have matured and enjoy in your favorite recipes!