Sam Choy to Highlight Culinary Expertise at St. Croix Events Celebrating Local Produce and Culture

Celebrity chef Sam Choy, acclaimed for his inventive culinary techniques and Food Network appearances, will return to St. Croix to support local educational and fundraising initiatives. A James Beard Award winner, Choy’s visit is eagerly awaited, with special culinary events slated for early June.

Choy first forged a connection with St. Croix in 2013, collaborating with fellow chefs Josef DeSimone, Tony Castellucci, and Dean Spinks. They participated in various philanthropic activities, including culinary demonstrations at St. Croix Complex high school. These efforts resulted in students Denika Boyd and Aaron Tutein securing internships and subsequent employment with Facebook, following training at both the company’s Palo Alto campus and Choy’s restaurant in Hawaii.

During his ongoing engagement with the island, Choy has taken part in numerous culinary events such as the Cork & Fork Dinner, Cuisine on the Green, Fusion Luau, and served as a judge at the Taste of St. Croix, solidifying his role as a prominent ambassador to the region.

In 2014, Choy collaborated with local restaurateur Todd Manley to explore the untapped potential of breadfruit. This partnership led to the creation of Mutiny Island Vodka, the world’s first vodka distilled from breadfruit. The vodka is now available in 14 states and served by Applebee’s, American Airlines, and Virgin.

This year, Choy’s visit will feature two special events celebrating the versatility of breadfruit. On June 3, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Sion Farm Distillery, the Breadfruit Pairing Party will showcase a variety of breadfruit dishes and tastings of Mutiny’s breadfruit vodka. Choy will also be signing his Breadfruit Ulu Cookbook, with free copies available to the first 30 attendees.

The celebrations continue on June 4 with the Poke + Pizza Party at The Mill on the Christiansted Boardwalk, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This event will honor Choy’s significant impact on modern Hawaiian cuisine and his title as the ‘Godfather of Poke,’ featuring pizzas inspired by this traditional dish.

For more details and participation information, interested parties can contact Todd Manley at 804-929-1895 or visit the Mutiny Island Vodka website.