Staff, Associates

Delia Montgomery, d/b/a Chic Eco, is a seasoned event coordinator from Kentucky with a competent and unique culinary background. Her learning bible has been Joy of Cooking. Interest began as a prep cook for a friend with a small gourmet and contemporary restaurant. While pregnant, she worked at home to bake a variety of fresh breads for their dinner table baskets. Delia followed her professional friend to become assistant chef for the Governor of Kentucky, John Y. Brown Jr. and his wife Phyllis George (former Miss America). Famed guests, such as Walter Cronkite, Kenny Rogers and Andy Warhol were frequent. In 1982 Delia created her own catering business, Cruisin' Cuisine, with the first Kentucky daily gourmet meal delivery service from a preset menu. She was the major shareholder, cook and business administrator, which entailed periodic special event catering up to 300 people. Cruisin' Cuisine was honored rave reviews but with economic downturns, shareholders agreed to close the doors and Delia gained corporate employment as assistant banquet chef and catering manager for Hyatt Regency Lexington. There she learned to prepare meals for up to 1,500 people. Delia also managed the food-side of fund-raising efforts 1974-1986 for Kentucky Educational Television and in 1994 she was director for a fund-raising campaign event featuring Willie Nelson to benefit the Galbraith-Hammond ‘95 state gubernatorial election. With an environmental platform, Gatewood Galbraith became Delia's mentor for the appreciation of organic foods and products. In 1997 she created her own business and after resting family matters, she left Kentucky for Hawaii early 2006.

Delia wears many hats today, typically related to environmentalism. From food to table favors, to decor, to the attire of hosts, ‒ she thoroughly enjoys offering customized services and goods. Teamwork is essential for successful events and she is honored to work with a Hawaiian professional who excels in local cuisine and all forms of catering.


Leslie Chow, a/k/a Les, is of Hawaiian descent; born and raised in the Hilo region of Big Island. Much of his youth was spent with grandparents who owned and farmed two ranches. One was surrounded by well known Hanaipoi Ranch. Combined during the old "plantation days" he learned about cattle ranching, growing apricot, plum and apple trees, ‒ plus supplying smoked meats, fish and poultry. Typical family cuisine was beef stew, chow fun, man doo, sukiyaki, and Portuguese sausage. As a young adult Les began varied hotel kitchen jobs. He enjoyed doing well and his sincerity expanded by the mid 70's. The Hilo Bay Hotel, located on historical Banyan Drive with fresh island cuisine, was an early venture. Another was the Kona Surf Hotel, which later became Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. Then Volcano House, the only public dining facility in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, was a learning experience. He worked in the Ka Ohelo Dining Room for the lunch buffet where they averaged 300 to 1,200 patrons per day. Les says the most enjoyable was the most work at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows on the Kohala Coast. The 5-star resort is known for island-fresh ingredients and artistic presentations. During that tenure he was honored to appease patrons such as Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwatzenager and political dignitaries. Through the years Les naturally became a tour guide as well.

Multi-talented Les became "Chef Les" for Hawaiian and fusion requests. He favors custom assignments, exudes rich local heritage, and charms every person he meets.













Associates

Indian Cuisine in Puna

How about some catered Indian cuisine?

Chef Pali Kala offers crusty chick pea and potato samosas seasoned with a touch of garam masala and a hint of cumin. He suggest a bit of cooling yogurt, cucumber and mint raita to go with it.

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Kanani's Kreations





Kanani's Kreations for Your Furry Best Friend

Look, organic dog treats!

Kanani's Kreations in Puna not only satisfies your best furry friend, but people too.

Often found at SPACE in Seaview, Kanani Ranne offers baked delights and her mochi is made from rice flour.

Don't these dog treats look tasty for a human?



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Big Island Taste for Healthy Comfort Foods

Susan of Big Island Taste is an exceptional baker in Puna. Every one of her breads are vegan, without dairy products. She's at the SPACE market in Seaview on Saturday mornings with plenty of samples to taste before you buy.

Sourdough is her specialty. An impressive loaf selection includes plain, rye, and rye/wheat blend. The sweet potato and coconut rolls are incredibly good. Then there's a delicious coconut biscotti she offers, ― and don't forget tortillas. Buyers are lucky that breads freeze so well because one will want to horde at least a week's supply.

See jam products on the lower left side of her picture; another delicacy. Everything melts divinely in one's mouth and as the SPACE market requires, ingredients are primarily (or 100%), local.

Bread Basket: Big Island Taste
Susan did not know how to cook until she got married. She had $21 to make something to profit from, so baking was her choice. Seven children later, she bakes weekly to sell fresh at the market.

Isn't she lovely? Chic Eco is available to deliver custom orders. Please inquire for specific breads, jams and quotes.


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Malama Street Natural Delights Caters to Special Diets

  • Gluten-Free
  • Raw
  • Sugar-Free
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
Cheryl of Malama Street Natural Delights Catering evolved from the passion of three friends who wanted to bring food that tastes and feels good, ‒ from their garden to your party.

Malama means "to take care of" in Hawaiian and that is what they strive for in their venture. They take care of their customers by providing delicious nutritious food that recalls the tastes of home and introduces new and exciting flavors.

Malama Street
pampers the 'aina, the land, by sourcing all their ingredients from local, organic and sustainable venues ‒ often their own backyard! They take care of the community by reinvesting their profits in educational programs that help local students learn about sustainable farming and healthy eating. The Malama Street Team holds regular vegetarian cooking classes, integrating their organic fruits and veggies into seasonal dishes that educate the community about food that feeds the soul.

Find Malama Street at SPACE market, where they serve fresh pita sandwiches, samosas, homemade hummus, and various baked goods every Saturday. Their artisan savories, cakes, pies and cookies also make regular appearances at Sharky’s Coffee Shop in Hilo, and Java Joe’s Art Cafe in Pahoa.

Malama Street is available to cater any special event, including tea parties, birthday celebrations, film screenings, art showings, and weddings. And they are open to creating personalized cuisine for any occasion, ‒ or no occasion.

Whether a  picnic basket for a day at the beach, an evening dinner for two, or a week's supply of gourmet meals customized according to your special dietary needs, Chíc Eco is honored to custom-collaborate with Malama Street as a gourmet resource or on-site chef. Please contact coordinator Delia with your vision for assistance!

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Diana Gerkensmeyer is an experienced food specialist with more than 25 years behind her as baker, cook, supervisor, event manager, ... and more.

Her education (primarily in California) includes a variety of culinary workshops and courses, plus human resource classes.

Whether Diana prepares food, serves tables, assists the bride, or manages quality control and trains labor, ‒ expect skilled customer service with an amicable and trustworthy manner.