Shell out for fresh eggs
Egg Room at Petersons’ Upland Farm / Whereas in the 1980s, Hawaii had 21 poultry farms supplying 85 percent of the state’s eggs, these days, due to the rising costs of feed and shipping (to bring feed and equipment over), there are only four commercial egg producers left. That makes the 100th anniversary of Petersons’ Upland Farm all the more momentous. Over the past 100 years, the Peterson farm has survived more than hard economic times; during the Pearl Harbor attack, planes strafed the chicken houses, mistaking them for soldiers’ barracks. Surprisingly, there were only two casualties: a rooster and a chick.
Sharon Peterson Cheape, representing the third-generation keeping the farm going, seemed to know from the beginning that her life would be devoted to the family farm. “I was always into working with the birds, being physical….I loved watching my grandfather, my dad and my uncle’s work ethic. They’re such hard workers but they really get such satisfaction out of providing to the community, providing food…and just keeping ag alive in Hawaii. It’s a way of life that is really leaving and I just want [us] to hold on to. It teaches you discipline, it teaches you caring for others and just what hard work is.”
Celebrating the Peterson’s work and farm, Alan Wong’s Restaurants are featuring an egg-centric menu for the month of August. Items like the Dried Scallop Risotto Chawan Mushi served alongside Opakapaka are served at the flagship restaurant, while at the Pineapple Room, menu highlights include the malasada breakfast sandwich with ham egg salad croquette and bacon.
Want to help support Petersons’ Upland Farm with your own eggsperiments? You can buy their eggs at Asagi Hatchery in Kalihi or visit the Egg Room on the farm in Wahiawa . And if you’re feeling particularly confident, have Alan Wong judge your creations by entering the “Eggscellent Recipe Contest.” The three categories are: appetizer, entrée and dessert. Recipes must be submitted by Aug.24. Entry form and rules can be found on [alanwongs.com].
Alan Wong’s, 1857 South King St., 949-2526, [alanwongs.com] Alan Wong’s Pineapple Room, Macy’s, 3rd Floor, Ala Moana Center, 945-6573
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