ALOHA, HILTON

Instead of sipping on hot soup in front of a heater while wishing my way to a tropical island in a far away place, last Thursday night I joined a group of fellow bloggers and journalists for a special gathering at Zeta Bar, inside the Hilton Sydney. Hilton Hawaii, Hawaiian Tourism Oceania together with Hawaiian Airlines invited us to a timely and incredible event. Just when I thought I was trapped in an eternal winter freeze, (Cue; frozen soundtrack) - I stepped into a warmly lit, ambient party where I had the opportunity to taste an island-inspired menu created by Chef James Aptakin from Hilton Waikiki Beach.

The sales and marketing team from Hilton Hawaii came out to Australia to touch base, and share some brand news. Cynthia Rankin, Regional Director Corporate Communications says, “It is important for us to come out to see our Australian friends and further develop our Hilton Hawaii relationship with our supporters Down Under. There is very strong brand awareness for Hawaii in the Australian market and we are thrilled to be welcoming more and more Australian guests at our properties.”

Guests were treated to dishes such as the award winning Tea-smked Mongolian Kalbi Prawn Vietnamese Roll, Guava Huli Huli Chicken Sliders, Island Watermelon Salad, Hawaiian Beet and Cauliflower Curry, Maui Onion Fontina Jam Crostini, and Japanese influenced tempters like Hamachi Shrimp and Ahi Sashimi. But my favourite, the dessert; Waialua Chocolate Kona Coffee Flan with Black Hawaiian Sea Salt and Island Vanilla. If that dessert was anything to go by, I envy anyone who has ever dined at the Hilton in Waikiki. Just in case we already were feeling tropical, 3 graceful dancers from HulaNesian Dance performed a traditional show to music that reminded me of this time last year... I was road tripping on the Island of Oahu for my 29th birthday; the only way to wrap up the last time turning 20 something.