Big Island hosts 2 shows for foodies

It's a good week for those who enjoy seeing big-time food in a Big Island setting, as the volcano isle serves as backdrop for two nationally televised food shows.

» First, tonight -- tune in to Bravo at 8 p.m. for the first of the two-part season finale of "Top Chef." The four finalists went knife-to-knife at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in December. Hawaii chef Alan Wong served as a judge. The show repeats at 10 p.m., and the winner is revealed in next Wednesday's episode, judged by another Hawaii chef, Roy Yamaguchi.

» Then, at 8 p.m. Sunday, check out an episode of "Food Network Challenge" taped at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. Subtitled "Flying Knives," the show features teppanyaki chefs competing for a $10,000 prize. Another Hawaii episode, "Fantasy Fruit Sculpture," airs Feb. 18.

---

Pre-seasoned tuna now available here

Should you open a can of tuna and find a couple of whole chili peppers inside, do not be alarmed. Catch & Harvest, new to the Hawaii market this month, offers tunas pre-seasoned with chilies, soy sauce, or lemongrass, lime and ginger.

The tuna is processed in Vietnam and distributed locally by Hapa Haoli, USA, a partnership of Honolulu resident Kitty Wo and Louvette Fowler, whose husband, Richard, heads an Asian tuna cannery.

Wo says the seasoned tunas make it that much easier to prepare tuna salads or other recipes -- and the soy-sauce version is good just over hot rice.

Samples will be offered at Foodland stores this week: 3 to 6 p.m. today at Beretania, Kaneohe and Pearl City; 3 to 6 p.m. tomorrow at Pearl City and Ewa Beach; 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at Market City and Mililani; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Market City, Beretania, Ewa Beach and Kailua; and 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Hawaii Kai.

The tuna is on sale at Foodland for $1.50 per 6-ounce can.