BURL BURLINGAME / BBURLINGAME@STARBULLETIN.COM
Lyn Blocker Krantz shows off one of her designs, featuring a Eugene Savage mural for Matson.
She’s dishing up some
nostalgic Hawaiian history
Last July, Lynn Blocker Krantz' "HawaiianaWare" designer dishes debuted at Macy's Ala Moana and promptly sold out. The dishes use the classic Matson Steamship menu murals by artist Eugene Savage, and Krantz' "To Honolulu in Five Days" book, about the days of luxury cruises aboard Matson liners, has been a success for Ten Speed Press -- and also sold out at Macy's Ala Moana.
The designer and author is back in town for another promotion at 1 p.m. next Saturday at Macy's Ala Moana. She will be joined by Royal Hawaiian Executive Chef Warren Uchida, who will prepare "Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi with Roasted Pineapple Mango Relish and Braised Choy Sum."
Recipe cards will be available at the event, as well as a drawing to win a weekend at the Royal Hawaiian. Matson was closely linked to the Royal Hawaiian hotel. Krantz says that HawaiianaWare's commemorative Royal Hawaiian 75th anniversary water pitcher and 12-inch plate are the bestsellers "on the mainland -- even people who haven't been to the Royal know of the 'pink palace' and purchase the nostalgic plates."
HawaiianaWare also will be exhibited July 9 and 10 at the Hawaii Lodging, Hospitality and Foodservice Expo at Blaisdell Center. Krantz will be selling and autographing her book and some HawaiianaWare at the Ten Speed Press booth.
Both Krantz and Uchida have been busy touring West Coast Macy's outlets. "Chef Uchida and I have been traveling throughout northern and southern California Macy's stores with HawaiianaWare promotions," said Krantz. "We have been drawing huge crowds who just can't get enough of Hawaii. And I can't get enough of Matson history in Hawaii. I love my job!"
While doing research at Matson, Krantz found historical film footage of the S.S. Lurline and the Royal Hawaiian, and created a mini-documentary she presents at Macy's promotions. A full-length documentary also is in the works.
"For me, the promotions are so much fun because I get to talk about Hawaii, Matson and the Royal Hawaiian," said Krantz. "This is a big part of me, and my family's life. My house is so decorated with Hawaiiana and Matson memorabilia that people always ask, 'Are you from Hawaii?' And I say, well, kind of, because I feel in spirit I am always there.
"My favorite photo of me is in 1968. I'm a little girl and I'm holding a huge pineapple and wearing a carnation lei down to my knees. It's priceless!"
Next year, Krantz plans to launch a Melamine line for outdoor or poolside use -- plates, tumblers, serving platters, barware, pitchers and beach towels using the colorful Matson ads. "The look is totally vintage and incorporates my zest for life!"
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