There are few stages in Minnesota bigger than the Target Center on a game night, and this past Thursday, January 22, the energy was absolutely electric. The Minnesota Timberwolves faced off against the Chicago Bulls, but the action wasn’t just happening on the court.
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Night, we are incredibly proud to announce that our very own fearless founder and head chef, Esera Tuaolo, was selected as the featured Guest Chef for this special occasion.
A Culinary Touchdown: Selected by the Best
This wasn’t just a random selection. Esera was hand-picked by none other than David Fhima and Levy Restaurants.
David Fhima is a culinary titan in the Twin Cities, known for revolutionizing stadium food by moving away from generic concessions and toward high-quality, chef-driven experiences. For Fhima and the team at Levy Restaurants to scout Esera identifies 98 Hawaiian Grill not just as a great local spot, but as a premier representative of Pacific Islander cuisine in the state of Minnesota. It is a massive honor to be recognized by industry leaders who understand that food is about culture, story, and soul.
The Menu: A Fusion of Heritage and Flavor
When you are asked to feed thousands of hungry basketball fans, you have to bring your “A-game.” Esera did exactly that, curating a menu that paid homage to his heritage and his family. The VIPs and fans at Target Center were treated to a culinary journey that blended traditional island flavors with bold, modern twists.
The Showstopper: Hawaiian Ginger Garlic Roast Pork This dish had people talking before halftime. Esera prepared a slow-roasted pork that was tender enough to melt in your mouth, deeply infused with the aromatics of Hawaiian ginger and fresh garlic. But the plating took it to a new level. He served it on a bed of wasabi mashed potatoes—providing a creamy texture with a sharp, heat-filled kick—and topped it with his signature chocolate gravy sauce. It was a savory, rich, and complex combination that perfectly balanced sweet, salty, and spicy notes.
The Tribute: Mama Tuaolo’s Pineapple BBQ Chicken Food is memory, and this dish was a direct tribute to Esera’s roots. He grilled juicy chicken thighs marinated in a classic teriyaki glaze, but the secret weapon was the finish: Mama Tuaolo’s homemade pineapple BBQ sauce. Sticky, sweet, and tangy, this sauce represents the heart of the Tuaolo family kitchen. It was served alongside Chef Tuaolo’s special pineapple fried rice, rounding out a plate that tasted like pure sunshine.
Representation Matters
Participating in AAPI Night was about more than just great food; it was about representation. Esera has always been a “fearless founder”—from his days tackling opponents in the NFL to tackling the restaurant industry. Seeing him share his culture through food on such a massive platform was a proud moment for our entire team. It was a night of celebrating diversity, basketball, and the unifying power of a great meal.
Missed the Game? Taste the Magic in St. Joseph!
Did you miss out on the action at the Target Center? Don’t worry. You don’t need an NBA ticket to experience these world-class flavors.
The aloha spirit is alive and well every day at our home base. We invite you to come experience the food that impressed David Fhima and the Timberwolves organization firsthand.
Join us at 98 Hawaiian Grill! Located inside The House Food & Tap St. Joseph, MN
Come say hello to Esera, grab a plate of that famous roast pork or BBQ chicken, and taste the passion that fueled the Timberwolves’ AAPI night. We have a table waiting for you!