Elizabeth Hata Watanabe | Blog 2017

Elizabeth Hata Watanabe puts all her energy into everything she does – her family, business ventures, volunteer and charity work. And now, her baking! Food has always been a passion for Watanabe. But, when she began having children, she found herself baking cookies and making other delectable sweet treats. That peaked her interest and she began experimenting with different cookie and cake recipes. She received excellent feedback from friends all anxious to try her latest offerings and that led to her decision to pursue her latest interest - baking. When Watanabe decides to do something, she really commits. After all, why waste the energy if you’re not going to give your all? In conversations with her friend and Chef Ernesto Limcaco, from her latest food establishment, Burgers and Things in Pauoa Valley, she decided to embark on a new adventure. Chef Ernesto told her about the San Francisco Baking Institute. Consequently, in Jul...

Even the Swedish know a good burger when they bite into one! In fact, the Swedes liked the Burgers and Things’ “Doe-a-Deer” burger so much, it was named “World’s Best Burger,” by the Swedish TV show Varldens Basta Burgare. “Doe-a-Deer” is fashioned from Maui Nui venison braised in a red wine sauce and topped with pineapple chutney, on a brioche or a pretzel bun. Sound exotic? Yes, but you don’t have to go to Scandinavia to enjoy this or any of the other delicious burgers at Burgers and Things. That’s because this burger joint is right in your backyard - in Pauoa Valley. The business is the collaboration of Elizabeth Hata Watanabe and Chef/Owner Ernesto Limcaco, executive chef for 13 years with the Y. Hata Company. Limcaco does his magic in the kitchen and Watanabe uses her business skills to market Burgers and Things. All the burgers are braised not grilled! And, the creative menu, which occasionally includes the “Doe-a-Deer,” also features other specialties, like the “Wagyu Say,...

… Elizabeth Hata Watanabe . And, she’s no stranger to awards. An astute businesswoman and philanthropist, Watanabe is recognized for her efforts in supporting her community in a variety of ways. Elizabeth Hata Watanabe was named one of Pacific Business News’ 40 under 40 in 2006. This award acknowledged the 40 people under the age of 40, who are rising stars in Hawaii’s business community. At the time, she was the owner of the O Lounge and O Bartending Academy. And, in 2010, Watanabe was among those distinguished, on another Pacific Business News list of “Women Who Mean Business.”    This mother of three was also named Mother of the Year in 2008, after winning an online vote by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s MomsHawaii.com website. She was the first mother to win this honor from MomsHawaii.com.    Elizabeth Hata Watanabe founded The Hata Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 2010 to support other nonpr...