Ippy Aiona Wins ‘International Iron Chef’ Title

Big Island Chef and Food Network star Ippy Aiona represented the United States and won the International Iron Chef Competition Sunday night at the Hot & Spicy Food Festival in Toronto, Canada.

Aiona, owner of The Three Fat Pigs Restaurant & Gastropub and The Thirsty Wolf Lounge at the King’s Shops in Waikoloa, edged out Ecuadorian Chef Luis Barrazeuta and Chef Betty Vázquez of Mexico to win the event, which was hosted by Iron Chef America’s Kevin Brauch.

Judge Melanie Fernandez said Aiona “worked his culinary magic and turned the secret ingredient (sauerkraut) into a delicious gastronomic creation.”

“Our panel of culinary experts agreed that his creativity deserves recognition, which is what earned him the prestigious International Iron Chef title,” Fernandez said.

Aiona was a finalist on the eighth season of Food Network Star and has been recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the “Best 30 Under 30 in Food and Wine.”