On a bright morning in 2025 on May 10th, Paiola joined a dedicated community of healthcare professionals in Hawai‘i. Chef Charisse collaborated with Dr. Hyewon Jun at the 2025 Rheumatology Conference to bring together plant-based cuisine and rheumatology-focused nutrition in a meaningful in-person event.
Purposeful Collaboration for Patient Wellness
Dr. Jun’s presentation focused on the science behind anti-inflammatory nutrition and the benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet for individuals living with rheumatic conditions. Charisse then offered a culinary perspective by demonstrating how nutritious food can also be deeply enjoyable. The combination of medical insight and flavorful cooking created an inspiring and educational dialogue.
Hikari Bentos: Thoughtful, Nourishing Meals
Paiola served 100 Hikari Bentos, skillfully designed for a rheumatology-focused audience. These plant-based meal boxes (recipes detailed here) featured a protein-packed main, vibrant vegetable sides, whole grains, and nutrient-rich sauces. Each bento balances flavor with anti-inflammatory benefits, providing both nourishment and enjoyment.
From Prep to Presentation
Behind the scenes, Charisse and her volunteer team worked together, washing, chopping, cooking, and assembling each bento with precision and care. Their energy reflected a shared belief that healthy food should be as pleasurable as it is beneficial.
On stage, Dr. Jun emphasized nutritional science while Charisse showed how to bring that science to life on the plate. Their mutual message was clear: eating well supports both healing and happiness.
A Warm Reception
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees praised the bentos as delicious and well balanced. Many expressed gratitude for practical plant-based solutions. One attendee shared, “This is the best plant-based meal I’ve had.” The event prompted meaningful conversations about lifestyle, wellness, and creative plant-based cooking.
Why This Matters
- Reinforcing health — For individuals managing chronic inflammation, food can play a vital role in well-being. These bentos showed how eating with intention can be delicious too.
- Bridging disciplines — Collaborations that bring together medicine and culinary arts offer attendees valuable information they can experience firsthand.
- Building community — This event demonstrates what’s possible when chefs, clinicians and communities unite around a shared vision for nourishing food.
Looking Ahead
Building on this success, Paiola aims to:
- Develop more conference-focused menus designed for health and flavor
- Expand collaborations with healthcare professionals and organizations
- Continue sharing Hikari Bento recipes on the Paiola website and at future events
A Heartfelt Thank You
To the host committee, Dr. Jun, our volunteers, and every attendee who made this event a success, mahalo nui loa. Your encouragement motivates us to continue creating plant-based meals that are healthy, delicious, and rooted in intention and care.
