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Floor Speech

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Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, I join everyone in Hawaii in congratulating chefs Rhoda Magbitang and Lee Anne Wong on their recent wins on ``Top Chef'' and ``Last Chef Standing.'' Both chefs displayed incredible skill and perseverance in their respective competitions and showcased what makes Hawaii's food scene so special, with our unique blend of cultures and cuisines. I continue to think Hawaii is among the best eating places on the planet. I am so proud of both of them.

Chef Magbitang, who was born and raised in the Philippines and now lives in Waimea on the Big Island, paid tribute to her roots, sharing her take on classic Filipino dishes that she grew up eating.

Meanwhile, Chef Wong completed 24 challenges in 24 hours, winning with an ahi tuna dish prepared in a French-Japanese fusion style. Chef Wong's restaurant, Papa'aina at the Pioneer Inn in Lahaina, was destroyed in the fires 3 years ago, but her cooking, infused all over with local ingredients and produce, lives on at Koko Head Cafe on O'ahu.

We are so lucky to have her and Chef Magbitang and so many other outstanding chefs who make Hawaii, Hawaii.

Congratulations on your wins. You have made Hawaii proud.

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