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The Samoan Heritage Bridge
For years, my journey in the kitchen has been about more than just recipes; it has been about preserving the stories and flavors of my Samoan heritage. Now, through The Samoa Heritage Bridge, that mission is evolving into a permanent pathway for the next generation. On April 12, 2026, I am embarking on a foundational mission to Samoa to archive the disappearing culinary wisdom of our elders and meet with government officials to establish a formal youth return program. I am going home to sit at the feet of our master practitioners, gathering the skills and sacred techniques needed to bring this knowledge back to our community here in the diaspora.
This is the “groundbreaking” for our inaugural youth delegation planned for late 2026/early 2027. To build this bridge with total integrity, we are operating with radical transparency: 60% of funds support the immediate archival documentation and diplomacy, 30% is locked into our Heritage Grant fund to fly youth back to the islands, and 10% goes directly to a local Samoan community program. We are turning “I wish I knew my roots” into “I am going home.” Join us as a bridge-builder and help us ensure that while our elders hold our history, our youth hold our future.
Island Cake Decorating Class
Join Mackenzie Faumuina Rubish—winner of the Great American Baking Show—for an intimate, hands-on cake decorating experience on February 1, 2026. This isn’t just a baking class; it is the official launch event for the Samoa Heritage Bridge. In this exclusive workshop, you will learn the professional techniques behind Mackenzie’s signature island-inspired designs as you decorate a 6-inch, two-tier cake to take home and share. All professional tools and ingredients are provided, including a custom take-home kit.
This class is limited to just 15 participants, ensuring a personalized and meaningful afternoon of creativity and community. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds from this event will directly fund Mackenzie’s foundational mission to Samoa on April 9th, where she will begin the work of archiving cultural traditions and building pathways for our youth. Tickets will be available January 18, 2026.
Event Details
Workshop Date: February 1st, 2026
Location: Oceanside, CA
Experience includes: You will receive professional hands-on instruction to decorate a signature two-tier island cake, complete with a professional take-home tool kit and light refreshments.
Mission Impact: 100% of proceeds fund the April 9th mission to archive elder wisdom and build the 2026/2027 Youth Heritage Grant fund.
Ticket Price: $150 (Limited to 15 Seats)
Mana and Mimosas – Apron Painting Workshop
Step into a morning of island elegance and intentional connection at Mana & Mimosas. This curated brunch experience is designed to celebrate the richness of Samoan culture while supporting the ongoing mission of the Samoa Heritage Bridge. Beyond the sparkling mimosas and vibrant island flavors, this event serves as a gathering space for the community to invest in the future of our youth and the preservation of our past.
The heart of the morning will be an immersive Koko Samoa experience. Join Mackenzie as she shares the sacred traditions of our ancestral cacao—from its history in our villages to the proper way to prepare and enjoy it. You will learn the cultural significance of this “liquid gold” and how it continues to serve as a symbol of hospitality and heritage. Come for the brunch, stay for the culture, and leave as a part of the bridge we are building together.
Event Details
Tickets Go On Sale: February 1st, 2026
Workshop Date: February 21st, 2026
Location: Oceanside, CA
Experience Includes: Island inspired treats and mimosas, and a guided Koko Samoa demonstration/tasting.
Mission Impact: A portion of all ticket sales supports the Heritage Grant Fund, sending diaspora youth back to Samoa in 2026/2027.
Ticket price: $50 (Limited to 30 seats)
Coming Soon (March 2026)
Valu Popo & Tatau le Niu
Join us as we master the art of the Tuai (coconut scraper). You won’t just learn how to crack and scrape a fresh coconut; you’ll learn the rhythmic technique passed down through generations to extract the richest, creamiest coconut milk you’ve ever tasted.
This isn’t just a cooking class—it’s a connection to the ‘Aiga. We will discuss the significance of the coconut as the ‘Tree of Life’ while we prepare fresh milk to be used in traditional dishes. Whether you’re reconnecting with your heritage or looking to elevate your culinary skills with fresh, raw ingredients, this class will change the way you look at a coconut forever.
Valu Talo & Fofo’e Fa’i
Join us for a hands-on immersion into the essentials of Pasifika cooking. We will start from the earth up, mastering the specific techniques for scraping taro and peeling green bananas—skills that require patience, rhythm, and heart.
The reward for our labor? We will prepare and try Palusami (creamy coconut milk wrapped in taro leaves). You’ll learn how to layer the leaves, pour the coconut cream, and bundle them for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth finish. This is more than a recipe; it’s a lesson in the flavors that have sustained our people for centuries.
Virtual Workshop – Suafa’i
Sua’fai is more than a dessert; it’s a bowl of pure nostalgia. But getting that perfect, glossy consistency and the right balance of sweetness is an art form. In this 75-minute live Zoom session, you’ll join me live from my kitchen for a virtual bake-along where we master the ultimate Samoan comfort food: Sua’fai (Banana Sago Soup).
Whether you are in Utah, Texas, Australia, or the Islands, let’s fill our homes with the scent of caramelized bananas and coconut cream together.
Thank you to The Oceanside Arts and Cultural District!
We are thrilled to announce that the Pasifika Culinary Project has been honored as a grant recipient for the 2026 year by the Oceanside Arts and Cultural District! This prestigious award will empower us to expand our offerings and deepen our impact in the community. Thanks to this generous grant, we will now be able to host more culinary workshops and community events, celebrating the rich and diverse Pasifika culinary traditions. Stay updated and ensure you don’t miss any news as we continue to build this incredible nonprofit by signing up for our updates. Your support and enthusiasm are invaluable as we embark on this exciting journey!
Past Events
Thank you to our sponsors!
Pasifika Culinary Project 