They’re having a feast on the North Shore of Kauai. Think smoked fish and pig, luau stew, crab and prawns, poke, won ton and cheesecake, all made by professional chefs, to boot.
What makes this meal even better, though, is that it’s pono as well as ono. The Sept. 29 event, Makana Waipa: Eat the Invasives 2018, features items invasive to Hawaii and other foods sourced from Waipa. Invasive items such as Samoan crab, gorilla ogo and taape are prepared in dishes such as Kilauea Noodle Co. Drymin (with Samoan crab and Tahitian prawns), fresh poke (with gorilla ogo), and taape luau stew.
The chef talent is impressive: Gavin Onishi and Mark Oyama (Mark’s Place), Mark “Gooch” Noguchi (Pili Group), Jason Sessions (Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas), Michael Young (Rumfire Poipu Beach), Chloe Soreyand (Truckin Delicious) and private chef Jessica Lindman.
They will be joined by practitioners Kimo Ornellas, the Chandler family, Paepae o He‘eia, and hunters and farmers from Waipa.
The Waipa Foundation is a community-based organization that manages the 1,600-acre ahupuaa of Waipa as a living-learning center.
The event runs 6 to 9 p.m. (VIP entry is at 5 p.m.) at the Waipa Foundation Grand Lawn, 5-5785A Kuhio Highway in Hanalei.
Tickets are $75, $125 VIP. Purchase them at MakanaWaipa2018.Eventbrite.com.
Other opportunities to dine out while supporting a good cause:
THE GOOD TABLE
>> Charity: Lanikila Meals on Wheels home meal delivery for seniors
>> The event: On Sept. 27 at more than 20 restaurants, a single VIP table will be set aside for a dinner for four to six people. Many tables have been sold, but a few remain, at prices from $900 for Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar to $1,200 at Stripsteak.
>> Tickets: thegoodtable.org
>> Info: 356-8533, lhara@lanakilapacific.org
SEAFOOD & A SUNSET
>> Charity: Malama Loko Ea Foundation’s ongoing efforts to restore the more than 400-year-old Loko Ea fishpond and turn it into a sustainable food source. Proceeds from the event will help purchase dredging equipment.
>> Where: Private grounds at Pua‘ena Point Beach Park, Haleiwa
>> When: 4:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 29
>> The event: Food provided by Fresh Catch Seafood, Jen’s Catering & Lunch Truck and Flyin’ Ahi Food Truck, plus an open bar, awa, live entertainment and a silent auction
>> Tickets: $125 (available at eventbrite.com)
>> Info:637-3232
