Empty Bowl Project at Star Noodle to benefit Maui Food Bank

Bowls purchased at the benefit are meant to remind participants of all the “empty bowls” in the world.
LAHAINA – The third annual Empty Bowl Project will be held on Saturday, April 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Star Noodle.
The 286 Kupuohi St. restaurant in the Lahaina Business Park and the Maui Organization for the Ceramic Arts (MOCA) have come together once again for inspired cuisine, outstanding art and great entertainment for a very worthy cause: the Maui Food Bank and Hale Mahaolu.
Ceramic artists from around Maui will come together to create handcrafted ceramic bowls to be sold for a $25 donation at the event. The bowl you purchase is a keepsake to remind you of all the “empty bowls” in the world. All proceeds collected from the bowl purchase will be donated to the Maui Food Bank, Hale Mahaolu and other various organizations.
The donation also includes a free visit to a special Empty Bowl Project “Noodle Bar,” where you will be able to create your own personal “Hapa Ramen” or “Faux Pho” with a variety of garnishings.
In addition to the “Noodle Bar” station, scrip will be available for purchase to experience an array of local flavors and ingredients – street fair style!
For a new twist this year, Star Noodle Executive Chef Gemsley Balagaso has invited three of West Maui’s favorite chefs – Executive Chef Jojo Vasquez from The Plantation House Restaurant in Kapalua, Executive Chef Anton Haines from Pacific’O and Chef Lyndon Honda, owner of Laulima Events & Catering. They will share their flavors and talents, with dishes like pork katsu to uni (sea urchin).
Also making an appearance for the evening will be the STARSTRUCK food truck, featuring nori-wrapped chicken, laab spring rolls and a green papaya salad.
Along with the great food and desserts, signature Star cocktails, wines, beers and sakes will also be available. The event will take place under the stars at Star Noodle, with live bowl-making with the guest chefs and local celebrities throughout the evening.
In 2013, the second annual Empty Bowl Project was a huge success, with over 700 attendees and more than 375 bowls sold. Star Noodle donated $5,000 to the Maui Food Bank, $5,000 to Hale Mahaolu and another $2,000 to the Lahainaluna High School girls basketball team.
Star Noodle and MOCA have donated over $20,000 over the past two years. Don’t miss your chance to participate in Star Noodle’s premiere fundraising event.
Empty Bowl Project is an international grassroots project to help fight hunger. Events have taken place across the United States and in at least a dozen other countries. Millions of dollars have been raised and donated to hunger-fighting organizations.
For more information, visit www.starnoodle.com or call Kaala Buenconsejo at 667-2998.