From left, Fred Janvrin, Eve Harrison, Kate Eifler, Martha Hecker, Barbara Liniger, Bob Flint and Marianne Klaus, members of MOCA and Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center, show off bowls that will be sold to benefit Maui Food Bank at Star Noodle on April 14.

LAHAINA – Star Noodle and the Maui Organization for the Ceramic Arts (MOCA) will come together on Saturday, April 14, to offer inspired cuisine, outstanding art and great entertainment to benefit the Maui Food Bank.

It’s the first annual Empty Bowl Project, set for 5 to 8 p.m. at Star Noodle at 286 Kupuohi St. in the Lahaina Business Park.

The project is an international grassroots effort to help fight hunger. Events have been held across the United States and in at least a dozen other countries, raising millions of dollars for hunger-fighting organizations.

Ceramic artists from around Maui who make up MOCA will create 200 handcrafted ceramic bowls to be sold for a $25 donation at the event. The bowl is a keepsake to remind attendees of all the “empty bowls” in the world. Proceeds collected from purchases will be donated to the Maui Food Bank.

The donation will also include a visit to the special Empty Bowl Project “Noodle Bar” created by award-winning Chef Sheldon Simeon of Star Noodle.

At the “Noodle Bar” tent, guests can create their own ramen or organic soba with a variety of garnishings. Only those who purchase a bowl at the event will be able to enjoy the Noodle Bar.

The street fair setting will take place under the stars at Star Noodle with live entertainment – including the Maui Taiko Drummers – throughout the evening.

In addition to the special Empty Bowl “Noodle Bar,” scrip will be available for food tents featuring Star Noodle favorites like Garlic Noodles and Lahaina Fried Soup, as well as special dishes created by Chef Simeon for the event: Asian Tacos (Kalbi Shortrib and Adobo Grilled Pork), Scallop Shots, Twice-Cooked Tiger Prawns, Star Chop Steak and Miso Chicken.

Desserts will include Peanut Butter Mousse, Star Sherbet and Ice Cakes, along with refreshing Star cocktails, wines, beers and sakes.

A very special silent auction will feature additional one-of-a-kind works of art by MOCA artists, Star Noodle staff and non-ceramic art pieces by noted Maui artists.

The event’s “after party” will celebrate Star Noodle’s second anniversary and introduce “Star Lounge” from 8 to 10 p.m. Special libations and Izakaya menu items will be served while a deejay spins tunes.

Michael Moore of Hoaloha Na Eha Ltd., Star Noodle’s parent company, said that “with the continued support of our community, along with the Maui Organization of Ceramic Arts, we found it only fitting to give back as we celebrate our second anniversary supporting the Maui Food Bank.

“The celebration will embrace an evening of food and art for a fabulous cause.”

For information, call 667-5400.