School and Chefs Unite for a Night of Exquisite Cuisine and Fundraising
By Dolores Quintana
The Gourmandise School at Santa Monica Place is delighted to host a special evening dedicated to crafting Hawaiian-inspired dishes alongside a group of esteemed Los Angeles chefs. This unique culinary event not only offers a delightful experience for its 40 guests but also serves as a fundraiser to aid Maui in its recovery efforts from the recent devastating wildfires.
The event, set to take place on Monday, September 25, from 7 to 9 p.m., will feature live, interactive demonstrations by the chefs in rotation, with each chef presenting their courses. The evening promises an immersive culinary journey, and all proceeds, 100%, will be directed to the Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund and ‘Āina Momona, both actively involved in Maui to support hospitality workers and promote social justice while aiding in Hawaiian sovereignty restoration.
Participating chefs include:
- Minh Phan, Chef of Phenakite and Porridge + Puffs
- Mercedes Rojas of The Arepa Stand, a beloved local food stand
- Dara Yu, Winner of Master Chef 2022
- Kat Turner of the West Los Angeles restaurant Highly Likely
- Clemence De Lutz, Co-owner of The Gourmandise School
Featured dishes include:
- Savory Moon Cakes featuring ingredients from Koda Farms
- Creamed Corn, Heirloom Tomatoes, and Crema
- Yellowtail Crudo with Coconut Tigre Sauce and Pineapple
- Hong Kong Style Clay Pot Rice with Chinese Sausage, Hawaiian Pork Belly, and Chinese Greens
- Mango and Passionfruit Marjolaine with Macadamia Dacquoise
The event will be held at Santa Monica Place, located at 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, at the intersection of Broadway and Third Street Promenade. The Gourmandise School is situated on Level 3, adjacent to The Curious Palate. Tickets for this exceptional event are priced at $250 and can be purchased at thegourmandiseschool.com/classes-2/love-for-lahaina.
About Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund
The Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui will provide immediate assistance to the hardworking restaurant, bar and hospitality workers displaced by the devastating wildfires that have impacted West Maui communities from Lahaina to Kapalua, a cherished home of the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. We are committed to supporting the island’s recovery. Together with your support, we can make a profound impact on the lives of our restaurant and hospitality workers, who have played an integral role in shaping Maui’s vibrant culinary scene and tourism industry.
About ‘Āina Momona‘
Āina Momona is a Native Hawaiian 501(c)(3) organization founded by Walter Ritte for the purpose of achieving environmental health and sustainability through restoring social justice and Hawaiian sovereignty. ʻĀina Momona is not affiliated with any religious institution. We are led by a board of exceptional Native Hawaiians who support the critical work of our talented staff who work in grassroots communities to restore fragile ecosystems, promote cultural rights and practices, enhance community well-being, and advocate for native rights and social justice.
