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Farm to table event

Sixth annual food-focused film festival at Sugar Beach in Kihei will benefit Maui youth programs

Fleetwood’s on Front St. Executive Chef Eric Morrissette (from left), student Amia Datts-Voluntad and Chef de Cuisine Zach Laidlaw talk with Adam Quinn (right) of Hua Momona Farm in Kapalua. -- BRYAN BERKOWITZ photo

The menu by top Maui chefs sounds tempting. Savor, say, the olive-oil poached mahimahi with truffle sabayan and cucumber salsa by Lee Anderson of host venue Sugar Beach Events. Or enjoy roasted-beet-and tempeh poke with black-garlic aioli, local avocado and greens by Chef Maja Liotta of Lilikoi Creations and more.

The premise is also worthy. Maui Huliau Foundation, a nonprofit organization offering environmental education programs to Maui youth, will host its sixth annual farm-to-table event and food-focused film festival at Sugar Beach Events’ beautiful oceanfront venue in north Kihei from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, and youth programs will benefit.

Event sponsors are Skyline Hawai’i, Pacific Biodiesel, Blue Ginger Hawai’i, Hawaiian Paddle Sports, CDF Engineering and Maui Electric Company.

“Maui Huliau Foundation provides the education and leadership that our island needs as we look to address a range of environmental challenges in the future,” says Danny Boren of Skyline Hawai’i, the event’s main sponsor. “By focusing their work on Maui’s youth, and developing the next generation of leaders, Maui Huliau is building a community of engaged, talented and ambitious environmentalists. Our company is proud to be supporting Maui Huliau Foundation’s work, which aligns with our values as a company and as Maui residents.”

The event will feature 10 chef stations, a cash bar with cocktails, beer and wine, live music, a food-themed student film contest and an impressive array of silent auction items that include from hotel stays and gift certificates to Maui’s top restaurants.

John Cadman of Pono Pies, (from left), son Kawika Cadman holding ulu and Huliau student Mikaela Lagasca. -- BRYAN BERKOWITZ photo

The locally sourced bar will feature signature cocktails with Organic Ocean Vodka and Deep Island Hawaiian Rum, a selection of Maui Brewing Co.’s beers and MauiWine’s varietals. Vitali-Tea Kombucha Maui is also providing kombucha made from locally sourced ingredients.

Na Hoku Hanohano award-nominated musician Arlie-Avery Asiu will be performing live ukulele music.

In addition, attendees may vote for their favorite short films that share stories behind the locally sourced dishes made by event chefs. Students in grades 7 to 12 from Maui Huliau’s filmmaking program are behind the camera.

In addition to the student films made for the competition, Maui Huliau Foundation will also screen a few favorite films from last year’s program including “The Ocean: Our Foundation,” a recent Maui Film Festival selection.

“Spending time on projects like these has taught me so much during my time with Maui Huliau Foundation,” says Ka’imi Kaleleiki, eighth grader at Lahaina Intermediate and second-year Huliau student. “I can’t begin to explain the amazing and exciting adventures that I’ve had with this program. The time that I spent working with the participating chefs in the food and film fest has taught me a lot about the importance of growing organic, local food. It has also taught me that things cooked with fresh local ingredients taste way better.”

Top chefs on Maui including Isaac Bancaco of Andaz Maui at Wailea, John Cadman of Pono Pies, Eric Morrissette of Fleetwoods on Front St., Gary Johnson of Hana Ranch, Kyle Kawakami of Maui Fresh Streatery, Instructor Dean Louie of University of Hawaii Maui College culinary arts program, and private chefs Molly Reeder and Carol Wallack will serve fresh, locally inspired small plates and desserts.

“Sustainable agriculture is my passion,” says Morrissette. “It is one of the first thoughts that goes into every dish at Fleetwoods. We’re very active in the community promoting what sustainable means and how it benefits us all.”

“We enjoyed working with Huliau students Amia and Ka’imi on their film,” adds Fleetwood’s Chef de Cuisine Zach Laidlaw. “They did a great job filming and directing, and I can’t wait to see the final product on the 28th. It is a great learning experience for them to learn about the local agriculture and the restaurant industry.”

The Huliau Food & Film Festival is open to guests 21 and older only. Tickets are $95 in advance ($110 at the door) and include access to all chef stations, one complimentary drink and films.

You may purchase tickets online at www.mauihuliaufoundation.org/huliau-food-film-festival.

All proceeds will benefit Maui youth environmental education programs, such as filmmaking, literacy projects and more.

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