By Vanessa Wolf

Courtesy photo.

On Saturday, April 13, Star Noodle in Lahaina and the Maui Organization for the Ceramic Arts will be presenting the second annual Empty Bowl Project.

So what is this empty bowl business, you ask?

Maui-based ceramic artists have come together to create over 300 hand-crafted ceramic bowls. These bowls will be sold for $25 each at the event and collected proceeds will benefit the Maui Food Bank and Hale Mahaolu.

Hale Mahaolu, a non-profit corporation, develops, owns, and manages family and elderly affordable housing sites here on Maui.

The keepsake ceramic bowls then entitle you to visit the Noodle Bar created by Star Noodles’ Chef Sheldon Simeon, recently a finalist on Bravo’s Top Chef Seattle Season 10.

At the Noodle Bar tent you will be able to create your own ramen or organic soba concoction and pick your own additions and garnishes.

The event is outside Star Noodle in a street fair setting and offers live entertainment throughout the evening.

If you don’t get there in time to purchase a ceramic bowl and hit the noodle bar, food tents featuring Star Noodle favorites like Garlic Noodles, Nori Chicken, Miso Salmon, Yakitori Sticks (Chicken or Beef), Hapa Ramen, Star Udon, Soba Salad, Pahole Salad and special Star Desserts will offer additional items for purchase. Signature Star cocktails, wines, beers and sakes will also be available for an additional cost.

In 2012, the 1^st Annual Empty Bowl Project donated $5,000 to the Maui Food Bank and another $2,000 for the Lahaina Luna Ladies Basketball team. Over 200 bowls were made and they were entirely sold out in 45 minutes.

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.

Maui’s Second Annual Empty bowl project is on April 13 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

From the sounds of it, it’s best to get there early if you’re hoping to score a bowl.

We welcome your feedback. Please let us know if you hear of any new restaurants opening or reopening, total menu overhauls, or simply know of a hidden treasure you want to share. Have a restaurant you want reviewed (or re-reviewed)? Drop us a line – Vanessa(@mauinow.com)