By Vanessa Wolf

Image courtesy Market Fresh Bistro

This Saturday, March 1, plan to attend the Hawaii Farmers Union United “It’s All About the Food!” fundraiser.

Host Market Fresh Bistro in Makawao is preparing a locally-sourced five-course dinner in support and celebration of small family farmers.

The menu will begin with red and white wine, followed by upcountry vegetable bruschetta, truffled Big island mushrooms and ahi tartare with kalamata olive vinaigrette.

This is followed by roasted organic tomato and ginger soup and “Beef and Blooms,” a grass-fed organic Mediterranean beef ragout.

Pace yourself, because next is a pan-roasted fresh catch with smoked paprika and tomato compote.

All of this is accompanied by Kula organic greens with Spanish sherry vinaigrette, garlic roasted organic green beans, herb roasted local potatoes, and organic rice pilaf.

Wash it down with organic 100% Kona coffee and Big Island shade grown green tea before diving into your dessert of Hawaiian chocolate and banana bread pudding with cinnamon whipped cream.

There will be a silent auction featuring dinners prepared by members of the “Ohana of Chefs,” including Makena Beach and Golf Resort’s Executive Chef Marc McDowell.

In addition to partaking in the fresh, organic feast and auction festivities, your support of this event will empower HFUU to continue legislative work they begin in March 2013 representing bills which benefit Hawaii’s family of farmers.

The dinner starts at 6 p.m. at Market Fresh Bistro, located at 3620 Baldwin Ave. in Makawao.

The cost is (a tax-deductible) $160 per person and space is limited. Reservations can be made online or by calling 808-357-4999.