Star Noodle’s Empty Bowl Project to Benefit Food Bank

Star Noodles Annual Empty Bowl Project helps raise funds for the Maui Food Bank, Hale Mahaolu and other Maui organizations. Courtesy photo.

By Maui Now Staff

The 4th Annual Empty Bowl Project will be held on April 17, 2015, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Star Noodle in the Lahaina Business Park. Star Noodle and the Maui Organization for the Ceramic Arts have come together once again with inspired cuisine, outstanding art and great entertainment for the Maui Food Bank.

Ceramic artists and various schools on Maui have created handcrafted ceramic bowls to be sold for a $25 donation at the event. Courtesy photo.

Ceramic artists and various schools on Maui have created handcrafted ceramic bowls to be sold for a $25 donation at the event.

The bowls serve as keepsakes to remind those who purchase them of all the “empty bowls” in the world.

All proceeds collected from the bowl sales will be donated to the Maui Food Bank and Hale Mahaolu with further proceeds benefiting other Maui organizations.

The $25 donation also includes a visit to the Empty Bowl Project Noodle Bar, where donors will create a personal, signature ramen with a variety of garnishings.

In addition to the Noodle Bar station, script will be available for purchase to experience a street fair-style array of local flavors and ingredients.

Star Noodle Executive Chef Gemsley Balagso has invited chefs from partnering Na Hoaloha Ekolu businesses–Executive Chef Sergio Perez from Aloha Mixed Plate, Executive Chef Craig Masuda from Old Lahaina Lūʻau, Executive Chef Marcus Whisenant from Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, and Executive Hoaloha Bakeshop Chef Chelsea Whisenant.

The chefs will share their flavors and talents with dishes highlighting this year’s theme–“across the street food.” Along with the great food and desserts, signature Star cocktails, wines, beers and sakes will be available for purchase in restaurant.

The event will take place under the stars at Star Noodle with entertainment and local celebrities throughout the evening.

Since the initial event in 2012, the Empty Bowl Project has helped to donate over $25,000 in support of local causes.

In 2014, Star Noodle donated $5,000 to the Maui Food Bank, $2,500 to Hale Mahaolu and another $2,000 to the Lahaina Luna Ladies Basketball team.

Empty Bowl Project is an international, grassroots project to help fight hunger. Events have taken place across the US and in at least a dozen other countries. Millions of dollars have been raised and donated to hunger-fighting organizations around the world.

For more information, go online or call Sara Jordan-Polk at (808) 667-2998.

Star Noodle is located in the Lahaina Business Park at 286 Kupuohi St.