In appreciation of local Maui chefs and the bounty of Upcountry Maui, Montessori School of Maui is pleased to announce their fourth annual ‘Taste of Upcountry’ event on Saturday, September 28, 6-10 PM. This festive outdoor event, held on the central lawn of the school’s beautiful Makawao campus, is the primary fundraising activity for the 2019-20 school year. Taste of Upcountry will be co-emceed by the Grand Wailea’s Hawaiian Cultural Ambassador, Kainoa Horcajo, and The Merwin Conservancy’s Director of Programs, Sara Tekula, who also serves on Montessori School of Maui’s Board of Trustees. Local musical talent includes an opening show by folk-inspired singer and keyboardist Steve Sargenti and evening performance by bluesy chanteuse, Sierra Carrère.

Taste of Upcountry is designed to showcase the talent, toil, and camaraderie of Maui’s renowned chefs and Upcountry farmers and purveyors. The evening will feature 10 culinary stations presenting sweet and savory tasting plates by chef Bev Gannon of Haliʻimaile General Store, chef Gary Johnson of Sea Salt Maui, Ulupalakua Ranch Store, chef Craig Dryhurst of the Four Seasons, chef Anthony LaBua-Keiser of Maui Preserved, chef Nicole Scharer of Nicole Scharer events, chef Ben Diamond of Hanai Cuisine, chef Kevin Bell of Maui Farm to Fridge, chef Uma Dugied of Star Anise Catering, chef Jessica Kapoor of Sweet on Maui. In addition, espresso and a variety of espresso-based concoctions will be offered by Crema Maui. Montessori School of Maui is excited to announce that this is a Zero Waste Event in partnership with Maui Huliau Foundation.

In the true spirit of community, Montessori School of Maui is purposefully gathering friends, neighbors, and families on campus for this lively fall tradition of sharing a meal to taste and toast local agriculture, while investing in a bright future for our island.

Festivities will include a silent and live auction. Event proceeds directly support student programs, tuition assistance, teachers’ professional development, and campus maintenance. The event is 21 and over, BYOB and open to the public. General Admission starts at $90;VIP Tablesat $2,500.

About Montessori School of Maui:

Founded in 1978,Montessori School of Maui provides a comprehensive curriculum from early childhood into adolescence by following the principles, spirit, and philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori’s method of education. This approach features a collaborative learning environment to stimulate each student’s critical thinking skills, cultivate inquisitive minds and empower children to actively participate in the rapidly changing environment of the twenty-first century.

The Montessori School of Maui is a non-denominational, non-profit 501©3 corporation licensed by the Hawaii Council of Private Schools and the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS).

Tickets are now on sale for Taste of Upcountry, a benefit celebration for the Montessori School of Maui. 

The farm-to-table festival, which has become a staple upcountry event, will feature a “lineup of culinary talents.”  

The event will be held at the Montessori campus on Sept. 28 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Click here for tickets.