Celebrity Chefs Announced for MCA’s Noble Chef Benefit

Anton Haines’ dish for Noble Chef 2013. Photo by Mieko Photography.

Enjoy a taste of Latin America without leaving Maui at the 19th annual Noble Chef benefit on Saturday, Oct. 17. As Maui’s premiere event supporting culinary education, this year’s dining theme is “The World on a Plate – Latin America,” and benefits Maui Culinary Academy (MCA) at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College. The Noble Chef, presented in partnership with the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui and Maui No Ka ‘Oi Magazine, will celebrate the flavors, cultures, and flair of Latin America.

The benefit will begin with a festive courtyard reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by an elegant gourmet dinner with entertainment and auction at 7:00 p.m. Back by popular demand, the industry after-party will happen at 8:30 p.m. in the Fairmont Kea Lani’s Lobby Mezzanine, featuring Cuban tastings from MCA Alumni Chef Travis Morrin of Three’s Bar & Grill.

The Noble Chef is MCA’s largest annual fundraiser, and features a mentorship program that pairs up many of Maui’s most celebrated chefs and MCA students. This year’s event theme will be represented by a celebrity chef-designed reception menu, spanning the tastes, traditions, and the exciting spices of Latin culture.

​”​The annual Noble Chef event is our most anticipated function for our culinary art students and faculty. They benefit from spending valuable time with our local Maui celebrity chefs ​through kitchen preparation that begins a few days out from the event date. This creates real–world environments for students to cultivate working relationships with industry partners and the hands-on training they receive is an invaluable and memorable experience,” says Chef Dean Louie, MCA Program Coordinator.

This year’s celebrity “Noble Chefs” are:

• Craig Dryhurst, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
• Mark Ellman, Frida’s Beach House
• Lyndon Honda, Laulima Catering & Events
• Matteo Mistura, Matteo’s Osteria
• Travis Morrin, Three’s Bar & Grill
• Paris Nabavi, Sangrita Grill + Cantina
• Geno Sarmiento, Nick’s Fish Market
• Sheldon Simeon, Migrant
• Ryan Urig, Grand Wailea

After the reception, guests will enjoy a multi-course gourmet dinner and dessert in celebration of the exciting and popular Nuevo Latino cuisine movement, prepared by MCA’s faculty chefs. Participating MCA faculty chefs include Jake Belmonte, Tom Lelli, Craig Omori, Theresa Shurilla and Mike Umetsu.

The evening will also include live entertainment and hosting by emcee Dean Wong, as well as presentation of the highly-coveted Tylun Pang Aspiring Chef Scholarship. Tylun Pang, Executive Chef at the Fairmont Kea Lani, launched an annual scholarship to provide one outstanding culinary student the opportunity to complete an 8-week summer internship at the Maui luxury resort. Students earn an hourly wage and receive a financial scholarship after finishing the program.

“​The training MCA students receive for a summer at the Fairmont Kea Lani will transport them far beyond the college lecture room and practical kitchen labs. First-hand industry experience will provide priceless learning lessons and skill sets required for life-long careers,” explains Chef Louie. “They develop close personal connections with the kitchen staff, including Chef Pang, gain treasured kitchen experience at the resort’s signature restaurant Ko, and have a chance to develop a featured dish on the menu.”

Noble Chef Table Sponsorships directly benefit the Maui Culinary Academy, and are available for a limited time. Table Sponsors currently include: Maui No Ka Oi Magazine, Bank of Hawaii, Bendon Family Foundation, Hermine Harman & Andy Grabow, VIP Foodservice, UHMC Chancellor Lui Hokoana, Maui Oil Company, Maui Wine/Ulupalakua Ranch, Hawaii Gas, Dorvin D. Leis, Inc, Central Pacific Bank, First Hawaiian Bank, and McDonalds of Maui.

Food and Beverage sponsors include Guittard Chocolate Company, Maple Leaf Farms, Hawaii Sea Spirits, Maui Brewing Company, Maui Wine, Young’s Market & Company of Hawaii, Paradise Beverages, Johnson Brothers, and Chambers & Chambers.

Tickets are $250 for preferred seating and $195 for general seating. Table sponsorships begin at $3,500. Tickets and tables can be purchased by calling Marilyn Fornwall, UH Foundation at (808) 984-3261. Tickets and tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To view sponsor packages, click here , and to learn more about The Noble Chef event and the Maui Culinary Academy, visit here.