HOALOHA cares W
West Maui restaurant family donates to worthy cause
ant to dine out Saturday in West Maui and contribute to a worthy cause at the same time? Na Hoaloha ‘Ekolu restaurant group will give 20 percent of sales that day from all four of its outlets to Habitat for Humanity. Simply dine at Aloha Mixed Plate, Star Noodle or Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop during regular operating hours and funds will go to HFH’s Hurricane Lane recovery efforts for islanders affected by the storm.
The restaurant group’s Old Lahaina Lu‘au is already sold out that evening.
“When we saw the effects of Hurricane Lane, there was no question. We had to do something to help,” explains Tim Moore, Na Hoaloha ‘Ekolu co-owner.
The group has already given $50,000 from its NHE community fund to help with rebuilding and repairs for those affected by Hurricane Lane. Old Lahaina Lu‘au will give an added $10,000 from the company’s private foundation in support of Habitat’s upcoming Build-A-Thon.
To top it off, the award-winning restaurant group has designated Saturday as the official Hoaloha Cares fundraiser.
“After a three-month renovation earlier this summer, Aloha Mixed Plate is back to serving local favorites such as loco moco, chow funn and coconut prawns,” says Nicky Boskoff, general manager. “Breakfast is also served featuring souffle pancake, taro hash and eggs as well as eggs Benedict and our ‘Spamp’ sandwiches.”
Na Hoaloha ‘Ekolu Corporate Chef Ivan
Pahk is proud of his Spamp, a spin on the beloved Hawaiian staple, Spam, that goes all the way back to World War II days. In Pahk’s version, the last three letters of “amp” represent Aloha Mixed Plate.
“We’re not using Hormel. We cook pork shoulder with spices, garlic, a little salt and sugar. No fillers. We mix it ourselves and it’s insanely good.”
Aloha Mixed Plate is THE place to go for fun and casual meals of plantation fare in a jaw-dropping al fresco setting for breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Sip cocktails such as the Maui Mule along with wine and beer selections. At Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop in tiny Olowalu, savory and sweet pies, sandwiches made from bread baked in house and local specials draw in crowds of hungry diners on a daily basis. Chicken and waffles is one of the top sellers. “It’s comfort food made from scratch that is inspired by local ingredients,” says Rosie Robbins, Leoda’s general manager. “We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.” Star Noodle Executive Chef Abby Ferrer wows diners with Vietnamese crepes and Hapa ramen, a rich and soul-satisfying pork broth brimming with fresh wheat-based Asian noodles made in house with roasted pork, bok choy, soft-boiled egg, kamaboko, red miso and bamboo shoots.
“We invite the community and visitors to support those in need while enjoying good food with us on Saturday,” Moore adds. “But if you can’t make it to see us, consider giving directly to Habitat. They are making a significant difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors and every little bit helps. The most important thing to us on Maui — is that we help each other.”