Calabash & Cooks At Kapolei

The best way to a Hawaii resident’s heart is through his or her stomach, or so the Malama Learning Center believes, as it mounts its first-ever culinary fundraiser.

The center will host Calabash & Cooks from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at Kapolei High School Plaza, featuring the cuisine of eight chefs working alongside Kapolei students and area farmers to create “a night of cultural exploration through ethnic cuisine.”

Among the participating chefs are New Yorker Lee Anne Wong (of Bravo TV’s Top Chef fame) and local favorite Mark “Gooch” Noguchi of TASTE and Pili Group.

The gala also offers a silent auction, live entertainment and libations, plus a VIP exclusive meet-and-greet with Chef Wong.

Tickets cost $75 for VIPs, $35 presale and $20 for keiki.

For reservations, visit malamalearningcenter.org or call 497-5323. Tickets also may be purchased at the learning center booth at Makeke Kapolei, the market held each Thursday from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at the school.