Raw Foods First Course
Drawing from a rising popularity in the raw and living foods diet, the University of Hawaii Maui College’s Maui Culinary Academy (MCA) has teamed up with renowned local raw food chef and author Jeremy Safron to create an all raw, five-course, gourmet dinner for it’s annual Le Grinds fundraising event. The event will take place on Friday, April 30th at 6pm and will feature organic and biodynamic wines pared with dishes such as Haleakala Sunset Salsa with Crater Chips, Coconut Caravan Soup, and Cajun Nofu with Hemp Rice and Marinated Vegetables.
Tickets are available to the public for $40 a person or $20 for UHMC students, faculty, and staff. With a career spanning well over a decade, Jeremy is a renowned expert in the creation of raw foods and dietary health. As the author of numerous books including The Raw Truth, The Fasting Handbook, and The Raw Foods Resource Guide, Jeremy has been interviewed in numerous media outlets and is highly sought after workshop leader. Jeremy is also the former owner of The Raw Experience, Maui’s first raw food restaurant in Paia, where his artistic vision and relentless exploration of taste allowed him to pioneer many of the concepts and dishes that are common in raw eateries today. He has also developed some of the most successful raw food products on the market including Powerwraps and Rawmesean.
Prior to the event, Jeremy will be working with MCA students in Chef Jake Belmonte’s class, teaching them not only how to prepare raw foods but also about their nutrition and the importance of using local ingredients. Many of the students in the class stated they had heard about raw cuisine but none had any experience in its preparation. MCA was able to partner with Whole Foods Market, who will provide many of the the local ingredients used in each dish.
MCA Instructor Chef Jake Belmonte states, “Le Grinds is an event that focuses on introducing fresh ideas to food enthusiasts at a very reasonable price. It’s all about enjoying what the ‘aina’ has to offer and preparing it to its full potential. I am just ecstatic to be a part of this gig and able to showcase what’s hot in the culinary world.” MCA Director Chris Speere states, “Our mission as a Culinary Academy is to expose our students to food preparation styles that support America’s growing trend toward more conscious eating habits. Were finding that alternative dining, such as; raw, vegan, vegetarian, and organic can be delicious and satisfying to the palette. We are extremely pleased to have Chef Jeremy Safron in our MCA kitchen to educate our students in the intricacies of Raw Cuisine and its benefits for better health and vibrant living.”
Maesyn
The event will also feature live music by singer, songwriter, and violinist Maesyn. Classically trained on violin since the age of 4, Maesyn composes all of her own orchestration, and thrives on improvisation. She fronts her own band, and also has performed on stage for thousands with artists such as Matisyahu. She spent a year fronting the conscious hip-hop band, The Luminaries. Seating is limited so make your reservations early by contacting Tiffany Ida at 984-3434. MCA is only able to accept cash or checks and payment will be collected at the door. Student produced culinary specialty products and well as Jeremy’s books will also be available for sale at the event. Proceeds will benefit the Maui Culinary Academy.
Event At a Glance
Who: UHMC’s Maui Culinary Academy and Chef Jeremy Safron
What: Le Grinds, Featuring Raw and Living Foods prepared by Maui Culinary Academy students and Chef Jeremy Safron. Organic and Biodynamic Wine Pairings. Live music by Maesyn.
When: Friday, April 30th 6-9pm
Where: Maui Culinary Academy’s Class Act Restaurant, Paina Building
How: Make Reservations: Call Tiffany Ida at 808-984-3434 for reservations. $40 for public, $20 for UHMC students, faculty, and staff. Payment by cash or check only.
