PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Petty Officer 3rd Class Cameron Croteau, a Damage Controlman aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Oak, carries an injured Haitian girl to an awaiting Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010. Coast Guard and Navy helicopters airlifted injured Haitians to a private hospital in Milot, Haiti. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandyn Hill)

MEDIA RELEASE

Monettes restaurant at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel presents “Hawaii for Haiti” a special benefit dinner celebrating the people and flavors of Haiti 6-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25.

Proceeds from the dinner will be donated to the group “Doctors Without Borders” to support its efforts in providing emergency medical care to victims of the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake.

Chef de Cuisine Matthew Zubrod has created a five-course menu focusing on Haitian and Caribbean cuisine as a tribute to that island nation, while incorporating some of his signature dishes.

“Since I’m unable to cook directly for the victims of this natural disaster, I’m cooking to raise donations for the care they desperately need,” Zubrod said.

Proprietors Mark and Scott Monette said, “Our restaurant exists on the Big Island in big part due to the 2006 earthquake here that so badly damaged Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. That earthquake led to a multi-million renovation of this legendary property and provided the opportunity for us to do business here.”

The brothers said they feel a strong connection to what’s happened in Haiti and believe the opportunity for re-building an even stronger, re-structured, modernized Haiti exists and hope that will be the end story of this tragic event.

“We are happy to do what we can to assist the Haitian people in their time of need,” they said.

Monday’s Tasting Menu

Tarte a l’oignon Haitian Onion and Ham Tart (kalua pork)

Appleton Rum Marinated Shrimp Skewer on Sugarcane, Roasted Pepper and Banana Butter
Or
Crab and Marinated Papaya Salad with Crispy Sweet Potato
Or
Tuna Tartare and Sashimi with Grilled Sesame Oil

Bahamian Conch Chowder
Or
Lobster Soup, Cod Fritter
Or
Butternut Squash Soup, Toasted Almonds

Cajun Mahi Mahi with Grits and Tropical Fruit Compote
Or
Jamaican Jerk Spiced Pork Chop, Red Beans and Rice, Roasted Pineapple Sauce, Picklese(Haitian Slaw)
Or
Prime Filet, Potato Puree, Garlic Spinach

Rum Raisin Cake, Coconut Ice Cream
Or
Sticky Toffee Pudding, Hawaiian Vanilla Ice Cream

Tickets are $85 plus tax and gratuity; call 443-2850 for reservations.

Also, Monettes will donate 20 percent of all food revenues generated Friday, Jan. 22 to Doctors Without Borders specifically for use in supporting its emergency medical efforts in Haiti.

— Find out more:
www.doctorswithoutborders.com.
www.monetteshawaii.com/homepage.php