Monettes’ Hawaii for Haiti Benefit Dinner

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 on

Monday, January 25 from 6-9 pm. Proceeds from the dinner will be donated to the group

“Doctors Without Borders” to support its efforts in providing emergency medical care to the earthquake victims.

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.”  And so, they said, we feel a strong connection to what’s happened in Haiti and we 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.

Highlights of Chef Zubrod’s “Hawaii for Haiti” menu include: Conch Chowder, Cod Fritters, Rum Marinated Shrimp on Sugarcane Skewers,  Jerk Spiced Pork Chop with Red Beans and Rice, and Rum Raisin Cake.  Options are offered within each course, providing an opportunity to sample some of Monettes featured selections, including Prime Filet with Garlic Spinach and Potato Puree, Butternut Squash Soup, and a popular duo – Tuna Tartare and Sashimi with Grilled Sesame Oil. The evening, including the five-course dinner and live music,  is priced at $85 per person with 20% of the proceeds (pre-tax and gratuity) benefitting Doctors Without Borders. Reserve your seat by phoning 808/443-2850.

Monettes was founded by brothers Mark and Scott Monette in Spring 2009.  The brothers also own and operate the award-winning Flag Staff House in Boulder, CO.  Monettes Artisan Steak and Fish features the finest meats and freshest seafood in one of the world’s most beautiful tropical settings. It is all delivered with the warm, professional service the Monette family has become known for over their 38 years in the restaurant business.  For more information, please visit www.monetteshawaii.com

Mayor Kenoi, BJ Penn and Others on Voting in 2010 – Young Voter Registration Program

New York Times to Charge Readers for Online Content

I new this was coming… and it will only be a matter of times before our local newspapers try to do this as well.

I don’t see anyone on the Big Island that would buy this online content… especially with our local papers.

America’s most popular newspaper website today announced that the era of free online journalism is drawing to a close. The New York Times, the so-called grey lady of US media, has become the biggest publisher yet to set out plans for a paywall around its digital offering, abandoning the once unshakeable orthodoxy that internet users will not pay for news…

More Here: New York Times to Charge Readers for Online Content

Ack… Why Didn’t I Pull a U-Turn?

Dang nabbit… I saw the Google car yesterday, and I have been wanting to talk to the driver ever since I found out the “Google Street View Car” was on the Big Island.

I was driving up Highway 11 and I saw it coming into town… had I not been going 55 MPH and not late for where I was going… I would have trailed that buggah.

I’m telling you now… before this Google Car leaves the Big Island… I will do my best to try and get a picture of it here!

Damon Tucker = Google Car Stalker… LOL

Wordless Wednesday – Accidental Shadow

This was an accidental picture that got taken when I was looking at my camera. It turned out kind of cool for an accident!