Press Release
Mauna Lani Partners with James Beard Award-Winner Chef Michelle Bernstein to Host Exclusive Soiree at CanoeHouse
This November marks the launch of a new series of “MY” Menu Takeovers at CanoeHouse, kicking off with a special collaboration between Chef Michelle Bernstein and CanoeHouse Executive Chef Matt Raso.
OCTOBER 28, 2021 – On November 10th, Executive Chef Matt Raso, the mastermind behind Mauna Lani’s signature restaurant, CanoeHouse, on the Island of Hawaii will partner with James Beard Award-winner and Miami-based chef, Michelle Bernstein, to host an exclusive culinary experience blending culinary expertise with cultural awareness.
Mauna Lani, an Auberge Resorts Collection property situated along the scenic Kohala coast on the Island of Hawai’i, is deeply rooted in culturally-driven and culinary experiences. Emblematic of their commitment to authenticity is CanoeHouse, which is helmed by husband/wife duo Executive Chef, Matt Raso, and General Manager, Yuka Raso.With a storied history, the oceanfront, farm-to-table restaurant has become an icon on the Island over the years and prides itself on creative dishes inspired by the farms of the Island while also integrating produce that is grown within minutes of the resort.
Exploring the relationship between cultural heritage and cooking, Chefs Bernstein and Raso will commence the evening by engaging in a candid panel discussion dedicated to all things culinary. The talk will then be followed by a special live ukulele performance by Mauna Lani’s beloved resident historian, Uncle Danny Akaka.
The experience will continue with Chef Bernstein’s reimagination of Matt and Yuka Raso’s iconic “MY” Menu. Redesigned with the bright and dynamic flavors of Latin America yet staying true to CanoeHouse’s philosophy of local sourcing, Chef Bernstein’s “MY” Menu will showcase dishes that integrate fresh and local ingredients cultivated on the Island of Hawai’i. Highlights from the five-course, one-of-a-kind MY menu will include Warm Shrimp Ceviche with Okinawa sweet potato, Hawaiian fish bouillabaisse, sofrito & coconut rice and Lilikoi-mango tres leches, rum geleé, crispy corn flakes.
Sanjiv Hulugalle, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection comments, “We are delighted to welcome Michelle Bernstein to Mauna Lani’s storied signature restaurant, CanoeHouse. We have long admired Michelle’s dedication to culinary excellence, and we hope our guests enjoy this unique experience– one which blends her vibrant Latin American cooking style with the heart and soul of CanoeHouse.”
“It is an honor to be partnering with CanoeHouse and Chef Matt Raso, whom I have always been a fan of, this November,” Chef Michelle Bernstein adds. “I have such an affinity for Hawai’i, having visited many times with my family, so I am excited to once again return and cook at such an iconic restaurant in the Hawai’i dining scene. “MY” menu will pair Latin flavors and cuisine – as I have a Latin background – with Chef Matt’s touch, using the best ingredients of the land around us as he does so well.”
After recently playing host to the return of Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival’s historic Cuisines of the Sun event, this event further marks the launch of a wider series of “MY” Menu takeovers at CanoeHouse to follow in 2022 with notable Chefs from across the U.S.
Tickets are priced at $140 per person.
For reservations, please contact: 808.885.6622
For media inquiries, please contact Bacchus Agency on: maunalani@bacchus.agency
www.auberge-beta.kingandpartners.com/maunalani
About Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Situated along the sun-drenched Kohala Coast on sacred landmarked by royal fishponds, natural lava plains, lush tropical gardens and alluring beaches, Mauna Lani– meaning “mountain reaching heaven”– is an inspiring spiritual haven defining a new era of experiential luxury on the Island of Hawaii. Among Travel + Leisure’s Top 500 Hotels in the World as well as Top 15 Beach Resorts in the U.S., Mauna Lani underwent a complete reimagination in January of 2020. Contemporary accommodations, oceanfront dining at CanoeHouse, three distinct pools, a signature spa and wellness haven including an on-site goop store, Kainalu sports and Living Culture programs, and an interactive Holoholo Kids Crew set the tone for enriching and transformational experiences. For more information on Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection please visit www.auberge-beta.kingandpartners.com/maunalani.
About Michelle Bernstein
Born and raised in Miami of Jewish and Latinx descent, Chef Michelle “Michy” Bernstein is a fixture in the culinary world — both in restaurant kitchens and in the media spotlight — paving the way for bright Latin flavors and standout ingredients in her lively, vibrant cuisine. A culinary tastemaker, Bernstein has crafted Miami’s food scene with her restaurants Café La Trova, La Cañita and internationally recognized cocktail bar, Sweet Liberty. She is also most notably recognized for her stints as a guest judge on Food Network’s Top Chef and Chopped and also devotes time to causes she is passionate about, including Common Threads, a national program that she brought to the South Florida community to teach underprivileged children about cooking and eating healthy. chefmichellebernstein.com.