Chef Raphael Lunetta, along with colleagues Chef Josiah Citrin and Chef Suzanne Tracht, will present a “Flavors of Aloha: Supporting Hawaii’s Restaurant Community” dinner at Lunetta’s Santa Monica restaurant on Thursday, Aug. 17, in an effort to raise funds for The Kokua Restaurant Hospitality Fund, an initiative aiding the restaurant industry in the aftermath of recent fires.

“My heart is intertwined with Hawaii, and its restaurant community holds a special place within me,” Lunetta, whose connection to Hawaii dates back to the days he and Citrin rode the waves as young surfers, said in a statement. “This benefit dinner epitomizes our collective celebration of Hawaiian cuisine, and serves as an opportunity to give back to the community that has enriched our lives.”

The six-course journey starts with a stone fruit ceviche amuse-bouche, followed by  Citrin’s signature egg caviar from Melisse restaurant. Then comes Tracht’s tempura squash blossom and Lunetta’s barbecue white seabass. There’s also a pan-roasted N.Y. steak, and key lime pie for dessert. 

The Kokua Restaurant Hospitality Fund for Maui provides immediate assistance to the restaurant, bar and hospitality workers displaced by the devastating wildfires that have impacted West Maui communities from Lahaina to Kapalua, home of the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. 

The event is $135 per person with 100% of the proceeds going toward  The Kokua Restaurant Hospitality Fund. For additional details and reservations, go to  Lunetta or donate directly here.