With the help of more than 50 of Oahu’s finest dining establishments and chefs, The Good Table benefit, presented by Hawaii Government Employees Association & Island Insurance Companies, raised more than $75,000 for Lanakila Meals on Wheels, Oahu’s only islandwide meal provider to homebound kupuna.
The Good Table synchronized dining event saw more than 330 diners sit down to share a meal with family and friends at one table in each participating restaurant at the same time on October 6 at 6 p.m. Oahu’s finest dining establishments, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, served up a special feast for pre-purchased tables at their respective restaurants. New this year, Lanakila Kitchen offered Garden Gourmet Picnic Table Packages for four that included everything from the tablecloth and napkins to a keepsake picnic basket for a $300 donation.
The Good Table provided an opportunity for restaurants to treat diners to extraordinary and rare experiences to help raise funds and awareness of senior hunger in Hawaii. Alan Wong’s Honolulu
prepared a six-course twist on local favorites starting with Lobster Tokyo Negi Vichyssoise with American Caviar and ending with “Building your own mango pie.” At Tiki’s Grill & Bar, the Mai
Tai Mechanics planned a mixology adventure in tropical drinks, followed by a signature three-course meal, paired with wine or beer. Hard Rock Café served a fun-filled evening for four with a
large dose of rock n' roll while Dixie Grill highlighted Southern barbeque favorites with Mac n Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf with buttermilk mashpotatoes and collard greens.
With a weakened economy and one of the fastest-growing senior populations in the nation, proceeds from the purchased tables will directly support Lanakila Meals on Wheels to provide meals and support for Hawaii’s elderly in need. The event also helps kick off the program’s holiday “Sponsor A Senior” campaign.
“On behalf of everyone at Lanakila Meals on Wheels, mahalo to all our sponsors, restaurants and diners for making this year’s The Good Table a success,” said Lyn Moku, director of Lanakila Meals on Wheels. “In one evening, we were able to turn one great meal at participating dining establishments into over 8,800 meals for Hawaii’s seniors.”
This year, participating locations included Alan Wong’s, 12th Avenue Grill, 3660 on the Rise, Beachhouse at the Moana, Big City Diner (islandwide), Blu Water Grill, Bubba Gump Restaurant & Mai Tai Bar, Café Laufer, California Pizza Kitchen, Dixie Grill, Doraku, Henry Loui’s, Haili’s, Hukilau, Kai Market, Kaiwa, Le Bistro, Michel’s, Murphy’s, Nobu Waikiki, Ola at Turtle Bay, On On at McCully, Orchids at Halekulani, The Pacific Club, Pagoda, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Roy’s Waikiki, Ruby Tuesday, Ruth’s Chris, Sam Choy’s BLC, Side Street Inn, Tango’s, Vino, and Zippy’s (islandwide), among others.
