MEDIA RELEASE

Join The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows as it celebrates Hawaii Island’s farmers and purveyors in a series of culinary experiences at the famous CanoeHouse restaurant.

Friday, March 11, founder and CEO of Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation Trent Bateman will join CanoeHouse head chef James Ortiaga in presenting a six-course Kona Coffee dinner. Not only will each course feature Mountain Thunder’s premium 100% Kona Coffee, guests will have the chance to learn about the family-owned company’s organic growing methods, different coffee varieties as well as brewing techniques to suit each taste, from a espresso through to a latte.

There will be plenty of local ingredients on the menu infused with Mountain Thunder Coffee including Keahole Lobster Cappuccino, Coffee Rubbed Venison and Chef James’ specialty Tiramisu. You’ll end the evening with Mountain Thunder Peaberry Press Coffee and the “Evening Buzz Martini”.

Coffee connoisseurs and those interested in the world’s most popular bean, should not miss this special event.

Dinner is $100 per person (plus tax and gratuity). For reservations, call 808-881-7911.

Mountain Thunder Coffee is a family- owned and operated business working in the Kaloko Cloud Forest in Kailua Kona Hawaii. The company was founded in 1998 by Trent A. Bateman who was an “oil well doctor” in the oil fields of Southern California.

By 1998 Trent had sold his oil well repair business and machine shop and moved to Hawaii permanently to live on his new 20 acre organic coffee farm. At first, Trent had built a wet-mill and purchased coffee to process for other larger companies that made 100% Kona Coffee.

After some bitter experiences working for these companies, Trent decided to step up his operation and install a dry-milling operation and became a licensed dealer himself. At the same time, he planted 10 acres of Organic Kona Coffee.

Mountain Thunder is committed to high ethical standards and dedicated to providing 100% Kona Coffee to every connoisseur in the world who seeks a bag of true Kona Coffee roasted in Kona by people who live in Kona and know Kona Coffee.

Mountain Thunder is committed to the truth in labeling and provides USDA Organic Seals on every bag of Mountain Thunder Kona Coffee you buy.

The award-winning signature CanoeHouse restaurant at The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is recognized as one of the most seductive dining experiences in Hawaii. The rustic setting replicates a contemporary and finished version of a Hawaiian canoe house with indoor and outdoor seating.

Chef James Ortiaga offers his own signature approach to contemporary Hawaii cuisine that is both bold and imaginative at one level, yet simple and focused at another.

Freshness and flavor are the central themes, or as many have described it, clean, sophisticated cuisine with a distinctly island feel. The menu showcases delicacies that can only be found in Hawaii; fish such as Moi and Hapuupuu, as well as fresh produce like Hamakua Heirloom Tomatoes and Waimea Beets.

Ortiaga challenges diners’ expectations of Hawaii cuisine so don’t expect routine dishes like Macadamia Crusted Mahi. Instead, expect a combination of simple, fresh flavors of Hawaii; Kona Prawns matched with Coconut Polenta or Day Boat Scallops topped with Caviar and Wakame.