Go out for dinner or drinks at the downtown Santa Cruz restaurant Hula’s on Monday nights in January, and part of your meal will benefit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab (part of UCSC’s Institute of Marine Sciences).
During the month of January, Hula’s Island Grill & Tiki Room – a festive place to eat and drink with lots of great selections – is donating 10% of all Monday nights sales to UCSC’s Seymour Center. This promotion is part of the restaurant’s Mahalo Mondays Community Giving program; each month a different non-profit organization receives 10% of Monday evening sales. In 2011, Hula’s donated over $10,000 to local organizations via Mahalo Mondays proceeds.
The menu at Hula’s features Hawaiian fusion dishes and other choices; highlights include slow roasted pulled pork, jungle tofu, seared ahi wontons, shrimp tacos, Hawaiian fish soup, and sweet potato fries. In addition, you can choose between four types of fish (ahi, ono, mahi, and hapu) and pick one of seven preparation types to match it with. For example, pick macadamia-encrusted mahi or blackened ono. Hula’s also offers a tiki bar with tropical drink specialties. Reservations are required for parties of 6 or more; call (831) 426-4852.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center is dedicated to educating people about the role scientific research plays in the understanding and conservation of the world’s oceans. Hula’s co-owner Ian McRae explains the perfect fit between Seymour Center and the restaurant’s Mahalo Mondays program: “In the spirit of Mahalo (giving thanks), Hula’s wants to give back to the community that’s been so supportive of us. As a restaurant that serves seafood it is part of our obligation to help make sure our oceans are healthy for us and future generations.”
The Details
Hula’s Island Grill and & Tiki Room, 221 Cathcart Street (between Cedar and Pacific), Santa Cruz 95060 (831) 426-4852
Dates: Mahalo Mondays benefit Seymour Center January 7, 14, 21, and 28
Hours: Open for dinner every night beginning at 4:30 p.m.; lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m.