Mala'ai School Garden Students Grow Herbs for New Iced Tea

When chef/owner Edwin Goto opened Village Burger Waimea a year ago, he staked his culinary reputation on a personal belief that the most delicious, wholesome foods are grown close to home.  His tiny fresh-from-scratch restaurant boasts a “low mileage” menu and even posts the miles to the farms and ranches that provide fresh hormone-free beef, locally caught fish, lettuces, tomatoes, mushrooms, strawberries, breads, and more.

His newest addition – an April special – is Mala’ai “Simply Herbs” Iced Tea, made from Moroccan mint, Hawaiian Mamaki, lemongrass and Mexican tarragon that were cultivated at Mala’ai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School. 

Sixth, seventh and eighth grade WMS students grow the herbs at Mala’ai, a ¾-acre organic garden and outdoor living classroom where core curriculum is integrated with environmental and cultural stewardship, nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices. Mala’ai is, literally, 450 steps away from Village Burger Waimea so it was a natural fit for Chef Goto to support the not-for-profit’s educational program by contributing all proceeds from the sale of “Simply Herbs” Ice Tea to Mala’ai throughout April.