It’s been 30 years since Chef Peter Merriman opened Merriman’s Waimea, and last week, he celebrated in a most benevolent way: The iconic chef donated $30,000 to three Big Island entities that care for the community.

North Hawaii Community Hospital, Hope Services on the Big Island and Big Island Giving Tree each received $10,000 to support their missions to heal and house residents who need a helping hand.

It was a thank you, Merriman said, for all that the island has given to him.

“The Big Island is everything (to me). I arrived broke and ended up owning my own restaurant,” he said. “It’s a special place with great people. Anything to help perpetuate the lifestyle there is important to me.”

Merriman, a founding chef of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, built relationships with local farmers, ranchers and fishers and sourced ingredients for his dishes from them. It was a novel concept in Hawaii in the 1980s. Today, he owns 10 Hawaii restaurants — Merriman’s Waimea was the first — and still maintains a focus on locally produced food.

“The Big Island has been very, very good to me, and I wanted to be very, very good to the Big Island,” he said. “I’m fortunate to be in a position to help other people a little bit. I only got in that position because of the people on the Big Island. So mahalo, mahalo, mahalo.”

RING IN 2019 WITH TRUFFLES

Mochi looms large in local New Year’s traditions. This year, take it upscale and decadent with fresh mochi truffles, hand-crafted by the gourmet chocolate makers at Choco le‘a in Manoa.

The popular item will fill the display case from Friday through Sunday or until it’s sold out. Each truffle boasts local Nisshodo chichi dango mochi encased in a blend of European and Hawaiian chocolates; it goes for $2.49 apiece.

Choco le‘a makes the treat just a few times a year, at New Year’s, for Girl’s Day, in September to celebrate its birthday, and occasionally for Mother’s Day and other events. Each time, it sells out, said owner Erin Uehara. She recommends shopping early.

Find the mochi truffles and other delights at the Choco le‘a shop at 2909 Lowrey Ave. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Call 371-2234.

SUPERCALIFRAGILISTIC MENU

If you’ve yet to hit theaters to watch “Mary Poppins Returns” or “Aquaman,” think about a visit to Consolidated Theatres to enjoy special menu items tailored to the two films.

Through Monday at all locations except Mililani 14, get into the whimsy of magical nanny Mary Poppins with a Spoonful of Trifle, a dessert of blueberry compote, pound cake, marshmallows and whipped cream, for $6.

Also through Monday at Olino and Ward theaters, make a hearty meal of Sea-sational Fish & Chips ($10.50), a plate of fish fillets and fries served with an herb tartar sauce, as you explore the world beneath the waves alongside Jason Momoa.

At Olino, other offerings include the Lost Sandwich of Atlantis combo ($17), a fish fillet served on a brioche bun with cheese and herb tartar sauce, plus a side of fries (a themed cup is included while supplies last); the Trident ($12), a seafood sampler of calamari rings, popcorn shrimp and fries with a side of herb tartar sauce; and Life Aquatic ($10), a cocktail of vodka, light rum, and lemon and pineapple juices, all poured over blue curacao.

Movie-themed promo cups and popcorn tubs can also be purchased at all Consolidated locations while supplies last.