George Mavrothalassitis, the owner and chef of Chef Mavro restaurant, is partnering with nonprofit Hale 'Aina 'Ohana to offer advanced training for Hawaii culinary students

The first two-day installment of the "Restaurant Reality" program will be held March 24 and 25, and will involve two students from the Kaua'i Community College culinary program selected after a rigorous essay process.

"I want to show Hawaii culinary students that they can be part of world-class restaurants right here in the Islands," Mavro said. "Anything is possible! Inviting students into our kitchen is natural."

Mavro is on the board of directors of Hale 'Aina 'Ohana, which is covering airfare and hotel costs for the program as part of its commitment to advanced training for Hawaii culinary students.