Chefs in store
for demonstration

Williams-Sonoma hosts a free cooking demonstration by Sheraton Princess Kaiulani chefs at their Ala Moana store 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday. Featured chefs include executive chef Ralf Bauer and sous chef Alfred Cabacungan. Recipes and free samples are to be distributed.

Customers may also enter a drawing for a free dinner for two at the Pikake Terrace Buffet & Broiler Restaurant. For information, call 951-5006.

"Samuel Adams Beer Dinner": Hosted by the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa, the event Friday will be held in the Grand Dining Room Maui and begins with a 6:30 p.m. reception, followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. Also included will be live music, hula dancers, a traditional conch shell blowing and a Hawaiian Blessing.

The dinner is the grand finale of the Samuel Adams Beers of Summer Hawaii 1997 Tasting Series, six Samuel Adams Beer Dinners held at resorts and restaurants throughout Hawaii. Samuel Adams Boston Lager has received recognition and awards both nationally and internationally. Cost: $65. Call (808) 875-1234, Ext. 4392.

"Spices, Spices and More Spices": Ranjit Cooray demonstrates how spices can enhance a dish, 9:30-11:45 a.m. Saturday, Lyon Arboretum's Upstairs Classroom. Cooray will focus on European and Asian cooking and she will show how to make a simple Sri Lankan lunch. Cost: $15.50. Limited enrollment. Register at 988-7378.

Cooking with Choy and Lagasse: "Sam Choy's Kitchen" show moves to 6:30 p.m. on KHNL/NBC from Saturday.

To begin the season, Choy welcomes Emeril Lagasse from TV Food Network's highest-rated show, "Emeril Live."

A Taste From Union Square: Michael Romano, partner and executive chef of Union Square Cafe in New York, brings his New American flavors to Lanai's Visiting Artist Program.

Romano, who has worked in Paris and Zurich, adds a "rustic Italian flavor" to his dishes. His talents have earned him awards from "America's Top 10 Chefs" by Food and Wine magazine and "Top 5 Favorite New York Restaurants" by Zagat Survey.

Romano will lead a free cooking demonstration, with tastings and recipes, 3:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Lodge at Koele. He also will prepare two signature dinners, Sept. 6-7, in the lodge's formal dining room. Cost: $65 per night. Reserve at 1-800-321-4666.

Taste of Honolulu: The winners of the "1997 Best of the Taste People's Choice Awards" are as follows:

• Best Seafood Dish: Acqua's Rock Shrimp Risotto
• Best Vegetarian Dish: Kahala Moon's Portobello Mushrooms with Balsamic Roasted Garlic Jus
• Best Meat Dish: Big Island Steak House's Teriyaki-Style Top Sirloin
• Best Poultry Dish: Cascada's Chicken Souvlaki
• Best Pasta Dish: Keawe Kafe's Norm's Fried Saimin with Chicken
• Best Salad: Planet Hollywood's Award-Winning Caesar Salad
• Best Dessert: Acqua's Macadamia Nut Mocha Mousse Cake
• Best Decorated Booth: Ciao Mein

The 1997 Taste of Honolulu raised more than $125,000 to support Easter Seal programs to assist Hawaii children and adults with disabilities

Next year's Taste is scheduled for June 26-28. Call 536-1015.