TV connection over lunch
I T isn't every day you recognize an internationally known restaurant critic lunching in the same spot you are. And, in fact, while sampling the absolutely fabulous cuisine of Chef Nick Sayada at Strawberry Connection the other day, I didn't. But it was an actor who plays a restaurant critic on TV. Edward Hibbert, who is so brilliant as the blatantly bitchy restaurant critic Gil Chesterton on "Frasier" was experiencing the Connection for the first time, courtesy of Carol Pozy, head of Production Accommodations in Paradise ...
HIBBERT is now a regular on "Fantasy Island," but I'll always think of him as Gil. As I was departing, I told him I must be "romping through the hedgerows," which caused his eyebrows to rise. That was one of his lines on an old "Frasier" episode, and he could only marvel, "My, a major 'Frasier' fan!" Pozy later accompanied Hibbert on an exhausting shopping trip through Neiman Marcus, after which he announced he was still so full he may not eat again for two days. But, he admits, he can't wait to return to the Connection. That's two of us ...
SPEAKING of dining, many familiar faces have popped up at Alan Wong's recently. Tri-Star Pictures President Chris Lee said he was there for his Alan Wong fix. Actress Louise Fletcher was at one table with a friend while "Fantasy Island" star Malcolm McDowell hosted a group at another. And TV actor Mark Dacascos, on hiatus from shooting "The Crow" in Vancouver, stopped by three times for dinner ...
Stadiums a pair
WITH the construction of a new football stadium a rare occurrence, C. Brewer chairman J.W.A. "Doc" Buyers figures it has to be a one-in-a-million shot that his two schools each built a new stadium in the same year and dedicated them in the same week, enabling him to fly over from Hilo and be at both dedications. On Sept. 19, Princeton University's football stadium was dedicated (with the Tigers beating Cornell 6-0) and Doc was there. His name is on a plaque at the entrance to the stadium, just above Dean Cain, the young, handsome actor who played "Superman" on TV. Cain holds the all-time record for intercepted passes at Princeton. Doc's claim to fame is that he was on the same 1952 team as Dick Kazmaier, winner of the Heisman Trophy ...AS to the second stadium dedicated, that was at Stony Brook School just six days later when Doc helped dedicate Buyers Park in honor of his two brothers, two nephews and two daughters, all of whom graduated from that school, as he did. To complete the exciting trip, Stony Brook won its game 44-33. Buyers says he thinks the Princeton stadium is the first new one built by an Ivy League school in 50 years ...
Oodles of poodles
THE French Festival of Hawaii gets under way next month with various designer shops and products showcasing things francais. And what better way to pay homage to the spirit of the festival than by holding a "Designer French Poodle Parade." That's what the Poodle Club of Hawaii is doing Nov. 8 outside the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. Spectators can see the latest in French poodle couture when Chanel introduces its designer collar and leash. Not to be outdone, Christian Dior unveils its miniature dog hats and Hermes will show off its designer doggie carrier, leash, collar and scarves for the latest in canine cool. And would you believe, that most French of luggage makers, Louis Vuitton, also has a doggie carrier? Bring lots of francs ...
Dave Donnelly has been writing on happenings
in Hawaii for the Star-Bulletin since 1968.
His columns run Monday through Friday.Contact Dave by e-mail: donnelly@kestrok.com.