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Furuya, Okimoto heat
up Sub-Zero/Wolf’s
fridge event

If master sommelier Chuck Furuya and Nalo Farms' Dean Okimoto weren't so good at what they do, they could be a stand-up comedy team. It was a kick listening to them dig each other Wednesday about golfing together. Both took part in Sub Zero/Wolf's reception to display the $12,999 PRO 48 refrigerator/freezer to dealers and media. Chuck was pouring wine from Jim Clendenen of Au bon Climat. Clendenen was named winemaker of the year for the world by Wein Gourmet Magazine in Europe, the first American to receive the award. His 2000 chardonnay was excellent. Chuck also poured his own CF wines. Dean's crisp greens were served with appetizers whipped up by Sub-Zero/Wolf Chef Carol Nardello, assisted by KCC culinary student Sawako Hayashi. Waimanalo resident and CIA Models owner Kim Medeiros asked Dean if he sells greens to the public as well as businesses. Dean said that he does and Waimanalo residents get a discount. Others participating were Mark and Candy Suiso of Makaha Mangoes and Brooks Takenaka of United Fishing Agency. Sub-Zero/Wolf, managed by Jean Nakanishi, has stainless steel appliances on display in the comfortable showroom at Piikoi and King. Pamela Young, Gary Sprinkle and Jan Brenner were in the crowd, as were Kahala Mandarin chefs Wayne Hirabayashi, Milan Drager and food and beverage chief Carlos Salazar. Buddy Moore has been promoted to contract sales manager of Sub-Zero/Wolf ...

Kauffman lands Halekulani public relations job

Erika Leilani Kauffman, a former Miss Hawaii who is also a professional singer, has been named public relations director of the Halekulani Hotel. She starts Tuesday. Erika, originally a Big Island girl, has been with Becker Communications. She sings at Michel's Thursday nights with guitarist Jeff Peterson. Erika's a sultry singer who specializes on standards, sometimes adding a swinging, jazzy touch, solidly backed by Jeff. She also does Hawaiian and Latin numbers. She is a good fit at Michel's. Having worked with Erika on column stories, I feel she will be a good fit at the Halekulani in her P.R. position as well ... Diamond Head Grill held a reception Thursday to introduce exec chef Guilluame Burlion of Paris to media and friends ... Wood Craft will now be appearing Tuesdays and Saturdays ...

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