Da Kine Star-Bulletin staff and wire services

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VALENTINE'S DAY

Have a lasting romance -- between the pages

Roses will wither, candy will disappear, but a personalized romance novel? That's something for the private bookshelf forever.

Visit www.yournovel.com to have your name and that of your beloved inserted into a book such as "Jamaica Rendezvous: An Ocho Rios Romance" that will have you enjoying romantic adventures filled with snorkeling, sailing and exotic nights. More than a dozen other titles are also available.

You'll need to answer 26 questions, such as whether you'd like the "wild" or "mild" version. Cost is $49.95 for a paperback; $94.95 for hardcover. Deadline for Valentine's orders is Feb. 6. Gift certificates are available. Call 800-444-3356.

RESTAURANT REPORT

Birthday celebration

Yakiniku Toraji turns 1 year old on Thursday, but the celebration runs all week, with a 50 percent discount on the entire menu tomorrow through Friday.

The Toraji chain operates 30 yakiniku and Korean restaurants in Japan. The name "toraji" means bellflower, an ingredient in many Korean dishes that is said to offer health benefits.

Restaurant hours are 5 p.m. to midnight daily. Last call is at 11 p.m. The restaurant is at 949 Kapahulu Ave. Call 732-9996

A sake soirée

The sakes of Tedorigawa Brewing Co. will be featured the Kacho Sake Soirée, 6 p.m. tomorrow at the Waikiki Parc Hotel.

Toshio Yoshida, the company's senior adviser, is bringing with him a selection of Tedorigawa sakes from the Hokuriku region of Japan, known for assertive yet elegant brews.

Chef Yuji Urawa's six-course menu includes an appetizer selection (served with Iki na Onna Daiginjo), Opakapaka with Konbu (Yamahai Daiginjo), Smoked Tuna, Shiso and Kaiware Salad (Arabashiri Ginjo), Medley of Mushrooms with Crab and Foie Gras En Croute (Yamahai Junmai), sushi selection and Asari Clam Soba (both served with choice of sake).

Cost is $50. Call 931-6652.

Chef's academy

Chef Thierry Rautureau of Rover's Restaurant in Seattle headlines February classes at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental that begin this week.

The Kahala Culinary Academy classes are held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and include tastings.

Rautureau -- winner of the AAA Five-Diamond Award, Mobil Four Star Award and Wine Spectator's Best Award of Excellence -- will demonstrate his French-style cuisine on Feb. 18. Cost is $125.

Other classes:

Saturday: "The Tastiest Party Pupus," $65. Demonstration of Chinese Roasted Duck Canapé, Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms, Polenta Bars with Balsamic Glazed Vegetables, Lemongrass Shrimp Skewers with Garlic-Citrus Aioli.

Feb. 11: "It's a Chocolate Affair," $115. A hands-on class in making Molten Chocolate Cake, Double Chocolate Cream Cheese Brownie with Walnuts, Dark chocolate-Coffee Mousse with Kahlua, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries with Grand Marnier.

Feb. 25: "Tapas of the Orient," $65. A demonstration of Lobster and Charred Corn Croquette, Yellow Fin Ahi Roulade, Thai-Style Poached Clams with Beet, Kobe Beef Tartar with Quail Egg.

Call 739-8780.

Italian-style brunch

Auntie Pasto's in the Kunia Shopping Center begins serving an Italian-inspired weekend brunch on Saturday.

The menu will include Joe's Special (scrambled eggs, ground beef and spinach, served over sliced tomatoes), Tuscan Breakfast (toasted French bread with prosciutto, arugula and poached eggs), Warm Spinach Salad with Poached Eggs, an Italian Frittata and Polenta with Bananas and Maple Syrup.

Brunch hours will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Call 680-0005.