Our Picks for the Weekend Star-Bulletin staff

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Nadine sez...

Those who love tamales expect to see their masa paired with such savory ingredients as chile pepper enhanced pork, fish or chicken. But how about tamales for dessert?

It's Chili in Hawaii has been carrying Corn Maiden's gourmet tamales for a long time, and fans of such standards as pork, green chile and cilantro, or vegetarian with spinach, artichoke hearts, corn and chipotle tamales, can now follow their entree with a chocolate raspberry tamale with semisweet Belgian chocolate and walnuts.

The tamales come in frozen, microwave-able packs of two 5-ounce bundles of joy, for $4.95. The masa gives the dessert tamale a consistency of a dense, moist spongecake, and a friend suggests you pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Also of interest to fans of Sugoi's garlic chicken, It's Chili carries Sugoi's garlic and spicy garlic sauces in $5.95 jars.

» It's Chili in Hawaii: 2080 S. King St., Suite 101
» Call: 945-7070

Jackie sez ...

Are your children a bit on the devilish side now that they've been let loose from school?

Tame their inner beasts with a summer etiquette session at Lisa Rose Doll House & Tea Room for boys and girls ages 6 through 12. They'll learn table manners, how to make a good impression and more.

New, improved children are not guaranteed, but it can't hurt.

Classes are 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through June 9, or July 10 through 14. Cost is $125. Saturday sessions are 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. this weekend through June 24, or July 1 through 22. Cost is $89. Visit lisarosehawaii.com or call 528-4552.

Jason sez ...

Take a trip to the east side this weekend for the 2006 edition of Hawaii Kai Towne Center's "Sunset Serenade Concert Series."

Guitar virtuoso Makana kicks off the monthly concert series at 5:30 p.m. Saturday near the waterfront, and will stick around afterward to take pictures, sign autographs and sell CDs. Future concerts will feature performances by Maunalua and Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom.

And since you're already out in Hawaii Kai, follow things up with dinner and drinks at The Shack Hawaii Kai or Kona Brewing Co. Just be sure to bring a designated driver!