Our Picks for the Weekend
Star-Bulletin staff
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MUSIC
Honolulu Symphony tackles Dvorak's 'New World'
Antonin Dvorak wrote his Symphony No. 9, "From the New World," whilst hanging out in New York between 1892 and 1895. The noted Czech composer told reporters: "I am convinced that the future music of this country must be founded on what are called Negro melodies. ... They are the folk songs of America, and your composers must turn to them."
But when the symphony premiered Dec. 16, 1893, at Carnegie Hall, the work -- although bursting with musical color -- seemed pretty much traditional European. Dvorak explained that he had not used any native melodies. "I have simply written original themes embodying the peculiarities of the Indian music."
Well, OK. "New World" is still one of the great symphonic works, and will be presented here with Roberto Minczuk conducting. Guest artist Colin Currie will be performing Jimmy MacMillan's "Veni, veni, Emmanuel."
Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission starts at $15. Information: 792-2000.
TELEVISION
'The Apprentice' returns for a sixth season
Fans of Donald Trump, or at least fans of unfettered ambition, can tune in to the new season of "The Apprentice" for the 90-minute premiere, 8:30 p.m. Sunday on KHNL/NBC.
Ratings were in decline last season, leading to speculation that the show would not return, but it's back. And this season, the sixth, Trump throws something new into the mix -- one of his own kids. Daughter Ivanka will help him narrow the field of 18 tycoons-in-training.
The competition also moves to Los Angeles for the first time.
Trump has generated a good share of interest locally with the announcement that he will build a $350 million, five-star luxury condominium hotel for Waikiki's Beach Walk project, set to open in 2009.
DINING
Pay tribute to Elvis with a pancake meal
MAC 24-7 in the Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio celebrates Elvis Presley's birthday Monday. The party starts at 12:35 a.m. (Presley was born at 4:45 a.m. Central Standard Time in 1935 in Tupelo, Miss.) and runs for 24 hours.
Elvis films and a television special made in Hawaii will show on the restaurant's four 50-inch flat screens. There will also be trivia contests and music.
At lunchtime, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Elvis impersonator Ron Short will appear, and Eddie Sherman will sign his new book, "Frank, Sammy, Marlon & Me," which includes a chapter on Elvis' visits to Hawaii.
To really get in the spirit, order one of MAC's signature dishes -- the "Elvis" (buttermilk pancakes served with peanut butter, one of Presley's favorite foods).
Call 921-5564.
MUSIC
Matt Costa makes NextDoor appearance
Singer-songwriter Matt Costa, part of the stable of artists on Jack Johnson's Brushfire label, will perform Tuesday night at downtown's NextDoor venue.
The skateboarder-turned-musician is currently on tour promoting his album "Songs We Sing."
Costa has just completed a very busy '06, which found him playing at every major mainland festival. He's also toured and opened for the popular Johnson.
Costa can also be heard on the soundtrack for "A Brokedown Melody," both on his own song, "The Road," and singing with Johnson and Zach Gill on "Sung."
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door for the 8 p.m. performance at NextDoor, 41 N. Hotel St. Call 550-0496.
FOOD
Souvaly Thai Cuisine
Pearl City Business Plaza, 803 Kamehameha Highway (makai of Zippy's near Long's Drugs) | 455-5888
Often, neighborhood restaurants are newsworthy only within their community, a convenience instead of a destination. Souvaly Thai Cuisine deserves attention from those who must take H-1 to get there, because of the depth of its menu and dishes rarely seen elsewhere in the isles. Why, for instance, is no one else making Lao poke ($9.50), a mashup of Hawaii's ahi poke with the same ingredients -- lime juice, chopped mint, cilantro and basil -- that go into making larb? Those who love herbal flavors may not want to go back to standard poke after sampling this dish.
OK, so you're saying, "Hey that's Lao-Hawaiian, not Thai." Owner Souvaly Khamphoui is Laotian, but grew up close to the border of northern Thailand, where some cultural creep was inevitable.
She's worked hard to introduce both through her Leeward Oahu oasis, filled with tranquil yin energy. Guests are welcomed with a glass sheath waterfall at the entry, and the requisite Thai restaurant orchids are present on tables, as well as in paintings that line the walls.
Try the crispy curry fish ($9.95), which arrives deep-fried after being coated in a sunny yellow batter. A mild red coconut curry is drizzled over the dish, so eat it quickly, before it has the chance to turn soggy.
Volcano fried rice ($7.95 with tofu to $10.50 with seafood) isn't fiery at all, but starting with jasmine rice, it makes a fine stand-alone dish with entrées such as black pepper garlic pork ($8.25) or a Holy Basil stir-fry ($8.25 with chicken or beef, $9.50 with shrimp or $10.50 with seafood).
Dungeness crab (market price) in a yellow coconut curry flecked with shredded crab meat is a standout. It's messy, but worth the labor involved.
Save room for desserts ranging from the expected warm (Thai style) or cold (Lao style) tapioca ($3) to crispy fried bananas with vanilla ice cream ($3.75), and more Western treats such as New York cheesecake ($3.75) and tiramisu ($2.75).
Open 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays to Sundays, 5 to 10 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, and 5 to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Meal for two about $25 to $30 without drinks. -- By Nadine Kam
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