Build a Yard, they will come
THE WAIKIKI Beach Walk project welcomed its newest tenant last weekend, as the
Yard House opened its 16th location with a series of grand opening parties.
Organizers treated the event like a movie screening, flooding local industry contacts and media outlets with invitations to ensure a crowd. The result was a packed house on Friday, with more than 200 people standing in line outside unable to get in when the doors opened at 6 p.m. Those resilient enough to wait were treated to free food and drink, with Yard House founder (and former Kailua resident) Steele Platt making the rounds to greet guests.
I was most impressed with the beer lines that snaked across the ceiling to feed the 130 taps that encircle the main bar. Along with quality brews with names like Spaten, Rouge and Widmer, bartenders also pour homegrown brews from Kona Brewing Co. and the Mehana, Keoki and Big Aloha breweries.
Yard House Waikiki is open to the public; call 923-9273 for info, but keep in mind that they don't take reservations ...
O LOUNGE owner Elizabeth Watanabe celebrated her 35th birthday last week with an elaborate celebration at her Kapiolani Boulevard nightclub.
Guests were treated to a pupu spread early, before moving on to enjoy a private DKNY fashion show. The party continued into the evening with live entertainment by Coconut Joe and Amber Ricci.
Watanabe also introduced television producers Mark Elefante and Yvonne Yanagihara Goss, who will tape the show "Let's Dance Hawaii" at the club in May. Expect a Hawaii version of "Dancing with the Stars" when the program airs on OC-16 later this year ...
SO WHO did you see out and about during Pro Bowl weekend? I spotted the Ultimate Fighting Championship's Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell at Zanzabar on Thursday, and shared a table with legendary NFL receiver Michael Irvin at the W Honolulu on Friday.
And in case you were wondering what the fuss was about in front of Diamond Head Video on Friday -- adult video star Tera Patrick was inside signing autographs ...
AND IT'S with a heavy heart that I bid aloha to Daniel Browne-Sanchez, the off-duty deputy sheriff who died a hero last weekend. Sanchez, who worked at Osake Sushi Bar and Lounge part-time, was shot and killed late Friday night during a botched robbery attempt. He's gone too soon; rest in peace ...