Large crowd attends C.S. Wo Chinese New Year party

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY: Guests jammed C.S. Wo's Chinese New Year party at the firm's furniture complex on Beretania Saturday. There was much to eat and drink and Neiman Marcus displayed fashions from Barbara Keller Harari. A police officer followed the models as they also wore jade designed by David Lin. Tasting stations by Kelvin Ro of Diamond Head Market & Grill, Diane Nazarro of Windward Community College and Superb Sushi were big favorites, as were the Martini Bar from Southern Wine & Spirits and Kokusai Sake Kai's sake station. Danny Kaleikini and Linda Wong attended. When Danny spotted his 1955 Roosevelt classmate and former Narcissus Festival Queen Jade Ing Sen, he dashed over to greet her. Photographer Gary Hofheimer took the reunion picture. Other guests welcomed by Wo family members included: Dr. Laurie Tom, David and Laurie Callies, Dennis Francis, Joan Bellinger, Yu Shing Ting, Pamela Young and Gary Sprinkle ...

The Hawaii International Film Festival's Chuck Boller was at the Wo extravaganza, talking up the festival's Oscar Night America Party at the Halekulani Feb. 25. Cocktails, a silent auction, and the telecast of the Academy Awards during a six-course dinner are included. Tickets are $200, or $175 for HIFF members. Call Chair Kimi Matar at 373-9911 for seats ...

Man of Steele returns to open Yard House

STEELE PLATT held opening parties for his Yard House restaurant at Waikiki Beach Walk last weekend. The former Kailua boy has a prime, spacious spot and, from the action I saw Friday night, it will be a jumpin' place. Yard House Marketing Director Jennifer Weerheim also made the trip and helped handle overflow crowds. At one power table Friday were Outrigger chief Dave Carey, KHNL G.M. John Fink, comedian Andy Bumatai and Mr. Versatility Brickwood Galuteria. Andy had to cut out early to open his Friday-night gig at Sheraton's Esprit. Steel graduated from Our Redeemer High here. He founded Yard House 10 years ago and, with partners Harald Herrmann and chef Carlito Jocson, has expanded to 16 restaurants. Steele said he has about 100 investors ...

EVERYONE IS WELCOME to a musical celebration of Abe Weinstein's life Friday at the Hawaii Theatre, 5 to 7 p.m. ...

Ben Wood, who sold the Star-Bulletin in the streets of downtown Honolulu during World War II, writes of people, places and things in our Hawaii. E-mail him at bwood@starbulletin.com