Wood Craft Ben Wood

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Kelly Preston adds stardom to Honolulu Design Center

Kelly Preston added Hollywood pizzazz to Thomas Sorensen's media party Tuesday to display his new classy $52 million Honolulu Design Center. Besides quality furniture and lighting, the second floor of the spacious three-story building on Kapiolani contains the Stage restaurant, with chef John Matsubara and managed by Charley Yoshida; the Crema coffee bar, Amuse wine bar and the Cupola, an events room that has a skylight that slides open. Art exhibitions, receptions and dinners can be held in the Cupola. It's a cool concept geared for adults. "It's sophistication with fun," Thomas said. "It's all about having fun. Smile to the world and it will smile back at you, always." Michele Henry, of Tea at 1024, designed uniforms for Stage employees. Pianist Rich Crandall's Jazz Nights and Movie Nights with Don Brown are scheduled in the Cupola. Rich and bassist Steve Jones enhanced the rarefied atmosphere at Tuesday's blast, working out on jazzy numbers. Kelly, Mrs. John Travolta, will be holding an event at the center in May. I detected a slight stink eye from Kelly, a Punahou grad, when I told her I was a graduate of arch-rival Roosevelt. Joking aside, she's relaxed and easy to talk with. Kelly met John 20 years ago when they were in "Screen Test." She said they may be doing 'Old Dogs' together for Disney with their daughter, Ella, who turns 7 Tuesday. Kim Medeiros, a model agency owner, reminded Kelly that when she was 16 she posed for Kim's Central Island Agency -- also known as CIA -- press kit cover ...

Ruth's chris' Randy schoch gathers with pals

Ruth's Chris Steak House owner Randy Schoch reunited with pals during a preview night last week at Ruth's Chris at Waikiki Beach Walk. Guests included: Denver Broncos' owner Pat Bowlen, Outrigger's Dave Carey and wife Kathy, Carole Kai and husband Eddie Onouye, Myrtle Lee with her son Terry and his wife Dannette, Levi Stanley and Clear Channel's Chuck Cotton. Randy also caught up with Peter A. Dietrich, Waikiki Yacht Club G.M., who managed the Black Orchid restaurant, which Bowlen and Randy opened in 1988. Peter said there has been confusion since his son Peter J. Dietrich was named assistant manager of the steak house. Peter A. is still down by the water and son "PJ" is into steaks ...