|
Wood Craft
Ben Wood
|
Alan Wong celebrates 12th year of renowned restaurant
ALAN WONG, on the 12th anniversary of his restaurant Sunday night, said, "It's been a wonderful 12 years. All the memories, relationships and friendships. Food always brings people together." He threw the party in his Pineapple Room in Macy's, which is more spacious than his famous King Street restaurant. "And it's all for a great charity, Hawaii Plantation Village," he said. About 250 guests paid $125 to attend.
Kim Gennaula and
Guy Hagi were emcees. Six of Alan's chefs --
Barbara Stange, Wade Ueoka, Miya Nishimura, James Ebreo, Lance Kosaka and
Derek Watanabe -- whipped up fabulous dishes. Six guest chefs --
Greg Gomes, Charlie Higa, Alton Kuioka, Duane Kurisu, Deena Nichols and
Pamela Young -- prepared their favorite dishes. Pam said she climbed a tree to get the star fruit for the chutney served with her dish. I would like to see Pam climbing that tree. Nichols, who runs Macy's stores in Hawaii, said she is "very happy to support Alan in whatever we can and will do."
Mahiehie --
Helene Woodward,
Samuel Kaina and
Matthew Sproat -- played music.
Kiele Akana-Gooch and
Anna Akaka danced hula. Anna's husband,
Danny Akaka Jr., and
Danny Kaleikini sang. After doing a powerful version of "Kanaka Waiwai," Kaleikini said, "I think Don heard us" ...
Don Ho and I have known each other since we were teenagers. I am writing a story about the days before he was famous and after he became as well known as Diamond Head. It will appear soon ...
Chef Michel Martin marks 100th birthday
ANOTHER remarkable chef,
Michel Martin, turned 100 years old April 3. A group of friends wanted to throw him a party. But they decided to take him to lunches and dinners in small groups to spend quality time together. One of the friends, who does not want her name used, said, "He's mobile, very alert and fun to be with" ...
Emi Chang Espinda has joined
Randy Schoch's Desert Island Restaurants' Hawaii team as regional sales and special events manager for Ruth's Chris Steak House and Romano's Macaroni Grill ...
Bob Clague received a mention in this week's Sport Illustrated to note his retirement as Punahou's soccer coach. He led the Puns to 16 state boys' soccer titles in 32 years ...
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