These Web sites should
make your mouth water

Ever notice how good food can look on the Internet? Snappy color photos can help a restaurant come across as a particularly mouth-watering destination.

Hospitality Technology magazine, a trade publication, knows this and has put together a Top 10 list of restaurant Web sites.

"Good Web sites," the magazine states, "require careful planning to create a visually pleasing experience that combines stylistic and interactive components that are easy to use and navigate."

No. 1 on the list was McDonald's, followed by other fast-food operations. The first upscale eatery on the list was Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, which has three outlets in Hawaii.

The unabridged magazine account can be found at www.htmagazine.com

Top 10 sites

1. McDonald's www.mcdonalds.com
2. Blimpie www.blimpie.com
3. Papa John's www.papajohns.com
4. White Castle www.whitecastle.com
5. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse www.ruthschris.com
6. Advantica Restaurant Group www.advantica-dine.com
7. Jack in the Box www.jackinthebox.com
8. B.R. Guest www.brguestinc.com
9. Tricon Global Restaurants www.triconglobal.com
10. Popeye's Chicken www.popeyes.comagazine.com.

More of the best

Beaches n' Dreams, the company that issues the Fun n Food Card offering discounts to Hawaii attractions, has named Roy's Poipu on Kauai the Best Overall Restaurant in the state. Runners-up were Alan Wong's Restaurant on Oahu and Mama's Fish House on Maui.

The Maka'i Loa Awards also recognize the best restaurants in categories of ambience, wine list, value, service, dessert, outdoor dining and more. The Best Kept Secret award went to the Ka 'Ikena Dining Room, staffed by culinary students at Kapiolani Community College.

The winners are listed in "Guide to Hawaii's Best," which comes with each $29.95 discount card. Call (800) 298-7012.

Special events

Demo dinner: Learn to put together a menu of Sautéed Scallop with Sherry Sauce, Fried Angel Hair Pasta, Summer Roll, Shichimi-Seared Breast of Chicken and Crème Brûlée, 6 p.m. Tuesday, 3660 on the Rise. Complete meal will be served to all participants. Cost is $45. Call 737-1177.

Mariposa Cheese Culture: Name-controlled cheeses from France, Italy and Spain will be on the table, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Mariposa, Neiman Marcus Ala Moana. These cheeses are produced under laws that safeguard their names, origins and authenticity to guard against factory-made imitations. The Mariposa's new Cheese Culture nights are held monthly. Cost is $15. Call 951-3420.

Wine dinner: Ferrari-Carano wines will be featured in a five-course dinner, Thursday, Azul Restaurant, Ihilani Resort and Spa. Chef de cuisine Dion Donao's menu: Cajun Ahi Salad (paired with Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Champagne), Duck Confit (with Alexander Chardonnay), Braised Leg of Lamb (with Ferrari-Carano Siena), Cheese Plate (with Byron 1998 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley) and dessert (with Ste. Michelle Late Harvest White Riesling). Cost is $80. Call 679-0079.

Cigar Lover's Evening: Jeremy Barshaw of Pacific Cigar Co. hosts a night of smoke and live jazz, 8 p.m. Thursday, The Veranda, Kahala Mandarin Oriental. The Ashton Cabinet Torpedo is among cigar selections, to be served with 10-year-old Auchentshon, 16-year-old Lagavulin and 21-year-old Springbank whiskies. Other cocktails available. Cigar nights are held at the Veranda quarterly. Cost is $30. Call 739-8780.

New on the menu

Ruth's Chris Steak House: Light portions for smaller prices make up a new Sunset Dinner Menu, served 5 to 7 p.m. nightly. Choices include Ruth's Steak Salad, $6.75; Tenderloin Carpaccio, $2.95; Steak Dijon Tenderloin Sandwich, $3.95; Steak Pupu Platter, $9.95. Call 599-3860.

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar: Keith Endo, executive sous chef, gets the chance to show his stuff each Wednesday in a Chef's Tasting Menu, a five-course meal offered with wine pairings. The menu changes weekly. Cost is $40; $55 with wines. Call 536-6286.

Outback Steakhouse: This chain's five Hawaii restaurants do not take reservations, but are instead offering Call-Ahead Seating, to ease the time spent in line. Put your name on the waiting list via a phone call, and you'll be given an estimated time that your table will be ready. Outback has also introduced Curbside Take Away, a drive-up takeout service. Call 951-6274 (Waikiki), 396-7576 (Hawaii Kai), 671-7200 (Waipio) or, on Maui, (808) 665-1822 (Kahana), (808) 879-8400 (Kihei).

Click for online
calendars and events.

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