[ MAUKA MAKAI ]
Hot out there, ain't it? But at the Halekulani Friday night, it'll be chilly, due to executive sous chef Shawn Smith, who thought "It's Chili in August" would be a cool pun, not to mention a commentary on the weather during these dog days of summer. Is it ‘chili’
enough for you?CHEW ON THIS
Star-BulletinHe's put together a chili pepper extravaganza, 6:30 p.m. at the hotel's Hau Terrace. At this "educational cocktail party," you get to:
>> See Smith's demonstration of Stir-Fried Chili-Rubbed Shrimp.
>> Hear Hector Valenzuela, extension specialist at the University of Hawaii, discuss chili pepper lore, especially the new chili varieties grown in Hawaii.
>> Taste chili peppers in a vertical tasting. This means you'll get to try a variety of peppers, from mild to hot, served with boursin cheese on a crouton. Plus, cellarmaster Randy Ching will make wine recommendations for pairing with peppers.
Of course, that's not all you get to eat. Cooking stations will serve up BBQ Spiced Veal Ribs, Skewered Stuffed Peppers, New Zealand Lamb Chops and Smith's Chili-Rubbed Shrimp. For dessert: Chili Pepper Crepes, Chili Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Chili Bomb. Wine, beer and other beverages will be served.
Cost is $55. Call 931-5040.
If Friday's a bad night for you, the hotel's Orchids restaurant will feature a degustation chili-pepper menu at dinner, Saturday to Aug. 17. Call 923-2311.
School days
Sam Choy's Breakfast, Lunch & Crab sends the kids back to school with two special events over the next two Tuesdays:Wings of the Islands: Lisa Matsumoto's latest "educational road show" will be performed, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Radio Disney: DJ Jordan will give away Disney-themed prizes, 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 14.
Both events are part of the restaurant's Keiki Tuesdays, which feature half-price children's meals, a game room, prizes and a clown. Call 545-7979.
On the table
An Evening Under the Stars: Opening-night ceremonies for the Hawaii international Billfishing Tournament in Kona will pair up fishing teams with Kona chefs, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at Hulihe'e Palace. Participating chefs are Glen Alos (Kona Village Resort), Ryan Vargas (Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows), Miles Togikawa (Outrigger Waikoloa Beach), Daniel Thiebaut (Daniel Thiebaut Restaurant), Tommy Praytor (Outdoor Channel) and Steve Schomes (Palm Café). Cost is $75. Call (808) 329-6155.Pig out: Queen Kapiolani Hotel has added a dinner buffet featuring crab and roast pig, plus other local specialties, for $13.95; $7.95 for children. The buffet includes a dessert station serving shave ice and soft-serve ice cream with toppings. Hours are 5:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays to Wednesdays. The hotel continues to offer Japanese lunch and dinner buffets on Thursdays and Hawaiian buffets Fridays to Sundays. Call 931-4452.
Visiting Artist: Ron Siegel, executive chef of Masa's in San Francisco, and the only American chef to win an Iron Chef competition in Japan, will showcase his talents at the Lodge at Koele with two special prix fixe dinner menus Saturday and next Sunday. Siegel will also hold a complimentary cooking demonstration next Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Siegel's visit is part of the Lanai visiting-artist program. Call 800-321-4666 for reservations.
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calendars and events.
