So, where did you eat lunch? Chef brings flavor
of Riviera to townBy Betty Shimabukuro
bshimabukuro@starbulletin.comI ate at La Mer at the Halekulani, because the French Festival starts Saturday, and the Halekulani is celebrating as it always does by importing a French chef. In this case, the guest of honor is Bernard Le Prince of Hotel Les Rochés on the French Riviera.
Together, he and La Mer chef Yves Garnier will teach a series of cooking classes and prepare special French dinner menus.
To introduce Le Prince, the Halekulani threw a luncheon yesterday -- he got to cook and a select few of us got to eat. I consider it payback for all the Spam recipe contests I've had to judge as part of this job.
We had Asparagus Salad with Leeks and Truffles, truffles being among those immensely expensive culinary rarities. And then we had Le Prince's Roasted Sea Perch with Risotto and his Spitted Loin of Lamb, served with a cute little tomato whose skin was pulled up over its head like a little dunce cap.
But enough about my great lunch. You, too, can learn from these chefs in culinary workshops, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday through Tuesday in the La Mer kitchen. Cost is $150 and includes the cooking and eating of a Tomato and Olive Pie, Lamb Fillet and Strawberry Soup. But then again, the classes are full except for a couple slots Tuesday.
So instead, consider dinner at La Mer, where you can try all of what we had and some of what they'll be making in class, plus French Duck Hamburger with Foie Gras, Veal Chops Casserole, Medallions of Monkfish Bourguignon and more, through Nov. 4.
Watch for immaculate details like the tomato with the little cap. Fine French meals are full of those. Call 923-2311.
The annual festival, Saturday through Nov. 4, includes these culinary events. For more information, call the toll-free hot line, (877) 843-3378 or visit www.FrenchFestHawaii.com. French Festival
Neiman Marcus: Chef Douglas Lum is serving a French prix fixe menu in the Mariposa; tastings of French gourmet foods and wines are offered on the third floor. Call 951-8887.
Padovani's Restaurant & Wine Bar: Chefs Philippe and Pierre Padovani offer special festival menus. Call 946-3456.
Pacific Beach Hotel: Chef Eric Leterc demonstrates variations on French toast, 9 a.m. Saturday in the lobby. Free tastings. Call 921-8338.
Hilton Hawaiian Village: "Fete Du Village" recreates a Parisian street fair with food, music, wine, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 2, Tapa Bar. Also, a selection of fine champagnes is served by the glass at Bali by the Sea and Paradise Lounge. Call 949-4321.
Honolulu Academy of Arts: French Festival Tour and Tea, 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 2, includes refreshments, music and a tour of the academy's French holdings. Call 532-8701.
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calendars and events.
