CHEW ON THIS
Restaurant Report

STAR-BULLETIN / 2001 Chef Alan Wong, a member of the board of advisors for the Leeward Community College culinary program, served up one of his specialties at last year's Taste of the Stars.

Feast among culinary stars
and student chefs at LCC

Culinary students at Leeward Community College have some influential friends. The board of advisors for the school's culinary program is filled with heavy-duty chefs who not only lend professional advice, but sometimes come to school to lead workshops and cook with the students.

They also lend their star power to the program's main fund-raiser, the Taste of the Stars dinner, scheduled this year for May 4.

The event takes place on the sprawling lawn of the LCC campus, with its sweeping view of Pearl Harbor. Cooking stations circle the area, each one featuring a restaurant, its chef and a signature dish.

For the price of admission -- $70 ($80 after Friday) -- you can visit as many stations as you want as many times as you want. Not to mention the bars serving fine wines, martinis, imported beer, coffee and tea.

Entertainment and a silent auction are also part of the evening.

Teaching and learning goes on at Taste of the Stars as well. All the chefs are assisted by LCC students, who learn what it's like to cook in the big leagues. Proceeds benefit the culinary program, which is badly in need of funds to replace aging equipment and expand its facilities.

Heading the list of chefs at this year's event are board members Alan Wong and Roy Yamaguchi.

Also participating: Fred DeAngelo, Palomino Euro Bistro; Darryl Fujita, Halekulani Hotel; Hiroshi Fukui, L'Uraku; Cyrus Goo, Café Laufer; Wayne Hirabayashi, Kahala Mandarin Oriental; Randal Ishizu, JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa; Douglas Lum, Mariposa; George Mavrothalassitis, Chef Mavro; Philippe Padovani, Padovani's Restaurant; Ivan Pahk, Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar; Russell Siu, 3660 on the Rise; Goran Streng, Hawaii Prince Hotel; Troy Teruya, Catch of the Day; Richard Wagner, Oahu Country Club. Dean Okimoto of Nalo Farms and graduate chefs of the Pearl, the campus restaurant, will also be featured. Call 455-0392.

Who said?

Secretary's Day is Wednesday. If you don't have reservations yet, or if your secretary is not the type to enjoy a simple lunch out, Dave & Buster's is offering something a bit different.

Have lunch, play games courtesy of a $5 Power Card, then enjoy "He Said! She Said!" -- a game that will pair four boss-secretary "couples" in a "Newlywed Game"-type contest.

The contestants will answer questions about each other and their work habits, trying to accumulate points based on how well they truly know each other.

Seatings begin at noon, with the contest at 1:30 p.m. The lunch menu includes Caesar Salad, Rosemary-Roasted Chicken and Linguine Alfredo.

Cost is $25. Call 589-2215.

Restaurant reopenings

The Ship's Tavern: The Sheraton Moana Surfrider has reopened its signature restaurant with a new menu. New dishes include Baked Tiger Prawns with Crabmeat Stuffing, Island Style Oxtail Soup, Garlic Rosemary-Crusted Rack of Lamb and Hawaiian Seafood Bouillabaisse. Hours are 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Call 922-3111.

Sergio's: The Northern Italian restaurant in the Rainbow Bazaar of the Hilton Hawaiian Village reopens next Sunday. The menu features tableside service of such dishes as Caesar salad, spaghetti alla carbonara, pepper steak and flambé-style desserts. Dinner hours will be 5 to 11 p.m., with a light menu offered until 1 a.m. Call 951-6900.

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