CHEW ON THIS
Restaurant Report

STAR-BULLETIN / 2000 "A Night in Italy" will help support the annual performance of "Nutcracker," as well as other Ballet Hawaii programs.

2 Alan Wong restaurant
chefs win honors

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Star-Bulletin Staff

Two chefs from Alan Wong's restaurants have been named winners of the Bertolli Olive Oil Sous Chef awards.

Steven Ariel of the Pineapple Room at Macy's in Ala Moana and Lance Kosaka of Alan Wong's Restaurant on King Street will compete for the national title in New York in August.

They were selected on the basis of their experience, references, a personal statement and a recipe they created using Bertolli Olive Oil.

The competition, in its second year, recognizes the chefs who serve largely as first assistants to executive chefs and keep their kitchens running smoothly.

The other winners are Thomas Abrahamsson of San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara, Calif.; Mark Andelbradt of Tru, Chicago; David Felton of the American Restaurant, Kansas City, Mo.; Laurence Gottlieb of the Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Va.; Eric Klein of Spago, Beverly Hills; Rebecca Peizer of Roux, St. Helena, Calif.; Fred Ramos of Printer's Row, Chicago; and Giuseppe Tinnirello of Terramia Ristorante, Boston.

An Italian excursion

Foods and wines of Italy are the theme of a benefit for Ballet Hawaii next Sunday at Sergio's in the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

The cocktail party, "A Night in Italy," will feature the restaurant's Northern Italian specialties. Owners George and Wini Vanderman are donating the space and cuisine; Southern Wine and Spirits is providing the Italian wines.

Entertainment will be by L'Escargo, along with Italian opera sung by Leslie Goldman.

Cost is $100. Call 521-8600.

Copper River's comin'

For a short three weeks each year, Copper River king salmon, considered the richest of its breed, is shipped in from the small Alaska town of Cordova.

This year's deliveries are expected this week.

The salmon's qualities of rich marbling and dense texture are credited to the way it has adapted to the cold, rough Copper River.

The window of opportunity is brief, however. Look for the salmon over the next few weeks in fish markets and grocery stores.

If you'd like someone else to cook, Kincaid's Fish, Chop and Steakhouse (591-2005) and 3660 on the Rise (737-1177) both expect to begin their Copper River specials this week.

Indigo events

Coming up at Indigo Eurasian Cuisine (call 521-2900):

>> Put your wine-tasting skills to the test at the "Blind Tasting Olympics," 6 p.m. Tuesday, at this week's meeting of the Wrath of Grapes wine club. Prizes will be awarded to the three contestants best able to identify varietal and region of origin of the sample wines. Cost is $20, including light pupus.

>> Ketut Mariani of Warung Blanjong Restaurant in Bali will be the guest chef for "A Night in Bali," 6 to 9:30 p.m. May 29 and 30. The menu will include Pesan be Paisi (grilled fish in banana leaf), Siap Base Kelas (chicken in spiced coconut milk) and Gado Gado (mixed vegetables with peanut sauce). Native Balinese dance will be performed.

Pasta primo

The Beachside Café at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider is hosting a pasta promotion for two weeks beginning tomorrow. Lunch and dinner specialties include Angel Hair Opakapaka Crab Cakes; Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimps, Scallops and Clams; and Tri-Colored Pasta Salad. Prices start at $14.50. Call 922-3111.

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