Stuffs
[ MORSELS ]
KAPIOLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Kapiolani Community College's gold-medal culinary team: Daniel Swift, left, chef-adviser, with Jason Jutz, Kerwin Wells Tugas, Shane Masutani, Chris Okuhara and Tiffanie Luke.
A culinary team from Kapiolani Community College earned a gold medal and a young man from the Big Island was named top student in the West, making it a double score for Hawaii's young chefs at the American Culinary Federation's Western Region Conference. Isle students excel
at chefs competitionThe conference, held March 28 to April 1 in Portland, Ore., featured competitions for both students and professionals.
In the two-day Student Hot Food Competition, Hawaii and Washington state were the only teams out of nine to take home the gold. KCC finished just three-tenths of a point behind the Art Institute of Seattle, which advances to the national competition in July.
Ke'o Velasquez, who works at Adaptations in Captain Cook and is an active member of the Kona-Kohala Chefs de Cuisine chapter, was selected regional Student Member of the Year and also advances to the nationals.
The student award is based on educational achievements, professional development and community service. The finals in Washington, D.C., will involve a cook-off.
The KCC team showcased island ingredients in its competition menu, which included Seared Big Island Moi with Beer Braised Lotus Root and Shiitake Mushrooms; Grilled Fresh Heart of Palm Medallion with Curried Slaw, Nalo Greens, Coconut Mousse and Taro Tuile; and Oven-Roasted Five-Spice Rubbed Rack of Pork with Black Thai Rice, Root Vegetables, Asian Pear Sauce and Pork Glace.
Chef-instructor Daniel Swift, the team's advisor, said the students made a great impact. "They raised the bar for the junior hot-food competitions to come."
One judge described the team's food as "stunning," presented in "out-of-this world fashion. I thought I was on another planet."
Learn something new
Burgundy Wine Tasting: Roberto Viernes, wine educator for Southern Wine and Spirits, leads a tasting of the wines of Olivier Leflaive and Bouchard Pere et Fils, 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Neiman Marcus. Wines will run from standard Bourgogne Blanc to Corton Charlemagne, Village Gevrey Chambertin to the rare Red Grand Cru of La Romanee. Call 951-3423.Dishes from Chai's Island Bistro: Chef Chai Chaowasaree holds a cooking demonstration, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Lyon Arboretum. Cost is $20. Call 988-0456.
Sparkling Wines: Class covers wine regions and production techniques, 6 to 8 p.m. April 24 at Kapiolani Community College Ohia Room 112. Cost is $34. Call 734-9211.
[ DA KINE ]
Pops lineup in place
The Honolulu Pops 2003-2004 season beginning in October will feature a mix of performers representing the worlds of pop, jazz and Hawaiian music.The seven concerts slated from October to May 2004 include James Ingram, Toto, John Pizzarelli, Jimmy Borges, David Benoit, Michael Paulo, Glen Medeiros, the Brothers Cazimero, Na Leo Pilimehana and Cecilio & Kapono. Pop group Toto and jazz artist Pizzarelli are making their debut with the Honolulu orchestra, to be led by pops maestro Matt Catingub.
The concert dates:
Oct. 3 and 4: James Ingram
Oct. 31 and Nov. 1: Cecilio & Kapono
Nov. 21 and 22: Maestro Matt's "Jazz Meets the Pops," with John Pizzarelli and Jimmy Borges
Dec. 12 and 13: "Christmas Pops" with the Brothers Cazimero and Na Leo Pilimehana
Jan. 16 and 17: Tribute to the Beatles with Glen Medeiros and surprise guests
April 9 and 10: Contemporary jazz with David Benoit and Michael Paulo
May 7 and 8: TOTOAll pops concerts are at 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at Blaisdell Concert Hall. Season ticket packages range from $140 to $406, available at the symphony ticket office at Dole Cannery or by calling 792-2000.
'Giselle' dates moved
Ballet Hawaii has moved the dates for its production of "Giselle" from early May to July 5 and 6 at Blaisdell Concert Hall, citing the current world situation as delaying visas for guest artists from China.Wu Haiyan and Li Jun, soloists with National Ballet of China and award winners at the Seventh USA International Ballet Competition, are slated for starring roles in the full-length ballet.
Details about ticket sales will be announced. To be placed on the mailing list for ticket information, call Ballet Hawaii at 521-8600.
Click for online
calendars and events.
Send WatDat? questions, stories
or any other story ideas or comments to:
Features, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, P.O. Box 3080,
Honolulu, HI 96802 or send a fax to 523-8509
or E-mail to features@starbulletin.com.
Please include your phone number.
