‘Joy of Sake’
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10 restaurants

NOW IN its fourth year, the "Joy of Sake" is a great way to learn more about Japanese rice wine and grind some really good food in the process.

Recognized as the largest sake tasting held outside of Japan, the event showcases more than 100 different types of sake and pupus from 10 local restaurants. Following the fun tomorrow night at the Japanese Cultural Center, the "Joy of Sake" travels to San Francisco on Sept. 9 and New York City on Sept. 30.

Tickets aren't cheap for this one -- $65 gets you into the tasting -- but if you go, be sure to get there early. D.K. Kodama's parents were there to help out with Sansei's food booth last year, and they passed out 500 plates of Pacific Rim Asian tostadas in just over an hour before running out ...

AFTER GETTING your sake buzz tomorrow night, make your way into Waikiki for IMF Visions' "Latex, Leather and Lace" theme party at the Hanohano Room.

You might recall that these are the same promoters who tried to get a Sunday nights off the ground here earlier this summer, but wisely decided to change days and scale back to just one party per month.

Along with getting the chance to see hotties like Sondra Barker dressed in latex, there will be a fashion show featuring Sensually Yours lingerie, go-go dancers from Paradise Show Club, magic tricks by TJ Magic and free Bacardi giveaways. Star 101.9 morning jock Hudson will also be in the house.

Doors open at 10 p.m. tomorrow night for the 21-and-over crowd, and a $10 cover will be in effect ...

DON'T FORGET about "Make Me Laugh 3" on Saturday night at the Hawaiian Hut.

In addition to seeing longtime local favorites Ed Ka'ahea and Dave Lancaster perform, you'll also get a chance to check out up-and-coming local talent. Kaleo Pilanca, Randy "Akebono" Rowan, Mo Dixon, Greg Gabaylo and Junior Kekuewa Jr. will join the comedy veterans on stage.

Tickets are $25 at the door; call 941-5205 ...

NOT ONLY is Eric Balfour one of the stars of "Hawaii," the new television series on NBC, but he's also the lead singer of his own band.

While "Hawaii" makes its debut Sunday night at "Sunset on the Beach," check out the Wave Waikiki on Saturday for a taste of Fredalba.

Local boys Neken will open things up at 10 p.m., and the Wave's very own Flash Hansen will host. Cover is $12; call 941-0424, ext. 12 for more info ...

WANT TO get some culture this weekend? Check out "A Tattoo Tour of Polynesia" with tattoo expert Tricia Allen at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Hawaii State Library ... Drum-n-bass fans will be at Studio 1 on Saturday night for the return of Necron99. DJs Rama and BassX will also be there ... Want to try co-ed mud wrestling? Head over to "Filth!" at the Hard Rock Cafe on Saturday night. DJ Rundown will be in the mix; just make sure you bring a towel or something ...