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Choco-fest

Chocoholics should book their plane tickets for the Kona Chocolate Festival, Feb. 26 at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort.

Chefs, caterers, ice cream and candy makers plan to celebrate the fine substance with tastings, a chocolate fountain, a chocolate-making competition -- even chocolate body painting.

Add wine and dancing to music by El Leo, the Jarican Express from Puna and a silent auction.

The event runs 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance; $40 at the door; to benefit Kona Pacific School in Kealakekua. Call (808) 640-5500.

For those who'd like to understand their chocolate, not just eat it, a Chocolate Symposium takes place Feb. 25, including seminars about cacao cultivating and processing, a chocolate culinary class and a wine-and-chocolate pairing workshop. Call 324-7224.

KCC cooking classes

Kapiolani Community College offers these classes through mid-March. Call 734-9211.

You Say Potato: Learn various ways to prepare potatoes; 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 28. Cost is $45.
Sautˇ and Pan Sauces: Covers techniques for sautˇing, deglazing and making quick sauces; 8 a.m. to noon March 5. Cost is $55
Picnic a la Provence: French country dishes; 6 to 9 p.m. March 7. Cost is $45.
Egg Cookery: Breakfast basics, including egg-based sauces; 8 a.m. to noon March 19. Cost is $55.

Heart-healthy demo

Dr. Stephen Bradley of Kapiolani Women's Center presents a cooking demonstration featuring heart-healthy dishes, noon Saturday at Macy's Ala Moana demonstration kitchen on the fourth floor.

Bradley is a specialist in bariatric medicine, the prevention and treatment of obesity. He also graduated from the California Culinary Academy, with an emphasis on nutrition and healthy food preparation.

Call 945-5894.

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