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Golf and grinds

When is a golf tournament so much more than a matter of whacking a little ball around with a stick? When a whole lotta chefs are involved and they're committed not just to the golfing, but to the post-game grinds.

The Hale 'Aina Golf Tournament is an annual affair that raises funds for culinary programs in the community colleges. It will be held on April 25 at the Kapolei Golf Course.

The post-tournament banquet will feature the Olive Tree, Roy's restaurants, Chai's Island Bistro, Murphy's Bar & Grill, the Cheesecake Factory and the Bistro.

Registration is at 10 a.m., followed by lunch and practice, with shotgun start at noon.

Cost to enter is $250, which includes greens fees, goodie bag and the banquet. To enroll, call 734-9211, or visit the Web site www.HaleAinaOhana.org to download a registration form.

A new wine mind

Richard Olsen III, waiter at David Paul's Lahaina Grill, has passed the introductory sommelier course administered by the Court of Master Sommeliers in San Francisco.

The two-day class covers all aspects of grape-growing, wine production, tasting and service, and ends with an examination that only half the participants pass.

Olsen's certification is the first step toward becoming a master sommelier. He was invited to take the class by master sommelier Fred Dame.

The buffet is back

The remodeled Plumeria Beach House at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental has reintroduced its twice-a-week themed buffets.

Thursday night is "The Barbecue Marketplace," including barbecued chicken, slipper lobster, oysters, pulehu beef and kielbasa sausage.

Friday is "The Seafood Marketplace," with clams steamed to order, fried poke, peel-and-eat shrimp, sashimi, Misoyaki Butterfish and Black Mussels "Asian Style."

Cost is $39, $19.50 children. Call 739-8760.

Journey to Samoa

Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club journeys to Samoa on Tuesday nights for a new weekly luau.

"Fia Fia -- An Evening in Samoa" features Chief Sielu, the first world fire knife dance champion, and his tribe.

Cost is $54.95 ($27.50 for children), including a Hawaiian buffet and mai tai or fruit punch. Seating opens at 5:30 p.m.

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