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Heart healthy

Twelve years ago, Dr. Neal Pinckney was told he would die without heart bypass surgery. He declined the knife, though, and through diet and other lifestyle changes has not only proved his three cardiologists wrong -- he's outlived them.

Pinckney, author of "Healthy Heart Handbook" and founder and director of the Healing Heart Foundation, will discuss ways to prevent and reverse heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure at the June meeting of the Vegetarian Society of Hawaii, 7 p.m. next Wednesday at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse.

Admission to his lecture is free. Call 944-8344.

Chinatown tours

Cooking instructor and food writer Walter Rhee leads two Chinatown explorations. Fees must be paid in cash only, at the start of each tour. For meeting places call 391-1550.

"A Cook's Tour of Chinatown": 10 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. Friday. Cost is $15.

"Honolulu's Best Unexplored Asian Restaurants": 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Cost is $59.

Market switch

Maui's Aloha Friday Farmers Market is switching to afternoon hours beginning this week.

The market, held at Maui Community College, will be open from noon to 6 p.m.

The later hours make it easier on farmers, who often have busy mornings working in the field and making deliveries.

Cooking classes

Kapiolani Community College offers these classes in June. Registration runs three weeks in advance. Call 734-9211.

Custard Delights: Chef Mark Silva demonstrates the making of creme brulee, panna cotta and other desserts; 8 a.m. to noon June 18. Cost is $50.

Meat and Marinades: Chef and butcher Dale Thomas explains how to use larger, less expensive cuts of beef, poultry and fish; 6 to 9 p.m. June 29. Cost is $48.

Cooking Fundamentals: Chef Grant Sato teaches a series of Wednesday night and Saturday morning classes covering basic cooking skills such as knife work, garnishes, salads and Asian cuisine. Cost is $40 to $50. Call for specifics.

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