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Birthday celebration

Ruth's Chris Steak House celebrates the 40th anniversary of the restaurant chain with "Mahalo Nights" July 25 and 26.

Restaurants in Honolulu and Maui will offer a $40 prix fixe dinner: appetizer choice of barbecue shrimp or crab-stuffed mushrooms; Caesar salad; and entree choice of petite filet, fresh fish or broiled chicken (served with family-style portions of garlic mashed potatoes and creamed spinach) and dessert of bread pudding.

Call 599-3860 (Restaurant Row), 808-661-8815 (Lahaina) or 808-874-8880 (Wailea).

Old World vs. New

Master sommelier Roberto Viernes compares the wines of the Old World and the New in a benefit seminar July 25 at the Pineapple Room.

A champagne reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by five flights of wine.

Viernes will compare Harlan vs. Sassiacaia, Australian shiraz vs. Rhone syrah, Kistler's chardonnay vs. Corton Charlemagne, a California pinot noir vs. grand cru burgundy and an Australian Semillon vs. Chateau D'Yquem.

Donation is $250, which includes pupus, to benefit the Hawaii Community Services Council and the Hawaii Association of Non-Profit Organizations.

Make checks payable to the Hawaii Community Services Council and mail to 33 S. King St., No. 501, Honolulu 96813. Call 529-0466.

Pineapple showcase

The Banyan Tree at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Maui is offering a new menu showcasing Maui Gold pineapple.

Chef Antony Scholtmeyer's five-course menu combines rare ahi with spiced pineapple, Moroccan spiced duck with caramelized pineapple and a warm pineapple cake with tropical salsa and lychee sorbet. Cost is $90, $55 more for wine pairings.

Also new at the restaurant is a Luau Menu with formal French table service. Included are hearts of palm with Maui-made Surfing Goat Cheese mousse, moi with lentil dal, bouillabaisse with spiced coconut and tomato broth. Dessert is chocolate fondue with fruit and biscotti. Cost is $80, $55 more for wines.

The Banyan Tree serves dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays. Call 808-665-7250.

Special events

Kona Brewing Co.: The American Beer Month finale will be a Brewer's Beer Dinner, 7 p.m. July 25. The four-course menu: Hearts of Romaine with Black Sand Porter Vinaigrette (with Longboard Lager), Kona Shrimp Cocktail Firerock Pale Ale), Grilled Mahi Mahi (Paddlers Pilsner) and "Beerimisu" (Dry Side Stout). Cost is $40. Call 394-5662.

3660 on the Rise: Chef Russell Siu leads a cooking class, "Are You Ready for Fall," 6 p.m. July 28. The menu: Wild Mushroom Turnover, Sherry Demi-Drizzle Poached Pear, Nalo Greens and Bleu Cheese Salad, Roast Pork Loin and Pumpkin Chiffon Pie. Cost is $51, which includes a serving of all the dishes.

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