Waiola Burgers return

If you remember the '60s, you probably remember Waiola Burgers, served at a place the kids from Washington Intermediate called "the Candy Shop" or "the Back Store."

Good news: they're making a comeback. Jonathan Ishii, a chef and graduate of the Los Angeles Culinary Institute, has moved back to Oahu to carry on the tradition of his grandparents, Richard and Ellen Ishii.

He re-created their burger recipe and is selling the spice package for $3 online (www.dabackstore.com).

Mix with a pound of ground round, an egg, soy sauce and hot sauce. Of course, the bun has "gotta be Love's," says Ishii.

He is scouting locations for an old-style hamburger restaurant, but for now you can catch him at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii's "Kodomo no Hi: Keiki Fun Fest" Sunday, cooking burgers and selling Waiola Store T-shirts ($13). The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 945-7633.

Free wine tastings

A sixth-generation member of America's oldest winemaking family will host free wine-tasting sessions in Oahu supermarkets next week.

David Mirassou of Mirassou Winery will answer questions about entertaining and appropriate wine pairings with Hawaii's cuisine. It's not too late to become a full-fledged aficionado. And don't forget the best part: plenty of tasting. Locations:

Restaurants help out

Sixteen Oahu eateries will be represented May 6 at the East Honolulu Food Festival, a benefit for Star of the Sea Church and Schools.

The event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m., on the great lawn at the school in Kahala.

Participating restaurants include Roy's, BluWater Grill, Michel's at the Colony Surf, Auntie Pasto's, Tiki's Bar & Grill, Komokata, 12th Avenue Grill, Dixie Grill, Taste of New York, Antonio's Pizza, Big City Diner and JJ's Pastry.

For kids there will be a special menu and a play area with rides, bounce houses and other activities.

Entertainment will be by Maunalua, Bryan Tolentino and Kahaina.

Cost is $45; $20 children. Call 734-0396.

David Paul scholarship

David Paul's Lahaina Grill is accepting applications for its third annual Maui Chef Scholarship, which has increased from $2,000 to $3,000 to cover tuition -- as well as tool and uniform expenses -- for one student at Maui Community College's Maui Culinary Academy.

The award will go to a graduating senior from a Maui public high school, for the fall 2006 semester.

Applications are available at schools, or by calling Ashley Stepanek, (808) 661-8005, ext. 2, or e-mail ashley-s@hawaii.rr.com.

Include a personal essay and a letter of recommendation from a high school teacher, guidance counselor and/or employer. Academic transcripts must be mailed directly from the institution. Deadline is May 15.

Cooking classes

Kapiolani Community College offers these classes in May. To register call 734-9211.

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