Da Kine Star-Bulletin staff and wire services

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YOUR TURN
Serious matter of funny business

Comic strips may be designed for amusement, but any newspaper that treats its comics section lightly does so at its own peril. Few features generate such daily devotion.

With pop culture in constant flux, and with new, smart strips always becoming available, it's a challenge to stay current while maintaining old favorites.

The Star-Bulletin is beginning the process of revamping our weekday and Sunday selections, and we'd like your input. Fill out this form and mail it to us by Feb. 2. Or e-mail us. Be sure to include your name and contact information. If you're really serious about this funny business, we might like to chat.

Instructions

Mail to Comics Survey, Honolulu Star-Bulletin Features section, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu 96813. Or e-mail comics@starbulletin.com. No faxes, please.

Your Info
1. Include your name and day-time telephone number.

Sunday Comics
2. Tell us your three (3) favorites in the Star-Bulletin Sunday edition.
3. Tell us your three (3) least favorites in the Star-Bulletin Sunday edition.

Daily Comics
4. Tell us your three (3) favorites in the Star-Bulletin Monday-Friday editions.
5. Tell us your three (3) least favorites in the Star-Bulletin Monday-Friday editions.

Other Comics
6. Tell us three (3) other comics you'd like to see added to the Star-Bulletin.

Other Comments
7. Share any other comments or ideas you have about our comic selections.

RESTAURANT REPORT
Winery showcase

Wines from Napa Valley's Kapcsandy Family Winery will be showcased in two special events, with Lou Kapcsandy hosting:

Saturday: Wine tasting at Town, 3435 Waialae Ave.; 3 p.m. Wines include State Land Vineyard 2003 and 2004, plus barrel samples of Cabernet Sauvingon 2005 and Estate Cuvée 2005. Also included: Bordeaux reds and Hungarian dessert wines. Cost is $60, including appetizers. Call 735-5900.

Sunday: Wine-pairing dinner at Michel's, 2895 Kalakaua Ave.; 6 p.m. The menu: Pan-Seared Foie Gras with Big Island Greens (with Grof Degenfeld Andante Furmint Botrytised 2003), Kona Abalone-Potato Soup (with Disznoko Dry Furmint 2001) and Wellington of Venison (State Lane Vineyard 2003 and 2004, plus barrel samples of the Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 and Estate Cuvée 2005). Cost is $125. Call 923-6552.

Special events

The Joy of Sake: "Sakes from the South," 6 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Japanese Cultural Center, features 41 sakes from Kyushu and Shikoku islands, and Hiroshima, Shimane and Yamaguchi prefectures. Cost is $35, including bento. Reservations due by tomorrow. Call 222-5591.

IHOP: All-day, All You Can Eat Pancakes are offered nationwide through Feb. 18. Pancake combos (with egg and breakfast meat choices) start at $4.99. Hawaii's IHOPs are in Waikiki (921-2400) and on Maui (808-871-4000).

Chef appointments

Ruth's Chris Steak House has appointed new executive chefs at its Maui restaurants:

Angela Smith, formerly with WM the Restaurant on Maui, joins the Lahaina location.

Adam Tabura heads up the Wailea location after serving on Lanai at the Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay Hotel and the Lodge at Koele.