RESTAURANT REPORT

Menu honors mom of chef Alan Wong

Chef Alan Wong is throwing one heck of a birthday party for his mother, Terry Yamamoto, on Wednesday.

“;A Tribute to Mama”; brings staff from Wong's Pineapple Room restaurant to his King Street flagship, Alan Wong's, for the dinner.

Yamamoto has been a fixture in Wong's kitchen, often working with young chefs not just on cooking, but also on responsibility and discipline.

The menu reflects her taste and teachings: Somen Salad by Barbara Stange, manager, Pineapple Room; Oden by Gary Matsumoto, general manager, Pineapple Room; Miso Soup with Okara, by Lance Kosaka, executive chef, Pineapple Room; Beef Stew with Ginger, by Wade Ueoka, chef de cuisine, Alan Wong's; and Strawberry Shortcake by Michelle Karr, pastry chef, Alan Wong's.

Cost is $75, $105 with wine pairings. Seatings begin at 5 p.m. Call 949-2526.

2 events open Hyatt restaurant

Umalu, a new restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, opens with a pool party Friday followed by a Food and Wine Festival next Sunday to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Miss Hawaii Nicole Fox will appear at the pool party from 4 to 9 p.m., which also will include a fashion show by Market Advantage and a Polynesian fire-knife dance. Cover charge is $35.

The festival, from 6 to 10 p.m., will feature traditional Hawaiian fare and dishes from the resort's other restaurants and will showcase the Hyatt's signature wine by Michael Mondavi, Canvas. Tickets are $75.

Call 667-4727.

Special events

”;Belgian Inspiration”;: Belgian and Belgian-style beers will be featured at this month's Hops & Grinds tasting, 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Willows, 901 Hausten St. Tickets are $25 in advance, available at the Willows, Liquor Collection, Wine Stop, Tamura's Kaimuki or by calling 952-9200. Tickets are $30 at the door. Includes Belgian buffet. Must be 21 or older.

Anniversary offering: Ruth's Chris Steak House at the Shops at Mauna Lani on the Big Island celebrates two years in business with a fixed-price dinner for two through Oct. 31. The menu: appetizer choice of Corn and Crab Chowder, Caesar Salad or Steak House Salad; entree choice of Petite Filet, New York Strip, a nightly fish special or Stuffed Chicken Breast; and selection from the dessert menu. Cost is $99. Call 887-0800.

A new location: The Rusty Harpoon on Maui celebrates its move to a new site overlooking the 18th hole of the Kaanapali Golf Resort with a grand-opening benefit for the Lahainaluna High School Foundation on Oct. 17. Favorites from the menu will be served at food stations. Cost is $75, with all proceeds going to a cookbook library in honor of chef-owner Suzzette Metcalfe's parents, Jerome and Sharon, and for a culinary scholarship to Maui Community College. Call 661-3123.