ARTWEEK

Student artists show their stuff at Kapolei Hale

Works by 50 young artists from Leeward Oahu public schools will be on display tomorrow to Friday at Kapolei Hale Courtyard for the 15th Annual Leeward Young Artist Awards exhibit.

The showcase comprises art by students in kindergarten through Grade 12. The creativity of the student artists will be recognized in a private awards ceremony for the youth and their families on Wednesday.

Kapolei Hale is located at 1000 Uluohia St. in Kapolei (across from K-Mart). Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the building is closed Tuesday in observance of Veterans Day. Call Mele Pochereva at 262-8556.

ENTER TO WIN!

Keiki Kalikimaka contest under way

Kids, help us trim our pages with the holiday spirit. It's time for our annual Keiki Kalikimaka drawing contest. Design an ornament and you'll have a chance at our prize of $100 cash. We'll select a daily finalist, to be printed at the top of this section beginning Dec. 1. On Christmas Day we'll run all 24 finalists and announce the winner.

The contest is open to kids up to age 12. All entries must be between 5 and 8 inches wide. No 3-D entries (don't glue on any objects). We must receive your drawing in the mail—no faxes or e-mails. Attach the entry form below.

RESTAURANT REPORT

Wong's features fresh-fish expert

Brooks Takenaka of the United Fishing Agency brings his ultra-fresh fish to Alan Wong's restaurant for a Farmer Series Dinner, 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday.

Wong's bimonthly dinners showcase local farmers and food producers.

  This time the focus is on Takenaka's United Fishing Agency, which runs the early morning fish auction at Pier 39; Richard and June Ha of Hamakua Springs Country Farms; Bob and Janice Stanga of Hamakua Heritage Farms; and Hana Herbs and Flowers.

Takenaka will attend to talk about the fish, which will be showcased in such dishes as an Ahi Trio, with three types of tuna—yellowfin, bigeye and aku—in simple presentations designed to allow for comparison.

Also on the menu: Pan-Roasted Shutome with Hamakua Mushrooms, Pancetta-Wrapped Opah, and pastry chef Michelle Karr's Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

Cost is $75; $105 with wine pairings. Call 949-2526.

Ruth's joins winery to help charity

Ruth's Chris Steak House turned over a $4,000 check to the Hawaii Foodbank Monday, launching a fundraising campaign that celebrates the restaurant's 20th anniversary at Restaurant Row.

The restaurant has paired up with Langtry Estate & Vineyards—also celebrating 20 years in business—to offer a private-label chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon designed to pair with the Ruth's Chris menu. A dollar from each bottle sold goes to the foodbank.

General manager Don Asam said the winery produced 600 cases of the two wines bearing the Ruth's Chris name, to be sold only at the five Hawaii restaurants in the chain. The donations will continue, he said, until the stock is exhausted.

Chef to cook up prized onion dish

Chef Russell Siu won the Maui Onion Festival cooking contest in September and marks his win with a cooking class, 6 p.m. Thursday at 3660 on the Rise.

Siu will demonstrate the winning dish, Laquered Salmon with Pickled Maui Onions, as well as Steamed Clams in Garlic Butter, Homestyle Meatloaf with Caramelized Onion Gravy and a Frizzled Banana dessert.

Participants will then be served all the dishes. Cost is $65. Call 737-1177.

Celebrate Indigo with food, music

The brothers Cruz—musician John and chef David—join forces to put on a birthday bash marking Indigo restaurant's 15 years in business.

The celebration on Saturday features a prix fixe dinner and concert beginning at 6 p.m. John will perform an acoustic set as dinner is served, then crank it up for a 10 p.m. late show.

Dinner is $65; the concert only is $15 at the door.

The menu: Waimanalo Baby Arugula-Cress Salad; entree choice of Free Range Breast of Spiced Chicken, Fresh Pacific Catch of the Day or Tender Grilled Rib-Eye Steak; and dessert of Many Times Rich Goat Cheese Cake or Double Double Chocolate Torte.

Indigo is at 1121 Nuuanu Ave. in Chinatown. Call 521-2900.