Brasserie du Vin presents special sparkling wines

Brasserie du Vin is ringing out the old and ringing in the new with specials this week on an international selection of sparkling wines.

Each night, one bubbly will be available for $9 a glass.

For those seeking a comparison, Tuesday will feature a $20 tasting of several wines, with a cheese plate (reservations required).

A wine dinner also is planned for that night with a menu of Baked Scallops with Citrus Aioli (with Stonestreet Upper Barn Chardonnay 2005), Pot au Feu (braised veal shanks, with Avignonesi Nobile di Montepulciano 2005) and Seared Foie Gras with Drunk'n Berry Crepes (with Solstice Late Harvest Riesling 2006). Served at 6 p.m.; cost is $49.

The $9 lineup: Monday, Mumm Napa “;Prestige”;; Wednesday (New Year's Eve), Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV, France; Friday (First Friday), Codorniu Rose Cava, Spain; Saturday, Zardetto Prosecco, Italy.

Brasserie du Vin is at 1115 Bethel St., across from Hawaii Theatre. Call 545-1115. Visit www.brasserieduvin.com.

Merriman's celebration helps Big Isle nonprofits

The number 20 was the lucky set of digits for chef Peter Merriman this year.

His “;20 Nights for 20 Nonprofits”; raised more than $20,000 during the 20th-anniversary celebration for his first restaurant, Merriman's Waimea.

Over 20 evenings, Nov. 1 through Dec. 12, 20 percent of sales at the Big island restaurant was committed to nonprofit organizations. Diners also made additional contributions. The total donated was $20,491, to groups such as North Hawaii Hospice, Hawaii Island United Way and Kahilu Theatre.

Merriman, one of 12 original Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs, earned an early reputation for his willingness to work with local farmers, ranchers and fishermen to best present the flavors of the islands. He opened Merriman's on Dec. 21, 1988.

Call 885-6822 or visit www.merrimanshawaii.com.