Brewer hosts Hawaiian dinner

Andy Baker, host of the monthly Hops and Grinds beer-tasting events, celebrates the founding of his own brewery at a wine dinner, 6 p.m. Friday at the Willows.

Baker is co-founder and vice president of sales for the Hilo-based Hawaii Nui Brewing, formed through the merger of Keoki Brewing Co. and Mehana Brewing Co.

The dinner will be a Hawaiian-style five-course meal, paired with Hawaii Nui beers.

Chef Jay Matsukawa's menu: Squid Luau, with Mehana Hawaii Lager; Kabayaki-Glazed Kurobuta Pork Belly, with Hawaii Nui Sunset and Mehana Volcano Red; Pulehu Jumbo Shrimp & Spicy Garlic Chili Sauce, with Mehana Mauna Kea Pale Ale; Kalua-Style Smoked Beef Tenderloin, with Hawaii Nui Hapa Ale; and dessert, served with Mehana Hawaiian Crow Porter.

Cost is $65, $55 for members of the Willows' Beer Club. Call 952-9200.

Napa winemaker to feature at dinner

Mark Neal of Neal Family Vineyards hosts a wine dinner on Wednesday at the Beachhouse at the Moana in the Moana Surfrider hotel.

The Napa Valley, Calif., winemaker is known for its cabernet sauvignons, two of which will be featured at the dinner 6 p.m. dinner.

The menu: Pan-Roasted Onaga with 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon; Moyer Farms New York Strip, with 2005 Wykoff Vineyard Select Cabernet Sauvignon; Pancetta-Wrapped New Zealand Venison, with 2006 Neal Family Vineyard's Napa Valley Zinfandel; and Chocolate Volcano with 2005 Neal Family Vineyard's Napa Valley Petit Syrah.

Cost is $150. Call 265-5128 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Steakhouse offers Mardi Gras meal

Ruth's Chris Steak House celebrates Mardi Gras at all its Hawaii restaurants, Friday through Feb. 24 at its five locations statewide.

A dinner for two at $125 starts with Lagniappe (red beans and rice), followed by an appetizer choice of Shrimp Remoulade, New Orleans-Style Barbecued Shrimp, Oysters Rockefeller or Mushrooms Stuffed with Crabmeat; then a choice of Louisiana Seafood and Andouille Sausage Gumbo, Caesar Salad or Lettuce Wedge Salad.

Entree choices are Cajun Ribeye, Bourbon Street New York Strip, Petite Filet with Creole Shrimp, and French Quarter Snapper Etouffe. Shared dessert is Creme Brulee, Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce or Chocolate Sin Cake.

Call 599-3860 (Restaurant Row), 440-7910 (Waikiki Beach Walk), 661-8815 (Lahaina), 874-8880 (Wailea) or 887-0800 (Mauna Lani).