Don Ho's shows off kitchen action

Chef Robert Denis of Don Ho's Island Grill in the Aloha Tower Marketplace is offering a special dinner menu at the Chef's Counter through tomorrow.

From 5 to 9 p.m., up to eight diners will be seated “;in the middle of the action,”; at an inside bar near the kitchen, to watch how it's all done.

The special menu includes a starter choice of either a Kanaka Roll or Li Hing Shrimp Salad; entree of Slavonic Steak, Island Grill or roasted vegetables, ahi and shrimp; and ice cream for dessert. Cost is $30.

The Chef's Counter also is available for parties and fundraisers. Call 528-0807.

Chef Nobu returns to Waikiki

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa returns to Nobu Waikiki at the Waikiki Parc Hotel, for an extended visit through Friday.

While he's here, Matsuhisa is working with Ma'o Organic Farms to design a nightly omakase menu, which runs through Saturday, inspired by the farms' rich harvest of organic produce. Cost is $125.

Twenty percent of the specialty menu will benefit the farms' internship and scholarship programs, land expansion and community G.I.V.E. days.

Sunday's special Valentine's Day Omakase includes a duo of Lomi Lomi Scallop with caviar and two pieces of oyster ponzu; King Salmon New Style; Big-Eye Tuna and Chu Toro Sashimi Salad; Opakapaka with Enoki and Spicy Lemon Uni Sauce; Wagyu Beef with Foie Gras; assorted sushi and soup; and port ice cream laced with dark chocolate, balsamic caviar and toasted cinnamon hazelnut crumble. Price of $130 includes one drink.

An $300-per-person sushi- and sake-tasting class tomorrow is sold out, but Matsuhisa will be on hand for a 5 to 8 p.m. happy hour which includes a three-course aperitivo for $18. Call 237-6999 or visit www.opentable.com.

Gayot puts Mavro in top 40

Recently, Gayot released its 2010 Top 40 Restaurants in the United States, and Chef Mavro, a four-time pick, was the sole Hawaii restaurant to make the list.

Chef Mavro received an 18/20 rating; the review says the restaurant “;brings the formidable skills of chef-owner George Mavrothalassitis into a sublime culinary marriage with the finest ingredients Hawaii has to offer.”;

Gayot has provided the dining and travel guide since 1969. Recommendations are based on analyses from restaurant reviewers and food, travel and lifestyle experts. View the complete list at www.gayot.com. Chef Mavro is at 1969 S. King St. Call 944-4714.

Celebrate steakhouse's birthday

The Cattle Company Steakhouse in Pearl City marks its 30th anniversary with a special that ends tomorrow. Partake of a prime rib dinner and mud pie dessert combo for $16.99. The special regularly runs only on Wednesdays.

The steakhouse is at 98-1262 Kaahumanu St., off Kamehameha Highway. Call 487-0054.