Morsels of culinary news
By Joan Namkoong
Advertiser Food Editor
Ka 'Ikena Room reopens to diners
The Ka 'Ikena Dining Room, a practicum for culinary students at Kapi'olani Community College, has reopened to diners for the spring semester. Chef-instructors Robert Chinen and Alan Tsuchiyama and pastry chefs Brad Hull and Dan Wetter will be supervising students for the lunch and dinner service. Reservations: 734-9488.
Kaka'ako Kitchen celebrates birthday
Kaka'ako Kitchen is celebrating its first anniversary at its Ward Centre location, according to owner/chef Russell Siu. As a thank- you, customers will receive a 5 percent discount on dinner purchases through the end of March.
Kaka'ako Kitchen is open 7 a.m.-9 p.m Monday-Saturday and 7 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays.
Beau Soleil moving back to Manoa
Beau Soleil, the tiny Mediterranean cafe in Kaimuki, will soon be moving. Owners Moumen and Holly El Hajji are taking their catering and cafe operations back to Manoa, where they were a couple of years ago. "We weren't going to have a cafe," said Holly El Hajji, "but our chef, Andy Lau, really wanted to continue it."
Beau Soleil will serve Sunday brunch beginning Easter Sunday, April 15, and will serve dinners Thursday through Sunday evenings. Take-out lunches will be available; there will be no table service, but there will be seating. In the meantime, Beau Soleil is still open on Wai'alae Avenue for another couple of weeks. 732-0967.
Fujioka's Wine Store expands
Fujioka's Wine Store at Market City in Kapahulu has expanded its space in recent weeks to enhance its wine education program. Owner Lyle Fujioka intends to play host to wine-tasting events for groups and individuals; the space allows for classroom-style presentations, as well as social gatherings.
David Gochros, wine educator for Remy Amerique, will be among the first to use the new space, playing host to a tasting of Italian wines from the Tuscany, Piedmont and Venetto areas. The tasting will be 4-7 p.m. on Friday, 1-6 p.m. on Saturday. 739-9463.
Island Wines customizes bottles
Next door to Fujioka's is Island Wines, a new business run by Gary and Jan Vierra that customizes wine bottles. Vierra's brother George Vierra is a wine maker in Napa Valley, Calif., who sends wine to Honolulu in shiners - bottled wine with cork and foil and a back label that explains what's in the bottle. Customers can choose from chardonnay, merlot or sparkling apple cider.
Island Wines will provide a front label, customized for a special occasion, a company logo or any other message. Prices start at $25 for a single bottle and go up to $10.50 each for 60 bottles. Customers can choose from standardized labels or create their own and pay a set-up fee. 732-5881.
Quick Bites appears every Wednesday in The Advertiser food section. Food Editor Joan Namkoong welcomes tidbits of food news. Write to her c/o The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802. Call: 525-8069. Fax: 525-8055. E-mail: jnamkoong@honoluluadvertiser.com
