QUICK BITES
Hawai'i chefs cook at Beard House
By Wanda A. Adams
Advertiser Food Editor
The kitchen of the James Beard House is becoming a home away from home for Hawai'i chefs, who frequently are invited to prepare signature meals there. Next up is the Prince Hotels team of "Na Kuke Loea" (the master chefs), Gregory Gaspar (Maui Prince), Goran Streng (Hawaii Prince) and Corey Waite (Hapuna Beach Prince).
The menu May 21 will range from 'ahi and foie gras to kalua duck lumpia and poha berry bread pudding.
If you're ever headed to New York and interested in attending a Beard House dinner, the number for reservations is (212) 627-2308. Visit www.jamesbeard.org and go to "events" for a calendar of upcoming dinners and luncheons.
Wine expert wins major recognition
While no Hawai'i chefs were honored in Monday night's James Beard Foundation Awards — the Oscars of the food world — there was one connection: master sommelier Andrea Immer, who is the face of the Kapalua Food & Wine Festival, was named Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional. Immer has a book due out this month, "Andrea Immer's Wine Buying Guide for Everyone" ($12.95, Broadway Books).
Other top winners: Outstanding Chef, Lidia Mattichio Bastianich of Felidia Ristorante in New York; Outstanding Pastry Chef, Sherry Yard, Spago Beverly Hills; in our Northwest region, George Mavrothalassitis and Edwin Goto, Island nominees, were passed over for Greg Higgins, of Higgins in Portland, Ore. (a fine restaurant, and deserving).
Food, wine, music fest at Waikoloa
The Hilton Waikoloa Village is in the final phases of planning for its annual Dolphin Days celebration, which culminates in the Great Waikoloa Food, Wine and Music Festival under the stars on June 29 at the resort. This and other Dolphin Days activities help finance the Hawaii Shriners Hospital for Children and the Pacific Marine Life Foundation.
Participating chefs include the Waikoloa's own "Chef Willie" Pirngruber, plus pastry chef David Brown, Imari Restaurant chef Nobu Atsumi, Kamulea Provision Co.'s Neil Matsumura, Kirin chef Ricky Tank, Orchid Cafe chef Malachy McNamara and Donatoni's chef Duccio Orlandini. Guests will include Russell Siu of 3660 on the Rise, DK Kodama of Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar and Douglas Lum of Mariposa.
Information: (808) 886-1234.
Sergio's gala event a benefit for ballet
Sergio's, the updated version of an old favorite Waikiki restaurant now open at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, is helping Ballet Hawaii celebrate its 25th anniversary season with a gala event May 26.
"A Night In Italy," a cocktail party with lavish samplings of the restaurants' Northern Italian menu, will include musical entertainment. Tickets: $100; call Ballet Hawaii, 521-8600.
Sergio's plans extended hours for Mother's Day on Sunday, from 11 a.m.; 951-6900.
Quick Bites is published Wednesdays in The Advertiser's food section. Food editor Wanda A. Adams welcomes tidbits of food news. Write to her c/o The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802. Call: 525-8069. E-mail: taste@honoluluadvertiser.com.
