Culinary Calendar
TODAY
"The Vegetarian Agenda: Politics and Success," a lecture with Richard McLellan on why democracy is important to the success of vegetarianism, animal rights and other social movements, 7 p.m., Ala Wai Golf Course club house; free. 944-8344.
FRIDAY
WINEZ & GRINDZ DINNER, five-course menu prepared by sous chef Neil Nakasone with matching wines; 4:30-8:30 p.m., The Pineapple Room, Macy's, Ala Moana Center; $64 with wines, $49 without. Reservations: 945-6573.
"Maui Chefs Present: The Garden of Eatin'," a 10th annual opening gala for "A Taste of Lahaina" featuring a dinner and cocktail party under the stars, 6:30 p.m., Napili Gardens, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali; $95 per person; some proceeds benefit Maui community groups. Information: (888) 310-1117, www.kaanapaliresort.com or www.visitlahaina.com. Reservations: (808) 667-9193.
SATURDAY
LANA'I VISITING ARTIST PROGRAM CHEF APPEARANCE, Lee Hefter, executive chef of Spago Beverly Hills, prepares a special dinner menu 6-9:15 p.m. today and Sunday at Lodge at Ko'ele's formal dining room, Lana'i; $75 without wine pairings. Also, complimentary wine tasting with Au Bon Climat Winery of Santa Barbara, 4 p.m. today at the lodge, and free cooking demonstration with Hefter, 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the lodge library. Reservations: (800) 321-4666.
11th Annual Sam Choy's Poke Festival, concert with Ale'a, Darlene Ahuna, Harold Kama Jr. and Lim family, 8-10 p.m. today, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel ballroom, Big Island, $30; also, free craft fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, hotel courtyard; and poke contest and tasting, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, hotel ballroom, $5 Aloha Festivals ribbon (available at the door). For concert tickets: (808) 880-1111. Information: (808) 880-3023.
TUESDAY
"Wrath of Grapes," Indigo Wine Club, 6 p.m. every Tuesday, Indigo Eurasian Cuisine; wine sampling with pupu plate, $20; limited seating. Reservations: 521-2900.
COMING UP
"A Big Taste of Aloha, A Plateful of Love," a seventh anniversary celebration of Sam Choy's Diamond Head Restaurant with food, drinks and entertainment by Sean Na'auao, Sistah Robi Kahakalau and Three Plus, 6:30-9 p.m. Sept. 18, at the restaurant; $80 per person ($45 tax-deductible) or $100 per person ($60 tax-deductible) for additional wine tasting extravaganza with premium wines, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (limited tickets). Proceeds to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii. Tickets: 973-5683, ext. 240.
Send items for the Culinary Calendar to Taste, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com; phone 525-8069 or fax 525-8055.
