QUICK BITES
Japanese food fest
By Wanda A. Adams
Advertiser Food Editor
A festival of Japanese foods, Aki Matsuri ("Fall Festival"), is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i, 2454 S. Beretania St. Admission is free; food items, country market edibles, orchids and crafts will be for sale. "Pake Patch" author Emmie Shigezawa will be on hand to sign copies of her book. Among the goodies: musubi, donburi, nishime and soba from Gyotaku Restaurant; popcorn, shave ice and organic fruits and vegetables from 'Ono Pono in Waimanalo. There will also be music and dance and cultural activities. Information: 945-7633.
Desserts up for bid
Get your sweet tooth ready: The YWCA of O'ahu will be auctioning off the favorite desserts of donors, including local food writers, former first lady Vicky Cayetano and restaurants and bakeries at an event from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Laniakea Center in downtown Honolulu. The event, called Ka Paheahea, includes a silent auction of dessert and is free to YWCA members and guests. Non-member price is $40. (Editor's note: I'm doing a lemon poppy seed cake.) Information: 538-7061, ext. 234.
The old and the new
- King's Buffet House opened at 2300 N. King St. in Kalihi earlier this week. It takes an international approach, offering Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean and American-style dishes, plus seafood. It's owned by David Wong, formerly of Emerald Palace in Waikiki. Dinner buffets are $9.95; lunches, $5.95.
- Former Rainbow Warrior football player Tyler Tanigawa (he played from 1994 to 1997) worked for Sam Choy's Diamond Head Grill part-time while he was in school and was a chef at Mariposa at Neiman Marcus. Now he has opened Tani's Lunchwagon, parked in the lot of Big D's Sports Bar at 3250 Ualena St., in the Airport/Nimitz area. The menu includes classic local plate-lunch favorites plus daily specials. Regular plate lunches are $5; specials, $5.50. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They do catering and take phone orders, too: 285-5255.
- Dave & Buster's revamped its menu and introduced the new lineup yesterday, including a dozen new dishes. In a press release, the company explained that a team headed by Mike Plunkett, senior vice president of food and beverage operations, spent months whittling down a list that began with 100 potential items, choosing the ones that tasted best, fit the Dave & Buster's fun-and-fast menu style, and worked well operationally. Among the new items: Margherita Pizza Dip (tomato, boursin cheese, basil on bruschetta) and more entree salads.
- Zippy's will open its 24th restaurant in early 2005 in 'Ewa at 91-1669 Fort Weaver Road, between Karayan Street and Renton Road. The new spot will include phone order drive-through; call ahead from office or cell phone and pick up dinner as you breeze home.
- Da Smoke House BBQ & Pub has been celebrating its 25th anniversary with prizes and entertainment at the restaurant at 444 Hobron Lane. Today's the final day of festivities, offering half-price on all food and $1 off cocktails. Owners are Shirley Jones and Daniel Arakaki. if the name sounds familiar but the location doesn't, they started on 'Ena Road. Information: 946-0233.
- Speaking of celebrations, Glenn Tamura of Tamura's Wine & Spirits is planning the 5th annual Holiday Wine Show, co-sponsored by local wine distributors and featuring wine tastings and heavy pupu, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Willows, 901 Hausten St. Tickets are $40, from the Willows, 952-9200. This event benefits the Tamura family's charitable foundation that cares for youth in the community, and sells out fast.
Quick Bites is published on Wednesdays. Send tidbits of food news to food editor Wanda A. Adams, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; wadams@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2412.
