Tickets are still available for 'Ilima Awards festivities

Thanks to those who sent in or e-mailed 'Ilima Awards ballots, helping us honor the best restaurants of 2005 and to compile data for our Hawai'i's Best Restaurants guide, due out in October. The accountants are tallying ballots. Soon we'll conduct the drawing that will send lucky voters to Las Vegas and to the 'Ilima winners of their choice. We'll notify winners in September.

Meanwhile, the 'Ilima Awards gala committee is planning another looked-forward-to event on the grounds of Diamond Head Theatre, beneficiary of the awards. The Oct. 10 event will encompass the usual hilarious show with Broadway parodies by local theater stars, food prepared by 'Ilima Award winners and dancing to Kit Samson. The event routinely sells out but tables are still available at 733-0277, ext. 305, or see www.diamondheadtheatre.com and click on events.

SUSHI, SAKE AND YOU

Asian American Journalists Assn. benefit promises good eats

The Asian American Journalists Association, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting diversity in newsrooms and in news coverage, is the beneficiary of the Advertiser-sponsored Sushi and Sake Night 2005, 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki.

It's an evening of nibbling and sipping, held on the poolside deck under the stars, with sushi from 3660 on the Rise, Yatai Sushi, Kacho, Musashi and Mr. Ojisan, plus 15 kinds of sake, entertainment by comic Paul Ogata, a silent auction and — a bonus — your ticket waives the cover at Feng Shui nightclub if you want to party on afterward. Tickets are $50 ($45 for AAJA members); call 535-0460 or 843-3617.