"Actually, we tipped it on its side and slid it carefully through the front door," recalled Choy, one of Hawaii's most recognizable chefs. "That was quite a funny scene seeing these big guys push in that boat."

And it's one that happened seven years ago when BLC — as it's now familiarly known among kamaaina — opened its doors.

"We've done a lot and we're doing a lot," Choy said, referring to the restaurant's accomplishments during the past seven years. "But there's also a lot still that we can do. There's always room for change."

Some of those include a soon-to-be-introduced, Sam's-style weekend seafood brunch buffet and a Filipino Fiesta that will take place in September.

But first, it's BLC's weeklong birthday bash, starting tomorrow and continuing through July 3.

"This is always our yearly time to say thanks to the locals who've supported us and who continue to support us through all these years," Choy said. "I've been blessed to have been surrounded by such wonderful people."

One of them is chef Aurelio Garcia , who credits Sam for giving him the freedom with the menu since he started at BLC two years ago.

"He allows for creativity," Garcia said. "He wants us to come up with new ideas and specials.

For the anniversary celebration, Garcia came up with such specials as crispy wontons stuffed with crab, spinach and shiitake mushrooms served with garlic aioli ($7.95) and a garlic-roasted half Maine lobster set atop a bed of summer greens salad that's garnished with grilled asparagus and wild mushrooms ($19.95).

Craning his neck to see what Garcia was carrying on a huge tray as he emerged from the kitchen, Choy's eyes lit up when he saw the anniversary combination dinners.

"Look at what he has done," gushed Choy, while pointing to the prime rib, Steamer clams and pulehu ahi. "He has outdone himself."

Available in the evening, the surf-and-turf dinners feature a thick slab of prime rib combined with a choice of pulehu ahi, shrimp scampi or Steamer clams. Priced at $28.95, each entree comes with Kapakahi mashed potatoes, a softball-size onion ring, Sam's tossed salad and a slice of strawberry shortcake.

In addition to menu specials, BLC will also offer guests a chance to win an assortment of prizes, including a grand prize trip for two to Las Vegas.

Fred Fabro serves such beers as Ehu Ale and Kiawe Honey Porter.

On Tuesday night, the keiki theme will feature balloons and entertainment by Chris Da Clown, face painting by Confetti, free cotton candy, games, prizes and kids' meals at half price.

In addition to the regularly scheduled entertainment on Saturday evening, Makaha Sons will perform this Friday from 7 to 8 p.m. Magician Glen Bailey will make an appearance next Sunday from 7 to 8 p.m.

"It has been an exciting seven years," Choy said. "We've learned a lot and we've gained a lot."

And, he's not shy to add, they're still learning.