King of Cocktails Dale DeGroff continues his drinks seminars at the Halekulani this week — this time with a samba beat.

His class this Friday is called Carnival in Rio, and will teach participants how to make Brazil's national drink — the caipirinha — with fresh fruit, of course. As the hotel's director of beverage arts, New Yorker DeGroff has revamped its bar programs, adding classics and innovative new cocktails to the menus.

Classes cost $50 and start at 6:30 p.m. in the Garden Terrace. To register, call 931-5040.

SOMMELIER CHUCK FURUYA PRESIDES AT THE COMMUNAL TABLE DINNER

Last year, master sommelier and Vino capo Chuck Furuya started his monthly Communal Table dinner — you sit down with him and 10 other people to a three-course family-style meal, plus dessert.

Furuya uncorks a wine or three to go with the dishes as he dishes about the wines (and lots of other things). For $30, it's an entertaining and educational deal, and you get to meet interesting new people. Expect items from Vino's menu along with specials, like last month's pappardelle with plump, garlicky shrimp.

Furuya next holds court this Saturday. To reserve, call 524-8466. Vino is at Restaurant Row.