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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, September 27, 2006

QUICK BITES
Tanaka chef wins Flying Knives Challenge

 •  A touch of tart

Advertiser Staff

Nick Narimatsu

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Teppanyaki chef Nick Narimatsu of Tanaka of Tokyo restaurants was the $10,000 prize winner in the TV Food Network's Flying Knives Challenge. The competition was held in May on the Big Island, but results were kept under wraps. Now the network has announced that competition coverage will air in January. Narimatsu, 24, who has been wielding knives at Tanaka of Tokyo for two years, weathered a nerve-wracking 4-hour contest against four challengers, with competition split into two rounds and judging based on speed and agility, creativity, culinary skill and showmanship. His recipe (not served at Tanaka of Tokyo) was Cajun Herb-Crusted Seared 'Ahi in Sake-to-Me Shoyu Sauce. Tanaka of Tokyo outlets are in the Ilikai Hotel, the Waikiki Shopping Plaza and King's Village.

MUSHROOM FEST ON OCT. 12-28

Auntie Pasto's restaurants, on Beretania and in Kunia Shopping Center, are hosting their annual Mushroom Fest, Oct. 12 through 28 with creations such as wild mushroom manicotti, grilled cheese and mushroom sandwiches and gorgonzola-stuffed grilled mushrooms. ... Fred Livingston's Tower Grill is open at Aloha Tower Marketplace with Hawaiian plantation-era decor and an American bistro menu reminiscent of the late, beloved Tahitian Lanai restaurant. The newest restaurant in Po'ipu Beach on Kaua'i is Yum Cha Asian Eatery at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, offering updated dim sum, soups, salads and large plates. ... The Chef's Table in Hawaii Kai Towne Center celebrates Oktoberfest through Tuesday with Bavarian specials and imported beers. Winners of the annual beer stein contest are on display through Friday.