The six-member Hawai'i Student Culinary Competition team is gearing up to compete in the American Culinary Federation western regional finals in Seattle next month with prestige, gold medals and a trip to the finals at stake. That gearing up is good news for Island diners: The team is pairing with five prestigious chef mentors to prepare a dinner to help fund their trip.

The team and their mentors will prepare a five-course wine-matched menu at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Roy's restaurant, Hawai'i Kai. Cost is $60, or $80 with wines. Reservations required: Robbyn Shim, 396-9875, 396-7697.

— Wanda Adams

COMING SOON

BRINGING SEXY BACK TO VEGETARIANISM

For vegetarianism, it is indeed the new millennium, with tasteless soybean casseroles and odd-smelling grain concoctions far behind us and interest growing in healthier diets. Eric Tucker, chef-owner of San Francisco's acclaimed Millennium restaurant, is in the forefront of the new vegetarianism. "My mission is to show the public you don't have to compromise flavor and texture as you cut out harmful, high-fat animal products and oil," said Tucker, who will be here next week, offering a class to culinary students and preparing brunch at the Halekulani. The open-to-the-public brunch is 11 a.m. Sunday, and $75 includes the meal, Tucker's cookbook and a talk. Reservations: 923-2311.

— Wanda Adams