June Tong, author of the long- and best-selling local cookbook "Popo's Kitchen" (45,000 copies to date), will be the special guest chef at the Splendor of China Festival and Trade Show Oct. 3 and 4 at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Tong's mother was a great cook, but Tong didn't learn Mom's secrets until she got married and realized she couldn't even cook rice! Her mom came over for cooking sessions, and soon Tong was an expert, too. Years later, laid up after surgery, Tong decided — after her son and others kept pestering her for recipes — that she would write a cookbook. The result was "Popo's Kitchen."

For years, Tong was the official cooking instructor for Narcissus Queen candidates; her successor, Linda Wyrgatsch, will also be giving cooking demonstrations at the event. And the latest edition of "Popo's Kitchen" will be on sale ($14). Admission is $6; children 8 and under free. Panda Express and L&L Drive Inns are offering dollar-off coupons, or visit http://www.spendorofchina.com for $5 advance tickets and a schedule of cooking demonstrations and other events. Information: 533-3181.

HFD FOOD FESTIVAL

LIGHTING A FIRE UNDER FINE COOKING

The first Signature Chefs Food Festival, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Honolulu Fire Department headquarters, 636 South St., will bring together professional chefs and the great cooks of the fire department for cooking demonstrations. Among those participating: Roy's Restaurant, the Beachhouse at the Moana, Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas, Side Street Inn, Twist at Hanohano and 3660 on the Rise.

There will be live entertainment, a silent auction and tours of the HFD Museum. Tickets: $100, available by calling the Hawaii Firefighters Association, 949-1566. Proceeds benefit the Honolulu Firefighters Foundation, which aids in opportunities for the community to interact with the fire department, supports HFD's historic preservation efforts and helps retired firefighters and HFD workers in need.


— Wanda A. Adams