The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong, which, while the food never suffered, had admittedly gotten a bit tatty after 10 years in business, is being refreshed. The "renewed" room, on the third floor of Macy's in Ala Moana Center, will be revealed 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 11 in a party with a "Renew!" theme.

According to a press release, "restaurer" means to restore and bring back into existence a state of health, soundness and vigor. "That is our daily purpose," Wong says in the release. Reservations are required, and the cost of the stand-up pupu party with action stations, demonstrations and live entertainment is $125. Information: 945-6573. Or go to http://www.alanwongs.com.

IT'S IN THE NIBS

LOCAL CHOCOLATE GOES HIGH-INTENSITY

Malie Kai Chocolates, maker of chocolate products from cacao beans grown in Waialua, has introduced a new limited-edition chocolate bar: milk chocolate with Hawaiian cocoa nibs. Nibs are the center of the cacao bean, intensely chocolate-flavored, crumbly and slightly bitter, adding a texture contrast to the milk chocolate and a greater intensity. And, says Nathan Sato of Malie Kai Chocolates, more cancer-fighting antioxidants. A treat that's good for you.

The colorfully packaged chocolates were introduced at the New York Fancy Foods Show this summer and are available for $4.99 to $5.99 at R. Field gourmet shops at Foodland Beretania and Kailua, 'Umeke Market and the North Shore Soap Factory.


— Wanda A. Adams