In 2004, Chef Mavro snagged sous chef Kevin Chong from Mexico City's Le Cirque. Now the restaurant builds further with new manager and sommelier Todd Ashline, 33, right, from Chicago's acclaimed Tru (nominated this year for the James Beard Outstanding Service Award).

What brought him to Hawai'i was his girlfriend, Seven Suarez, a Tru server who dreamed of living here. Suarez also got a position at Chef Mavro.

It's kismet: Longtime Chef Mavro sommelier (and Advertiser wine columnist) Brian Geiser was ready to pursue his own dream of working in Napa Valley, where he is now exploring options. Mavro is undergoing renovations, including touches by Mary Philpotts and freeform glass flowers by Geoff Lee.

The restaurant reopens Sunday.

— Advertiser staff

THAT BUNNY THING GOES WAY BACK

When exactly is Easter? Back in A.D. 325, Roman Emperor Constantine decreed that Easter would be the Sunday of or after the first full moon of spring. So it can fall any time between March 22 and April 25.

The egg — a symbol of rebirth in many cultures — was already being hard-boiled and exchanged centuries before Constantine's day. In the 19th century, confectioners sweetened the custom, making egg-shaped pastries and marzipan before settling on chocolate.

And the bunny? The furry symbol apparently was originally a sacred bird belonging to the pagan goddess of spring, Eoster (for whom Easter is named). The goddess is said to have turned the bird into a rabbit in a fit of rage — but he still makes straw nests full of eggs.

— Quick and Simple magazine