The mission: to help children become responsible adults. The benefits: priceless. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu, young participants spend a few hours a month doing one-on-one activities including sports, movies or just hanging out with a child from a single-parent home. Beyond the community impact, being Big opens the opportunity to network with other do-gooders. (A single volunteer told us other singles in the program are well worth knowing, whether for friendship or dating; but of course that's just a bonus.) For more information on volunteer opportunities, go to www.bigshonolulu.org.

— L.M.

THE PLAYLIST

TOP 5 PLACES FOR PLATE LUNCH

Metromix Honolulu is the go-to site for dining, nightlife and other social options. It's interactive: Websurfers are invited to post their "playlists" of favorite locations.

Here's the Metromix Honolulu playlist of the week, posted by Cliff Dela Cruz, 24, of Kunia:

1. Rainbow Drive-In

Excellent spot for post-surf/beach outings.

2. Grace's Inn

Longtime fixture in Hawai'i and one of the best chicken katsu plates I've ever eaten.

3. Miki's

A Westside O'ahu favorite hidden in Pearl City, with late-night grindz available for those who prefer somewhere other than Zippy's.

4. Bob's Bar-B-Que

A longtime favorite in the heart of Kalihi. The food lives up to its name with excellent local food and barbecue, especially my favorite, the Hibachi Chicken Plate.

5. Kaka'ako Kitchen

Excellent daily specials and the (build your own) Mixed Plate is a must. (Also near other great eateries such as Kua 'Aina Sandwich, Ryan's Grill and Mocha Java.)

Share your favorite eating-drinking-partying spots around town by creating a playlist for posting at www.honolulu.metromix.com. Your list could be featured next.

WINE AND DINE ON A BUDGET AT DU VIN

Brasserie Du Vin's wine and French dining atmosphere are bargain options after work, with a happy-hour menu that includes dishes such as escargots in herbed garlic green butter ($5), grilled fish du jour with olive butter and Manchego cheese on a white bean salad ($8), and baked Brie with pecans and dried cranberries wrapped in warm pastry ($7). With half-off cocktails, too, patrons can eat and drink for less than $20. 1115 Bethel St. (across from Hawai'i Theatre); 545-1115, www.brasserieduvin.com.

— L.M.

LEARN THE BASICS OF BURLESQUE

Whether you want to learn how to bump 'n' grind for yourself or someone special, or plan to shimmy and shake your way into the spotlight, a three-session "Burly-Q Basics" workshop taught by the Cherry Blossom Cabaret dancer known as Lola Love is designed to help you command a stage and create your own routine. You will learn the basics of burlesque performance, including grace and balance, how to play with props and the sexy walks. It's for students 18 and older at The Loft in Chinatown, Thursdays Sept. 11-25; $80. For more information, e-mail LolaLoveBC@yahoo.com.

— Lacy Matsumoto

SALES & BARGAINS