After seven years of success, Leeward Community College's annual culinary program fundraiser is getting a new name, L'ulu (formerly Taste of the Stars), the Leeward Culinary Arts Gala, and a new focus: honoring the chefs who have put Hawai'i food on the map and helped young culinarians, many themselves graduates of the state's community college culinary training. The event is May 10 on the college campus where significant renovations, paid for partly by previous galas, have been completed. Tickets are $100 before May 1; $125 after. Information: Fabi Castellano, 455-0300.

The school is unveiling a new Hawai'i Regional Cuisine Founding Chefs Wall of Fame at the Pearl Restaurant and, as a prelude to L'ulu, HRC founding member Roy Yamaguchi will spend an evening with students and create a special menu with them to be served April 18. Reservations: 455-0298.

FROM PUNA TO THE PALI

HONGWANJI FEST MEANS 'ONO GRINDS, PORTUGUESE MILK BREAD

The annual Taste of Hongwanji Bazaar, known for some of the best festival foods all year long, is set for 8 a.m. to noon March 30 at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin just off Pali Highway (the big white temple). Expect huli huli chicken, sushi, fried noodles, stew bowls, Okinawan miso rib soup, chili bowls, pickled vegetables, shave ice, kal bi, Osaka tako balls, KC Waffle Dogs and — a specialty of this event — Puna Portuguese milk bread.

Huh? Portuguese bread at a fundraiser for a Buddhist temple? It's easily explained. The Rev. Earl Ikeda, resident minister at Puna Hongwanji on the Big Island, and formerly a baker in his family's business, has developed a milk bread operation that helps fund their temple projects. Several dozen loaves will be air-freighted to Honpa Hongwanji just in time for the sale. Also on sale: the temple's ever-popular cookbooks, plus thrift shop-type items. Parking is at Hongwanji Mission School and Kawananakoa School or on the temple grounds (if you can find a spot).