Hate to say it, but the new Heartbeat Hawaii show at Level 4 needs a transfusion. The performers at last Friday's opening night were far from polished, but the real disheartening news is that the show itself had little, if anything, to do with Hawai'i. If you go, grab the program, because it's the only chance you have of following the show. Here's hoping they can pull it together quickly, otherwise the show will soon be flatlining ...

Chef George Mavrothalassitis, also known as Chef Mavro, hosted a private screening Monday evening of the film "Julie & Julia." The event was a who's who of the Honolulu foodie/culinary set. We spotted chefs Alan Wong and Ed Kenney and local food writers Betty Shimabukuro and our own Wanda Adams. The movie, which is a two-in-one tale about the life of Julia Child before she mastered French cooking and the story of a woman who uses Child as inspiration to kick-start her dull life, is charming, entertaining and inspirational.

But don't watch it on an empty stomach: It's chock-full of amazing-looking food. After the show, we were dying for some boeuf bourguignon (the dish plays a prominent role in the film) but, alas, it's scarce in this city — as most food is after 9:30 p.m. on a weeknight. We ended up at Side Street Inn, eating escargot and sauteed mushrooms swimming in butter and garlic. Not purely French fare, but it hit the spot.

P.S. To the good folks at Side Street Inn: If the sauteed mushrooms came with a basket of crusty bread to soak up all the garlicky buttery stuff, it would be extra awesome. Thanks ...

"So You Think You Can Dance" choreographers Tabitha and Napoleon D'uomo were nominated for an Emmy Award for best choreography for a dance to Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love" that was performed last season by Kailua boy Mark Kanemura and his partner and fellow contestant Chelsie Hightower. So what if he's not actually the Emmy nominee? There wouldn't be a nominated dance if he hadn't performed it. So there. Go Mark! ...

If you're looking for a movie picking up buzz, check out "The Hurt Locker" at Kahala 8 or Ward theaters. "Intense" is the only way to describe it. It will be an Oscar sleeper in multiple categories, including best picture. ...