A charity chili cook off and all things Greek

Jo McGarry
By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Friday - August 03, 2007
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Russell Siu, owner of Kakaako Kitchen
Russell Siu, owner of Kakaako Kitchen

Time to dust off your best chili pot and get that family recipe out of the kitchen. The Kakaako Kitchen Chili Cook Off is looking for dedicated amateurs who think they make some pretty hot stuff.

“We’ll be looking for originality, and also for table presentation along with a great-tasting chili,” says Kakaako Kitchen owner Chef Russell Siu.

“The cook off is a way to raise money for Ronald McDonald Charities, and it’s also a great way to let people compete in a fun, culinary contest.”


Contestants must be prepared to bring 5 gallons of chili to the event and to cook on site.A celebrity panel of judges will be on hand to taste all entries on Sunday, Aug. 12.

Prizes include a round-trip for two to Maui including air, room and car.

For non-participants, there will be a “people’s tasting” at 5 p.m., where guests can enjoy a taste of all the chili along with live entertainment.

A $10 donation is suggested, and includes two beers and food.

Applicants must submit their name, address, telephone number and e-mail address to Kakaako Kitchen or fax it to 533-4195 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Volunteers at the Greek Festival serve Greek salad
Volunteers at the Greek Festival serve Greek salad

Go Greek

The sweet smell of baklava and the unmistakable sound of Greek music will soon announce the 27th annual Greek Festival. It’s undoubtedly the best place to get a taste of authentic Greek food, and the ladies of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Pacific have been hard at work already, preparing mouthwatering dishes from family recipes.

Popular dishes at the festival include spanikopita (spinach pie) and a fabulous moussaka. Greek Chicken, soublaki, salads and a wide assortment of desserts, including baklava, also will be on sale. Greek wines and imported beers also will be offered - along with a taste of signature spirit ouzo.

Folk dancing and live music will be performed, and enthusiastic audience participation is encouraged.

Annual festival-goers agree that it’s one of the liveliest, friendliest food events in Honolulu - with Greek dancing lessons, live Greek music and great food, it’s interactive and fun for the entire family.

The festival is Aug. 25 and 26 from noon to 9 p.m. at Ala Moana Park’s McCoy Pavilion.

Festival highlights include a special performance by FOTIA, one of the most popular Greek bands on the West Coast, plus performances by guitarist Sotos Kappas, dance performances by The Nisiotes Dance Group and Balkan Music by Partners in Time.

Admission is $3 for adults, and free for children 11 years and younger.

www.ssconhelhi.goarch.org

Keith Endo, the new chef at Vino, has worked as executive chef at Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar, and Vino Kapalua. Now he’s in charge of changing the menu at the popular Restaurant Row wine bar
Keith Endo, the new chef at Vino, has worked as executive chef at Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar, and Vino Kapalua. Now he’s in charge of changing the menu at the popular Restaurant Row wine bar

Chef Change at Vino

Keith Endo, chef de cuisine at Vino Kapalua, has taken up residence at Vino Restaurant Row. “Our intent is to increase the food part of Vino (originally opened as a wine bar with food) and to give Vino more of a restaurant focus,” says partner and sommelier Chuck Furuya.


New dishes are already flying out of the kitchen, as Endo wastes no time in making his mark. Try the handmade ricotta cheese tortellini served with shrimp and a Kahuku corn and crab sauce - or ask about Keith’s incredible organic chicken-stuffed cannelloni.

If these dishes are anything to go by, there are exciting things happening. Endo is obviously excited by the prospect of changing the menu and told us he plans to have more than a dozen new dishes in place in the next few weeks.

Vino Restaurant Row 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Phone: 524-8466

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