A taste of Peru, by way of Portland, Ore., comes to the Kahala Hotel & Resort from July 14 to 31.
Dustin Koemer, executive chef of Andina Restaurant, will be the guest chef for a series of events:
>> July 14: A five-course wine dinner at Hoku’s is centered on Koemer’s versions of Arroz con Mariscos (seafood and rice) and Lomo Saltado (steak stir-fry). Cost is $135.
>> July 15: The Ceviche & Poke Challenge, 10:30 a.m. in the Maile Room, pairs Koemer with Kahala’s executive chef, Wayne Hirabayashi, in a seminar and tasting with cocktails. Cost is $50.
>> July 15-31: A Taste of Peru, Koemer’s four-course contemporary Peruvian menu, will be served at Hoku’s. Cost is $75; wine pairings are an additional $45.
>> Through July: Peruvian Social Hour at the Veranda features South American cocktails by mixologist Julie Reiner (Cuzco, Chilcano and Pisco Sour) and South American wines selected by master sommelier Roberto Viernes. Drinks start at $15.
Call 739-8760.
Cooking, etiquette covered
Girls looking to develop their cooking and hosting skills can do both next week at La Pietra — Hawaii School for Girls.
Let’s Cook! is a weeklong class that teaches students in grades 5 to 9 to prepare several dishes, then present them beautifully at the table. The girls will also learn to navigate a dinner with lessons in proper etiquette, table manners and social graces that promise to “impress even the most elegant guests.”
The class runs from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Monday to July 14 at La Pietra, 2933 Poni Moi Road. Fee is $175. Sign up at 808ne.ws/girlscook.
$50K goes to Veggie U
A program designed to teach schoolkids about growing and eating vegetables has received a $50,000 gift of cash.
The Localicious Hawaii dining campaign raised $50,000 for the Hawaii Agricultural Foundation for its Veggie U Hawaii program. The money changed hands Thursday in a check-passing ceremony.
The cash was raised in March when 170 restaurants statewide dedicated at least one locally sourced menu item to the campaign. For each dish sold, $1 was donated to the foundation.
Veggie U provides fourth-grade teachers with a curriculum of interactive agricultural and science-focused activities centered on growing food and eating healthfully.
Quickbites is a weekly listing of dining events. Email items to crave@staradvertiser.com.
