Help culinary school by eating out during Restaurant Week

Everybody wins during Restaurant Week, when dozens of restaurants offer special menus at special, often discounted prices, all to benefit the planned Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Diamond Head.

The event, Nov. 14-20, features eateries from fast-food to fine-dining restaurants. For a list of venues visit www.restaurantweekhawaii.com. Many already have posted menus and prices.

The culinary institute will offer an advanced four-year program, with a campus to include a restaurant.

MORSELS

Vegan holiday meal on tap

Chef Alyssa Moreau, who specializes in vegetarian and gluten-free cooking, and macrobiotic chef Kathy Maddux will prepare a gourmet vegan holiday dinner on Nov. 16.

The menu: Creamy Pea Soup, Confetti Quinoa Salad on a Bed of Greens, Lentil Loaf with Mushroom Gravy, Buttered Purée, Poached Pear with Figs & Cranberries, and Kukicha Tea.

Moreau is the winner of this year’s Whole Foods Market “Eat Local” recipe challenge (divinecreationshawaii.com).

The dinner will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Church of the Crossroads, 1212 University Ave. Cost is $20 advance and $22 at the door, subject to availability. To-go meals will also be available.

Make reservations by Nov. 13. Email macrocommhi@hawaii.rr.com.

Buffet is for guys and ghouls

If taking the tots out for dinner is a scary prospect, here’s one time your parental sentiments will match the event. At the Oceanarium at Pacific Beach Hotel from Friday to Sunday, families can enjoy a “ghoulishly delicious” Halloween Booffet while viewing some surprises amid the Oceanarium’s fish, stingrays and eels.

The menu: Prime Rib Monster Meat, Vampire Vegetables, Mummy’s Island Fresh Catch and more, served by staffers in creepy costumes.

The buffet is $39.95 and $8.50 for costumed children ($16.95 without costume). Call 922-1233 or visit www.pacificbeachhotel.com.