Cuisine for a cause: Chris Kajioka, formerly of Vintage Cave, and Justin Park of Bar Leather Apron have partnered to create a culinary and cocktail experience to benefit the Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation. Guests can expect 10 to 12 “tasting bites” accompanied by four to six drinks. The limited-seating event costs $200 per person and will be held Saturday at Bar Leather Apron in the Topa Financial Center, 745 Fort St., mezzanine level, in downtown Honolulu. Seatings will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Reserve via email at info@barleatherapron.com.
BYOB at Vino: Vino’s second BYOB dinner is 5 p.m. Sunday. Plan your wine around a menu of buffalo-style cauliflower, oxtail agnolotti, braised heirloom carrots, Bristol Bay scallop dore, roasted pork roulade and chocolate panna cotta. Cost: $52. Vino is at 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Reservations required. Call 524-8466 or email Ann at ataketa@dkrestaurants.com.
Vegan gathering: Thinking about going vegan? The Oahu Vegan Meetup is held 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Kaimuki-Waialae YMCA. This two-hour potluck, which is held monthly, will feature a waffle brunch dine-in with faux sausages. Guests can bring toppings (i.e. maple syrup, fruits, etc.), “fake” bacon and other ono vegan items. Guests must also bring their own plate/bowl, cup, napkins and utensils. To sign up, go to meetup.com and search for Oahu Vegan Meetup. The Kaimuki-Waialae YMCA is at 4835 Kilauea Ave.
Honey toast brings prizes: Shokudo is celebrating its 11th anniversary with 11 golden tickets. Diners who purchase the 3-Layer Anniversary Honey Toast will have a chance to win one of the 11 tickets. Prizes include a Las Vegas vacation with Vacations-Hawaii (accommodations at the California Hotel), a one-night stay at Lotus Honolulu, Paradise Cove Luau tickets, a Honolulu Massage &Bodyworks package, dinner at Buho Cantina, a wine-pairing dinner at Bread &Butter, a Nikon digital camera, an Apple watch, a GoPro camera, an iPad or a trip to Maui. Shokudo is at 1585 Kapiolani Blvd. Reserve at 941-3701 or visit shokudojapanese.com.
Twist on paint night: Sheraton Waikiki and Wine &Canvas Hawaii join forces to let guests paint their own souvenir with acrylic paints on a gallery-wrapped, 16-by-20 canvas. Painting begins 3 p.m. every Monday by the Lily Pond. Need sustenance to get the creativity flowing? Food and beverages are available for purchase. Cost: $45. To sign up go to wineandcanvas.com, the hotel’s activities desk or call 931-8007. For more information, call 922-4422. The Sheraton Waikiki is at 2255 Kalakaua Ave.
New dishes at SKY: Haven’t been to SKY Waikiki yet? The nightclub started a new dinner menu last month. Enjoy executive chef Lance Kosaka’s delicious creations and Jen Ackrill’s yummy cocktails while relaxing as the sun goes down. SKY is at 2270 Kalakaua Ave., 19th floor. Call 979-7590. skywaikiki.com.
More than poke: Da Hawaiian Poke Co. added three plate lunches to its menu this month. Chef and co-owner Mark Oyama said the company wanted to expand its selection of cooked items. The new plates include Ahi Katsu Okonomiyaki Style; Tempura Dipped Salmon Dynamite Roll with Blue Crab, Shrimp and Ahi; and Korean Seared Ahi Bi Bim Bap. Da Hawaiian Poke Co. is at 870 Kapahulu Ave, in the Safeway Kapahulu Center. Call 425-4954 or visit dahawaiianpokecompany.com.
Surf Lanai switches up lunch: The Royal Hawaiian Resort Waikiki’s Surf Lanai has a revamped midday menu. Enjoy a Royal Ali‘i burger, lemon verbena chilled shrimp, pizzas and more while enjoying views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. The beach and poolside restaurant is at 2259 Kalakaua Ave. Call 931-7194. royal-hawaiian.com/dining/surflanai.
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Send restaurant news — restaurant opening and closings, new chefs, mixologists and menu changes to mramos@staradvertiser.com.
