Annual Ho’okipa benefits KCC

Times are tough all over, and the folks at Kapiolani Community College’s winning culinary arts program know this firsthand.

Tickets for the program’s annual benefit, Ho’okipa 2010, have gone virtually unsold, and the event is just two days away.

So: If you enjoy fine cuisine, help ensure that Hawaii continues to grow top-notch chefs. Spend Friday evening grazing on culinary delights made by students and faculty of the college, including the American Culinary Federation Team Hawaii 2010.

The event will be held at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, with cocktails starting at 5:30 p.m. and grazing at 6:15.

Tickets are $100. Call 734-9544 or e-mail hookipa@hawaii.edu. 

Kailua High offers imu space

The Kailua High School boys basketball program plans to spend a weekend tending an imu and is offering space inside for trays of food.

Food goes into the underground oven on Oct. 29, emerging the next morning steamed full of luau flavor.

Cost is $15 per large aluminum tray. Food — such as whole turkeys, roasts or pork butt (meat chunks should have three deep cuts in them), sweet potatoes, taro or luau leaves — must be thawed, seasoned and well-wrapped in foil. Drop in pan and wrap again in foil. Weight limit per tray is 25 pounds.

Reservations due by Oct. 22. Make checks payable to Kailua High School Boys Basketball and send to the school, 451 Ulumanu Drive, Kailua 96734.

Write "Attention: Basketball IMU" in lower left corner of the envelope. Include your name, telephone number and a self-addressed, stamped envelope so a confirmation ticket can be sent to you.

To be included in an e-mail list for future imu, provide an e-mail address as well.

Call 728-7389 or 285-2069.

Cantina events will aid 3 groups

Pablo’s Cantina at Ward Centre is holding benefits for three organizations this month.

The eatery will donate a portion of its earnings to the following groups:

» Tomorrow through next Wednesday: Make-a-Wish Foundation

» Oct. 14 to 20: Catholic Charities Hawaii

» Oct. 21: Hawaii Polo Club

Call 591-8307.

Classes focus on healthy eating

Castle Medical Center is offering classes this month to support healthy eating. Call 263-5400 or register online at castlemed.org.

» "Season’s Eatings": Noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 21 Learn strategies of moderation to navigate the endless holiday buffets, parties and desserts. Free.

» "Scrumptious Squash": 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28 Chef Rebecca Woodland will demonstrate creative recipes to prepare squash, which is high in fiber and chock full of vitamins. Cost is $15, $20 a couple, $10 seniors and students. Payment and reservations required two days in advance.

Show off skills in ice sculpting

Chefs and artists alike can take a break from the heat and express their creativity in an international ice sculpting competition on Maui in November. Top winners take home $1,000 and $500.

Applications are being accepted through Oct. 14 for the contest. The first 10 respondents will be entered.

The 90-minute competition, to be held Nov. 14 at Lahaina Cannery Mall, will be judged by a board member of the National Ice Carvers Association.

Call (808) 661-5304, visit www.lahainacannery.com or reach @LahainaCannery via Twitter.

Taste of Hilo features sturgeon

Hilo’s Japanese Chamber of Commerce is holding its 12th Annual Taste of Hilo on Oct. 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Hilo Hongwanji.

The event, a benefit for Hawaii Community College, will feature Hilo-raised sturgeon. The fish is known for its caviar and delicious smoky flavor.

Some 30 participating restaurants and other vendors will also be on hand to provide food and wine.

Tickets are $40 presale and $60 at the door. Call (808) 934-0177.