Isle barista wins regionals

Pete Licata, coffee quality manager and barista trainer at Honolulu Coffee Co., took top honors at the South West Regional Barista Competition in Hollywood on Sunday, using 100 percent Hawaii coffee from Kau and Kona. His preparation of espresso, cappuccino and a signature beverage beat out 36 baristas from seven states. Licata’s win is especially sweet because he was involved with the coffee from harvest and roasting all the way to the cups he served to judges.

Cook, eat and drink with chef Siu

Chef Russell Siu will share tricks and tips at a cooking class held every other month at 3660 on the Rise.

This class at 6 p.m. March 24 features broccoli chowder; baked chicken with prosciutto and provolone cheese, and tomato coulis; paprika beef over egg noodles; and profiterole with vanilla ice cream and mocha sauce.

Students are served each course along with wine. Cost is $65. Reservations required; call 737-1177.

Wine tasting will benefit students

The Rotary Club of Wahiawa-Waialua presents its 14th annual wine-tasting fundraiser, 6 to 9 p.m. March 24 at Pearl Country Club. The event includes gourmet pupu, a silent auction and live music.

All proceeds benefit scholarships for graduating high school students and various community service projects in the area.

Tickets are $50 pre-sale and $60 at the door. Call 387-3771 or e-mail kenuyeno@gmail.com.

Kona farm bureau to host new event

The Kona County Farm Bureau will debut a new event, the "Farmers & Friends Dinner — A Localvore Experience," on March 26.

The buffet is tailor-made for consumers dedicated to eating locally grown and produced food.

Keauhou Beach Resort Chef Cy Yamamoto, an alumnus of Hawaii Community College-West Hawaii, will be creating a dinner using just-picked vegetables, fruits and herbs; red veal; grass-fed beef; and fresh ocean fish; plus, a pairing of 100 percent Kona coffee with chocolate made with island cacao.

The inaugural event includes an opening reception where diners can mingle with food producers. The evening will also include a silent auction and door prizes featuring products from Kona County Farm Bureau’s Saturday Keauhou Farmers’ Market.

The dinner will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Keauhou Beach Resort. Tickets are $65 and available online at www.konafarmbureau.org. Call (808) 324-6011 or visit www.konafarmbureau.org.