B on Hawaii

A steadfast disbeliever in the timeshare vacation as a truly legitimate destination experience, this writer has been turned. A recent jaunt to the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas proved that timeshares aren't solely about pillaging vacationers for $30,000; yet a smart design, extremely comfortable accommodations and activities aplenty can make for a wonderful stay option.

It was a big week for chef announcements, all of which you'll read here first.

This coming weekend, the Hotel Hana Maui is hosting a “Harvest Weekend” celebration that will spotlight local farmers, fisherman and producers, as well as fine wine and culinary preparations from one of Hawai’i’s most celebrated chefs. The event is the first of its kind since the hotel assumed new ownership.

At the 2008 Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, as "B on Hawaii" publisher, I was asked to host a wine dinner that spotlighted wine-producing regions around the globe. I noted the parallels between the terroir of typical wines from places like Tuscany and Northern Spain, while speaking on the fare that usually accompanied these varietals.

The opportunity to sip some of the finest Viognier from Sonoma doesn't present itself every day. Nor does soaking in the ambiance that is Lana'i's Lodge at Koele. Experience the winning combination of these, plus the exquisite fare of Chef Fabrice Huet on Sunday, December 21, while you mingle with the Pride Mountain family of winemakers in the highland climes of The Pineapple Isle.

One of Waikiki's longtime favorite watering holes (albeit with stellar ocean views, hearty fare and a hopping scene, day and night) has initiated a weekly club night. Tiki's Grill & Bar, perched oceanfront on Kalakaua Avenue, will host a "Pink Tiki" party in the Ocean Room, starting at 10:00 p.m., every Friday evening. 

This weekend (beginning November 22nd), the bucolic retreat known as the Hotel Hana Maui will host a pair of back-to-back events celebrating the arrival of Dr. Jerry Seps of Storybook Mountain Winery from Napa, California. One of the most storied Zinfandel producers in California's history, Dr.

It's that time of the year again... when the islands' top chefs have the sense to realize that elsewhere on this big blue planet there are seasons a-changing and colder winds a-blowing.

This Wednesday, November 12, 2008, marks the last Alan Wong's Restaurant "Farmer Series Dinner" at the aforementioned King Street location. Let it be said that this groundbreaking concept orchestrated by one of Hawaii's most celebrated chefs is perhaps the best way to really taste what is happening in and around Hawaii.