Alan Wong has
the right stuffI'M just so happy to still be in business after three years, said chef Alan Wong, on the third birthday of his Alan Wong's restaurant Sunday. The party was a benefit for the Wahiawa Centennial Celebration. Many of Wong's Leilehua classmates from Wahiawa attended. "It reminds me of backyard luau with everybody having a happy time, just like the old days," Wong said. Danny Akaka Jr., son of the U.S. senator, gave the blessing and played guitar. He and Wong sang "I'll Remember You." Sen. Akaka said Hawaii is blessed with world class chefs and culinary artists and Alan Wong is one of the best. It was also Judge James Burns' birthday and he thanked all for coming to HIS party at Wong's. Ho, ho. Sen. Akaka led the crowd in singing "Happy Birthday" to Burns. "Tonight you're all exempt from DUI," the judge joked. "Yeah, if he's the judge," cracked John Doty. Councilwoman Rene Mansho and TV's Emme Tomimbang, Burns' wife, emceed and sang. Emme has a show about Wong and chefs Roy Yamaguchi, Russell Siu, Jean-Marie Josselin and wine expert Chuck Furuya on Monday, 9 p.m., and May 3, 4 p.m., on KHON. Damien Farden was the house singer. Furuya, a closet comic, and chefs Oliver Altherr, Philippe Padovani and Siu attended. Wong had his staff take a bow ...
Wagner and Corky sizzle
PETER WAGNER and Corky Trinidad, Star-Bulletin pals, teed off near the end of the pack in the Third Brita Wood Memorial Golf Tourney last Saturday at the Links at Kuilima but wound up first and second, respectively. Craig Bamer was third. An awards lunch, with ono food from Liz Perry and Conne and Starr Sutherland of Old Waialae Road, followed at the Kawela property of Sonny, Miki and Mahi Beamer. Isle music by "Sugarthroat" Souza's group -- Ki'i Hugho, Mike Kaawa and Hinano Cullen -- was tops. Alice Clay did hula and waltzed with Molokai's Harry Hanchett. Mahi, the peerless singer-pianist who performs at the Outrigger Prince Kuhio, had Sugarthroat's stars join him at the piano. It was all priceless. Thanks to all who helped make the Frau's tourney a winner ...GUITARIST Kaawa, bassist Ocean Kaowili, steel guitarist Bobby Ingano and guitarist Dennis Kamakahi and his son, Kawika, on uke, make up Na 'Oiwi (Native Sons) and play free-wheeling, backyard Hawaiian music Sunday nights at Shipley's in Manoa, 7 to 10:30. Guest singers and hula dancers take part. Guitarist B.B. Shawn sat in Sunday. It's hard to find good Hawaiian groups that have steady work. Years ago bands fronted by isle greats Gabby Pahinui, Sonny Chillingworth and Eddie Kamae played regularly at clubs. Kaawa's gang is the closest to compare with them ...
Sewing up a Vegas trip
CHEERS: Bob Naughton, originally of Australia, surprised wife, Ginette, with a trip to Vegas this weekend for their 33rd wedding anniversary. Shoppers will recall Tahitian Ginette, who did alterations at Ethel's and Gucci and now is with Ralph Lauren Polo. "I'm just her baggage handler," says Bob, who is really a cabinet maker ... Martin and Jeanie Wyss will close Swiss Inn Monday through May 7 to be at daughter Jennie's graduation at the U. of Portland School of Nursing ... Joining Doc Severinsen and the Honolulu Symphony for an isle medley tonight at the Concert Hall are steel guitarist Alan Akaka and uke players Lyle Ritz and Byron Yasui, 7:30 ... Hawaii Theatre's fund-raiser is tonight at the theater ... The Hawaii Music Awards are tomorrow, 4 p.m., at the Hawaii Theatre ... Tonight's "Evening Under the Stars" at the aquarium is postponed ...
Ben Wood, who sold the Star-Bulletin in the streets
of downtown Honolulu during World War II, writes of
people, places and things every Saturday.
His columns appear online every Monday.