‘Iolani School fare is more than fair

Even if carnivals are not your thing, the hungry monkey in you might appreciate a visit to the ‘Iolani School Fair Friday and Saturday. We’re talking fair fare that’s a cut above.

Yes, you’ll find malasadas (33,600 of them), but you could opt for a version sprinkled with chili peppers, or a poi version from a recipe by Michele Fusato of Mignardise, a Honolulu bakeshop.

Yes, you’ll find regular American hot dogs, but also dogs dressed up in okonomiyaki, nacho and kim chee styles.

Yes, you’ll find cookies (9,000 have been baked for the general store), but also slices of a 15-layer chocolate mousse crepe cake designed by chef Ronnie Nasuti of Tiki’s Grill & Bar in Waikiki.

You could also partake of fair favorites, such as the Huli Beef Sandwich, smoked turkey legs, gumbo (also available frozen to take home) and the bulgogi wrap.

Head to the Gourmet Tent to really indulge. Here you can get lobster bisque, pasta Bolognese, a lobster and shrimp roll or chicken curry.

Cooking demonstrations with restaurant chefs are set for 7 p.m. Friday (Tiki’s) and on Saturday at 3 p.m. (Roy’s) and 5 p.m. (12 Ave Grill). More demonstrations may be added.

The fair runs noon to 10:30 p.m. both days at the school, 563 Kamoku St. Admission is free; purchase scrip for food. Parking is available at Kaimuki High School for $5. Visit iolanifair.org (click on “attractions”).

— Betty Shimabukuro, Star-Advertiser

TREASURED STORIES OF LOCAL FOODS

Who doesn’t like to hear a good story over a delicious meal? Windward Community College’s “Food from the Gods — Mo‘olelo Series” offers ono tastings of dishes made with ingredients from the Kaneohe ahupuaa, and a hearty helping of Hawaiian legends as well.

Chef-instructor Mahana Beamer, and Hawaiian language instructor and cultural specialist Tuti Kanahele present the food and moolelo (treasured stories).

The noncredit class runs from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the college’s Hale A‘o (the Hawaiian Studies building). Cost is $45 and includes the storytelling, recipes, a three-course tasting plate, dessert and beverage. Register by Friday at windwardcce.org/cooking.

On April 28, another installment of the Mo‘olelo Series looks at healing plants grown at the school and served at its Uala Leaf Cafe. “Weeds on My Plate,” 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Hale A‘o, spotlights the school’s agripharmatech program, a plant biology program that grows “weeds” that promote health.

Beamer leads the discussion. The $45 fee covers lecture, recipes and three-course tasting plate, dessert and beverage. Register by April 25.

— Joleen Oshiro, Star-Advertiser