Team takes 3rd

Six students from the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Kapiolani Community College won third place and earned a gold medal at the American Culinary Federation’s Western Regional Student Culinary Competition at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The team earned a score of 36.8 points, out of 40 points, from three tasting judges and two kitchen judges. The competition comprised a buffet-style cold platter, a fish and chicken fabrication alongside vegetable knife-cutting skills and a pastry component, and a four-course meal.

"The team performed practically flawlessly both in and out of the kitchen," says coach/chef Alan Tsuchi-yama. "The judges were very pleased with the food."

This marks the end of the road for the team for ACF competitions this year.

Fun with herbs

Learn to select and grow your own herb garden, plus make delicious food, at a workshop put on by the Green House.

Laura Shiels will demonstrate how to make pesto, herb salads, smoothies, teas and sauces.

The workshop runs 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Green House, 224 Pako­hana St. in Pauoa Valley. Cost is $20 and registration is required. Call 524-8427 or visit www.the­green­house­hawaii.com.

He fought the fat

Mike Teehan will share his personal story in "Winning a Lifetime Battle Against Obesity," a free talk at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse.

Teehan, a certified plant-based nutritionist, will share how he lost 176 pounds. He once weighed 331 pounds.

The clubhouse is at 404 Kapa­hulu Ave. Call 734-7279 or visit www.vsh.org.

Foodfest on tap

The sixth Annual East Hono­lulu Food Festival brings together 21 restaurants to Star of the Sea on May 14.

Included in the lineup are Antonio’s Pizza, Assa­gio’s, Big City Diner, Blu Water Grill, JJ’s French Bistro, Kona Brewing Co., Maile’s Thai Bistro, Masa & Joyce, Off the Wall Restaurant and Bar, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Seoul Jung and Soul Patrol.

Live music, family activities and a silent auction round out the event.

Proceeds will benefit the school, at 4470 Alii­koa St. Cost is $60 advance, $70 at the door and $25 children. Call 791-8203.

Maui dinner set

The third Annual Lahaina Restoration Foundation’s Progressive Dinner Party boasts the fare of three top La­haina chefs.

Chef Sheldon Simeon of Star Noodle Restaurant will prepare Asian-themed appetizers at the Wo Hing Museum on Front Street; Chef Mark Ellman, owner of Mala Ocean Tavern, and Chef Ryan Luckey of the Pineapple Grill, will offer salad and entree courses at the Old Prison on Prison Street; and a grand dessert buffet will be served in the courtyard of Pioneer Inn.

The dinner party, to be held May 13 and 14, is a benefit for the nonprofit foundation. Tickets are $135. Call 661-3262 or visit www.la­haina­res­to­ra­tion.org.