Shintani’s talk covers drugs, nutrition

Dr. Terry Shintani, author of the "Eat More Weigh Less Diet" and the "Hawaii Diet," will discuss weight loss and reducing the need for medication at a free lecture Tuesday.

Shintani will present "The 7 Step Health Makeover," which covers topics such as getting off medications safely, how diet can help allergies and chronic pain, and factors that cause heartburn and constipation.

He’ll also talk about associations between certain conditions and medications, for example cholesterol medication with memory loss, diabetes medication with increased heart disease and blood-pressure medication with fatigue.

Shintani is a physician, professor at the University of Hawaii School of Medicine and has been honored as a "Living Treasure of Hawaii."

The talk is at 7 p.m. at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse, 404 Kapahulu Ave. Visit www.vsh.org or call 944-8344.

Wine tastings showcase individuality

Stellar offerings from France are the subject of two tastings this month at Vino Italian Tapas and Wine Bar. First, the spotlight turns to wines by four French wine-making mavericks on Jan. 10, then a trio of top picks from 2009 from the Rhone Valley on Jan. 24.

The tastings starts at 6 p.m.; cost is $39. Reservations only; call 533-4476 or email svilliers@dkrestaurants.com. Vino is at 500 Ala Moana Blvd. in Restaurant Row.

» Jan. 10 lineup: 2009 Jean Foillard Morgon "Corcelette," 2010 Maxime Magnon "La Demarrante," 2009 Leon Barral "Jadis" and 2009 Domaine Gramenon "Sierra du Sud."

»Jan. 24 lineup: 2009 Sang de Cailloux Vacqueyras "Cuvee Azalais," 2009 Clape Cornas and 2009 Louis Barruol Cote Rotie "La Doree."

Learning and dining combine at 3660

Build your culinary skills at chef Russell Siu’s cooking classes, held every other month at 3660 on the Rise.

Classes start at 6 p.m. and cost $67. They include a meal featuring the dishes demonstrated, plus a wine pairing. Limited seating; call 737-1177.

The restaurant is at 3660 Waialae Ave.

» Jan. 16: Crispy Shrimp with Garlic and Scallions with Honey Chili Aioli; Fire Roasted Duck Breast with Braised Daikon and Dashi Jus; Soy Sake Glazed Butterfish with Soy Ginger Dashi Nage; and Key Lime Tart

» March 14: Coquille St. Jacques Scallops in Mushroom Cream Sauce; Kale and Roasted Beet Salad; Breast of Chicken "Oscar" topped with Crab, Asparagus and Hollandaise; and Chocolate Mousse.

Dining event visits 8 eateries

Survey the culinary landscape of Downtown Hono­lulu at Dishwalk, a self-guided food tour, 2 to 5 p.m. Jan. 27.

Participants will visit eight eateries, including new venues and hole-in-the-wall favorites, for a tasting of a dish at each location. The lineup of restaurants is a surprise that will be revealed right before the event.

Tickets are $40 advance, $45 at the door. Visit www.dishcrawl.com/oahu.