Is there a special Valentine’s Day menu, dish or food-related event coming up? Send the who, what, where, when, cost and contact phone number to me by the end of this month to get listed in next month’s column. Until then, don’t forget Chinese New Year, Feb. 8. Look out for the many Chinese restaurants honoring this yearly celebration, such as The Mandalay with its Chinese New Year Dim Sum Brunch Buffet, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. seatings on Feb. 7. The restaurant, at 1055 Alakea St., will be serving pork hash, shrimp with nori roll, mochi rice in lotus leaf, egg flower soup, hot entrees, fresh fruits and more. Cost is $23.99 adults; seniors 60 and older, $18.99; and children ages 3 to 12, $14.99. To reserve, call 525-8585. For a list of several Chinese New Year events, such as the annual Chinatown Cultural Plaza celebration, go to chinesechamber.com.
Freebie at Pearlridge Farmers Market: Shoppers who patronize five Pearlridge Farmers Market vendors can get a free triple chocolate or salted caramel cupcake from Sugar and Spice Cupcake Co. Just pick up a passport from the Farmlovers tent, purchase something from five vendors (don’t forget to have the vendor stamp your passport), then return to the Farmlovers tent with the completed passport. The market is open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Sears parking lot. The freebie will be offered every third Saturday of the month. Next month’s (Feb. 20) freebie is an empanada from Papi’s Empanadas, followed by a bag of ginger from Sing Farm in March and a small bag of popcorn from Island Popper in April. For more information about the Pearlridge Farmers Market, call 388-9696 or go to farmloversmarkets.com.
Third Tuesday at Tango: Six wines featuring the Coppola winery and four courses of delectable dishes headline this month’s Tango event Tuesday. CEO Jay Shoemaker, head winemaker Corey Beck and Ted Grier will be on hand to answer questions and update guests on their winery. The second seating is sold out, but there are still seats for the 5:30 p.m. seating. Cost was unavailable at time of printing. Reserve at 593-7288. Tango Contemporary Cafe is at the base of the Hokua building, 1288 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 120.
“Buena Vista Social Club”: Ballet Hawaii’s benefit gala features Cuban-inspired cuisine, mojitos, Latin music from Rolando Sanchez and more, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Cost: $350 per person. Call Gerry at 469-4393.
New restaurants
Kogi Aina: There’s a new hot-pot spot in Kaneohe. Kogi Aina opened Dec. 10 near the Koa Pancake House at 46-138 Kahuhipa St. The eatery also serves barbecue fare. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily; dinner, 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call 369-7122.
Noi Thai Cuisine: The Thai restaurant opened in October on the third floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki but is having its grand opening this month. Eat at the restaurant Jan. 22-29 and 10 percent of the sales will go to Kapiolani Medical Center. Eat at the restaurant from 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 30 and celebrity servers will donate their tips to the hospital. To reserve, call 664-4039. The eatery is open from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
HBAR at Huggo’s: Huggo’s has re-branded its lounge with a new name: hBAR. You can still find the restaurant’s handcrafted cocktails, such as the Classic Mai Tai, which is made with an almond syrup, and enjoy the drinks oceanfront. The bar also uses house-made syrups; liquors infused with herbs, fruits, veggies, meats and/or nuts; and fresh-squeezed tropical juices. And, of course, there are a variety of small plates, and Huggo’s full menu is available. HBAR, 75-5824 Kahakai Road, Kailua-Kona, opens from 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 4-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturday. Call 329-1493.
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Send restaurant news — restaurant opening and closings, new chefs, mixologists and menu changes — at least two weeks in advance to mramos@staradvertiser.com.
