Get popcorn fix free of chemicals

Were you one of those whose go-to snack was microwave popcorn until you found out how many chemicals were in the tiny bag?

Chef’n’s PopTop popcorn popper might have a solution that allows you to still enjoy that afternoon snack.

Just pour in enough kernels to fill the bottom, and in two to three minutes you’ll have about 8 cups of popcorn (without any partially hydrogenated oil, artificial flavor, salt or coloring) ready to eat in a cute red bowl, perfect for sharing.

Plus, it’s kinda cool that while popping, the bowl opens but the popcorn stays put. I have to admit, though, that the several times I used it, four — exactly four — unpopped kernels escaped practically every time.

But four out of the whole bowl is still pretty amazing. And, when folded, the 6-1/2-inch-wide popper doesn’t take up much space in an office or home drawer. You can find PopTop online for around $20. — Michelle Ramos, Star-Advertiser

Take it slow on Chinatown trek

Take a tour of China­town with Slow Food Oahu, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.

Shop, learn lessons of history and culture, then sit down to a five-course lunch.

The tour will take in bakeries, noodle factories, specialty shops, temples and historic sites.

Cost is $55 for members, $65 nonmembers. Register here.

Series teaches about kalo

Are you a poi boy (or girl)? Is your meal incomplete without a bowl of poi, some paiai or a piece of taro mochi? If that sounds like your diet, Malama Learning Center is holding a workshop just for you. Starting April 30 the center begins the All About Kalo series, a monthly three-part workshop covering everything from growing to cooking kalo.

The first class is all about growing and harvesting (9 a.m. to noon April 30 at Ka‘ala Farm), followed by cleaning and processing (9 a.m. to noon June 4, Ka‘ala Farm) and cooking (9 a.m. to noon July 30, Kapolei High School).

Workshops are $20 individually or $50 for the series. Registration required; visit malamalearningcenter.org. For details, call 483-0678 or email sayo@malamalearningcenter.org.

The farm is in Waianae at 85-555 Farrington Highway; the school is at 91-5007 Kapolei Parkway.

Sample wines at fundraiser

The Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership’s spring fundraiser, Downtown Uncorked, features wine tastings and tidbits from Cafe Julia, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday in the courtyard of YWCA Oahu on Richards Street.

The Mink Center, on the third floor of the YWCA’s Laniakea headquarters, provides networking opportunities, business classes and consulting services to female entrepreneurs and women at all career stages.

Along with food and drink, Downtown Uncorked will feature a silent auction of specialty wines.

Tickets are $40. Call 695-2635 or visit mcbl-hawaii.org.

Class offers vegan menu

The Castle Wellness Center offers a cooking demonstration, “Eat Well for Life: Journey to Japan,” 6 to 7:15 p.m. April 28.

The vegan menu features sekihan (red rice) and other traditional dishes. Recipes provided. Cost is $10; payment and reservations are required by April 27. Call 263-5400 or register online at castlemed.org.