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Let’s talk food today.
Hawaii-born Kelly Preston, who often flies here on hubby John Travolta’s private jet (he’s a certified pilot), gave Leonard’s Bakery’s malasadas a huge boost in the July 2 People magazine. The power couple recently visited the Kapahulu bakery.
“You get a big bag, and you can’t even leave the parking lot without eating them,” said Preston of the Portuguese doughnut. Leonard’s the only game in town now, since the closure of both Agnes’ in Kailua and Champion’s in McCully; I get my fix at the Leonard’s wagon at Koko Marina Shopping Center. …
Conde Nast Traveler has compiled 50 favorite dishes from 50 states, and lists Hawaii’s favorite as poke, recommending Lihue’s Fish Express on Kauai as the go-to place. Other curious choices: Florida, key lime pie; Maine, lobster roll; Maryland, crabcake; New York, pizza; Oklahoma, chicken fried steak; Virginia, boiled peanuts. Hmmm. …
Roy Yamaguchi, still marking Roy’s restaurant’s 30th anniversary, has brought back Roy’s Rack, those finger-lickin’ good Sichuan-style baby back ribs. Yum! …
At Chef Mavro, George Mavrothalassitis is celebrating his 20th anniversary and brings back his Perigord truffles, normally a December specialty.
“But it’s always winter somewhere in the world, especially Australia, where ours come from,” said Mavro. …
NAME GAME
Belated cheers to Tony and Karen Ruivivar (he’s the leader/co-founder of the Society of Seven), who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last month in Las Vegas. Son Anthony Ruivivar, the actor, and his two sons, Kainoa and Kale, cheered their grandparents (their sister, Levi, had a conflicting gymnastic event), and Karen’s sister Alexis flew in from Denver for the party. Former SOS manager Fran Kirk also attended the celebration, and noted that Anthony offered brief comments about Hollywood nicknaming power couples, proceeding to dub his parents “Karentonio.” You know, like in Brangelina, Bennifer and Javanka. …
FAMILY TIES
Martin Nievera’s recent return to Blue Note Hawaii was a family affair, with three generations of Nieveras represented. Besides Martin, his first son Robin took the limelight, with a clutch of tunes indicating Robin is en route to stardom in his own right.
But the emotion-charged tribute to late dad Roberto Nievera, who played the same showroom as a member of the Society of Seven, was a keeper and a weeper. “This Is My Life” was Roberto’s signature tune, and with tears welling in his eyes, Martin looked up toward heaven after singing dad’s tune, a fitting acknowledgement of his father’s impact on his own career and a reinforcement that talent runs in the family. Earlier this year, Martin’s twin sister, Vicky, sang several duets with him at Blue Note. …
SHOW BREEZES
From the concert ledger:
>> ManoaDNA joins the Wildest Show in Town on Wednesday at the Honolulu Zoo. …
>> Engelbert Humperdinck, a pop crooner for decades, will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 25-26 at the Hawaii Theatre Center. The performance will be recorded for future broadcast so, yep, you might end up on camera, too. Remember “After the Loving,” “Am I That Easy to Forget” and “The Last Waltz”? Tickets: $49.50-$125, at 528-0506. …
>> “Ola Ka Aina,” at 5 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Hawaii Theatre, celebrates Kanile‘a Ukulele’s 20th anniversary. Doors open at 4 p.m.; a VIP preshow event begins at 3:30 p.m. Performers include Kapena, Keauhou, Honoka and Azita, Hi‘ikua, Vaihi, Na Waiho‘olu‘u o ke Anuenue, Karlie G, Ben and Maila, Cody Pueo Pata, Aldrine Guerrero, Craig and Sarah, and Jody Kamisato. Tickets: VIP, $95; $25-$45, at 528-0506. …
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.
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