I like these types of events. It's free to enter for everyone which is always a plus. They had a…read morelot of different booths set up. Bank of Hawaii were giving out free popcorn with the option of li hing mui powder. They also had free giveaways to both Vegas & China. The photo booths were cool. You could take pictures of the Great Wall background or another background of a famous bridge in China and another picture taking display where you could wear a Panda head and snap away. They had a performance stage where they hosted a talent show. This marks the 11th annual of the Chinese festival. I would attend to this event again next year.

Went on Sunday since me being Chinese can't pass up a free deal. There were many stalls selling…read moreall the cheap made in China stuff that you would see at the swap meet. Glad they changed it to free admission I remember paying to go in years ago. Lots of food choices so you won't go hungry. Note to the guys who had the booth with the potstickers...it was stone hard cold, yuck! 3/$1 was not worth it. Thank goodness I didn't get a tummy ache otherwise I would be pissed. Several booths had small portions of samples for you to try which was nice. Saw a bit of the fashion show not bad. Lots of things to take pictures of but I got lazy lol.

If you know who the Beatles are then you are way older than you act! If you know who Rain is then…read morechances are you are very much young at heart. This week enjoyed performance by Rain as they took a blast to the past with many memorable Beatles classics and trivia. The show was lively and the performers were talented. And the audience participated thoughout the entire show. At one point someone got so caught up in the moment they shouted, "George Harrison, take me, I'm yours!!" And then I realized it was me and sat down...!?! Since the evening was sponsored by Straub and the Rehabilitation Center of the Pacific there was even a preshow reception and entertainment. Thank you Straub for the HUGEST chocolate chocolate cookies I have ever experienced !! Two of those and there's dinner. The preshow Straub men impersonating Rain impersonating the Beatles were a blast! Show just opened on Wednesday to a just about sold out crowd. Will last until May 19th. Be sure to buy your tickets now! See WWW.raintribute.com for more info.

It's like, wow, I've always wanted to see The Beatles, but never got the chance. I did, however,…read morewait forty plus years or so to see a tribute band of them! I'm talking about Rain, Experience the Beatles. these guys have it almost down pat... from soul shaking songs like "She Love's Me" to a haunting rendition of "Yesterday", it was a masterful performance mixed with great lighting, stage props, costumes and sound. The show takes you on an unforgettable journey tracing the various eras of The Beatles as they progressed in their music. The British Invasion, how it changed the face of music to what it is today. The Beatles were definitely the ultimate showmen, captivating audiences all over America and the world... Plus, unforgettable appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show made for their climb to fame and fortune. An enjoyable performance, one I won't forget for a long time... In my mind, I picture it as being an actual performance by the foursome, well worth the price paid in today's dollars. My only complaint? I wanted more! After a standing ovation and wild cheering, the guys came out and gave us another fill of the music a lot of us grew up listening to... Would I see them again? Being a true blue Beatles fan, the answer is yes!! No second thoughts, maybe I'd go twice next time!

What a fantastic experience! Soooo cool!…read more So, everyone has heard of Janet Jackson, and most people can sing along to a few of her songs. She's kind of a big deal. So when my friend told me he had tickets, and asked if I wanted to go, it was a no brainer. But I had absolutely no idea how amazing she is, especially in concert. It was epic. I don't use that word lightly. She was fun, and energetic, and super awesome to her backup people and to the crowds. You could FEEL a connection. I wanted to write this review mainly so that people who are going to this same concert tonight and tomorrow could know what to expect. Here are my recommendations: 1. Make reservations, or eat before you're near. Everything nearby was packed. I saw people wandering around trying to find a place to eat. 2. If you got "MT VIP Entry" or whatever don't brag to your friends. I got that and it was early entry into a "museum" where you could see some of Janet's outfits, records, and pictures. It was neat but not the coolest thing ever. 3. Bring a jacket. It's freezing, especially if you get there early. 4. Wear a hat, with a brim. The lasers look cool but they're completely blinding. 5. Bring earplugs. I meant to but forgot. It's so loud it hurts. And takes hours to recover. I was shouting at people accidentally hahah. 6. It's a long concert, so be prepared for that. 7. Any tshirt or sweatshirts (starting at $45) that you buy include a free copy of her newest album. Have fun! I wasn't a giant Janet fan, and now I am!! If you're already a fan you'll have the best time ever!

I've been to many, many big name concerts and this one was great fun but what is up with everyone…read moresitting during the show? Made me wish I was back in NYC at MSG. ;) Janet is one of my absolute favorites. Always has been, always will be. Her performance was awesome. Of course I am taking into consideration the woman is now nearly 50. She rocked it! She sang medleys of all her best songs and it was such a fun trip down memory lane. I had a great time at the Sunday show despite the boring crowd and the fact that the bouncers were a major pain in the butt. I know, I know, you are not supposed to stand in the entryways but seriously, if the people around you are practically asleep, you kinda want to go where you can boogie and watch the show. It was over in a flash!

$145 (plus service fee) or $153 per ticket for the Joy of Sake (points not in any specific order;…read morejust as they came to mind is how I've listed them) 1) The list of sake was amazing. 2) The rating of the sake, accurate 3) The attendees, sell out event and everyone and their brother was there 4) Food stations from a variety of eateries delivered a treat of their specialty dish 5) Parking not an issue if you taxi'd your way there (Uber was ready and able) 6) Check in Process- many walking around with their Ipads to check you in- fast easy and painless 7) H2O - water plentiful What I don't get is serving amazing highly rated sake at room termp? Why didn't they have ice buckets for the large sake cups they were serving tasters from? Why didn't they have the bottles chilled? Why? Why? Why? I don't know.. I don't think so.... Not for $153 per ticket.

Joy of Sake is held annually at the Convention Center. It is a bit pricey, tickets cost $95 for…read moregeneral admission and $145 for early entry. Even though its more expensive, I definitely recommend the early entry tickets. I cant believe this year they were featuring 391 sakes!! Simply amazing! They also provide free waters bottles!! This is very much appreciated when attempting to try all 391 sakes! We were lucky to have about 20 different restaurants and chefs come out for this event. However I thought the food wasn't as impressive as previous years. I hope I'm not getting snobby!!! D: AHHHHH!! Participating chefs and restaurants include: The Kahala Hotel, Chris Kajioka, BLT Steak, Halekulani, Top of Waikiki / SKY Waikiki, Buho Cocina, Migrant Maui, Banzai Sushi Bar, Gokujo Sushi, Chef Chai, The Pig & The Lady, Morimoto Waikiki, Cakeworks, Highway Inn, Kaiwa, Mission Social Hall & Cafe, Mud Hen Water, Doraku, MW Restaurant, Hale Ohuna, and Chez Kenzo. I would have to say that my top 3 dishes this year was: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/joy-of-sake-2015-honolulu?select=Tti9P9GzDuC2vbs3toC9yg&userid=to5QXyxyI84QCR9JJMXrSw http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/joy-of-sake-2015-honolulu?select=7QjeKBgwmar7GN1BU-dNqQ&userid=to5QXyxyI84QCR9JJMXrSw http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/joy-of-sake-2015-honolulu?select=Kqb2s9qHOfdc8FO04q1Ykw&userid=to5QXyxyI84QCR9JJMXrSw Mahalo to all the Joy of Sake workers, participating chefs and restaurants. As always it was a great time :D

The show started on time at 7:30 pm. Parking was good being there were no other events that night…read more 7th row ( B ) center for a 3hr show. A flawless performance from the band & Peter. Pete stayed out & played for the whole show. He did a couple solo spots so the band could get a breather. Almost all the songs had prelude intros that are not on the recorded versions & extended solos. Basicly bigger versions of the songs. An instumental version of Black hole sun was great. Pete's son Jullian came out & did 2 songs. Look for this guys cd he's good. Pete used about 8 guitars that night & his trade mark Black top Lespaul custom. My fotos really sucked. Its hard to get a good high volume sound at that venue but they did great. It was big & huge. Up that close to see Do you feel like we do by the actual guy was the high point. Great show. Only down side my friend , she could not get off from work. The extra star is for you Cheryl.

I first attended a RAW event back when they were held at Vice Nightclub a little over a year ago,…read moreand I've been hooked! Since that first time I've been able to make it out to this monthly showcase many more times, and have loved each and every time! Since the start of this year, the RAW events have been held at Aloha Beer on Nimtz. It's a nice spacious venue with awesome beer. The variety of local artists showcased range. There have been painters, sculptors, photographers, dancers, musicians, fashion designers, makeup artists, poets, comedians, film artists, jewelers, and many others that you might not even think of. It seems like every showcase has all different and new artists, so the events are always fresh with new amazing talent. There were several times where I've seen the artists not only interacting with the event attendants, but also with the other artists. It seems like a great way for local artists to network and connect with others just like them. I've also seen an impromptu collaboration between a human beat box and a dance group who were both performers at the same RAW event. It was spectacular! Even though the RAW artists only seem to be showcased once, I've seen many of them at other events, such as the Honolulu Night Market, and various Yelp events. I guess it shows that RAW is a great way for our talented local artists to branch out, and gain well deserved exposure. Now I just need to find my artistic talent, so I can be showcased as a RAW artist! RAW is a fantastic grassroots movement that is definitely worth checking out!

SCAM As a band that was asked to play this event, I give it…read morea 1. This is a pay-to-play scam. seen 'em a million times and this is just another flavor of the ol "pay to play". The band has to sell 30 tickets at 10 bucks each and does not get to keep any money. The "form" letter we received says it all. They really don't care who shows up to play.... as long as they got your $$ and free entertainment. We decided to leave it for those who cannot find a paying gig on Oahu. I get more "exposure" at the beach.

For the Top Award I like to give it to Yelp Hawaii for giving me the opportunity to attend this…read morespecial event. My +1 and I was seated with local business owners and people who make a difference in Hawaii's food economy, so awesome! As for Battle of the Chefs, Chef James Aptakin took two awards for Display and Presentation with his Kualoa Shrimp and Lobster Tom Yom Soup, while Chef Wade Ueoka took the taste award with his Shinsato Pork dish. I thought the voting was fair and well deserved, delicious, I want more than one, I better not because Dinner is coming soon bites. This event was so well organized, awarding local businesses with their contributions to the local economy supplying good food and desserts which everyone enjoys, while supporting local! Great Great evening with Good Hawaiian Music and wonderful service from the Pomaika'i Ballroom staff made the event a memorial night. Thanks to Yelp Hawaii and Emi H. for a giving me a opportunity to attend this Awesome Event!

We were so thrilled to be selected to attend this event! Thank you Yelp Hawaii and Hawaii Food…read moreManufacturers Association for giving us this opportunity. I give a shout out for the great attention to detail and service that was provided by Dole Cannery's Pomaika'i Ballrooms staff. This event was well-organized and was truly a pleasure to attend. The 2nd Annual TASTE Awards: Battle of the Chefs featured 3 local chefs who have distinguished themselves or have been innovative in the food manufacturing industry. Tonight, Chefs Wade Ueoka (Owner/Chef, MW Restaurant), James Aptakin (Executive Chef, Hilton Waikiki Beach) and Benjie Cabutaje (Sous Chef, Moana Surfrider, Westin Resort & Spa) showcased their signature dishes. Several other locally manufactured alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments were served such as MauiWines, Koloa Rum, PacifiKool, Pau Maui Vodka and The Tea Chest's Tropical Teas.. Each chef vied for attendee votes for Best Presentation, Best Taste or Best Display. In the end, when the votes were tallied, Chef Aptakin won BOTH awards for Best Display and Best Presentation for his Kualoa shrimp & Kona lobster coconut trio . Chef Ueoka won the Best Taste award for his Shinsato Pork with Ka'u coffee & Hawaiian macadamias. Did the battle be like Iron Chef America's kitchen stadium? Sort of...It turned out that the battle was an interactive cocktail hour and later, we were treated to a TASTE awards dinner. It was a good thing that we looked at the program as we wove our way through the crowds sampling the goodies. Emcees from Hawaii Krater 96.3 (Gregg & Shawnee Hammer) kept the program rolling along with local humor and provided background information about each of the nominated contestants. In addition, during the awards banquet, we were serenaded by Hawaiian group, Kaiao. We were fortunate to be seated with Award Finalists for Innovate Hawaii's Manufacturer of the Year, HC&S and Maui Brand Sugar brand and Hawaii Popcorn Company and members of a technology human resources company (Aon?). The room was filled with contributors and supporters to the local food scene. Everyone came out as winners...local food industry businesses were honored just to be nominated even if they didn't get the coveted wood poi pounder (pohaku ku'i 'ai). Ah, but, there's always NEXT year! Allez cuisine! #351

1st Annual Oahu Homebrewing Festival November 4, 2017…read more The first year of the Oahu Homebrewing Festival was a great success. First and foremost, this was a homebrewing competition; a way for homebrewers on Oahu and around the state to get feedback and win awards on their brews. Around 90 entries were submitted for beer, mead, and ciders. On November 3, a group of a dozen judges took it to task to scrutinize and rank the entries. A best of show round was performed Saturday morning before the festival. The festival itself ran from 11am to 3pm with three brewing demonstrations, tables of information, free food and beer of course! Square Barrels donated delectable burgers; BeerLab donated a few crowlers of beer. The extra entry beers were also opened for sampling. Awards were given out at 2pm. Hosted by Homebrew in Paradise in Kalihi, it was a large event space with plenty of room. The smell of roasting malts and hops filled the air the entire day. I think everyone went home full of great food and beer.