Kona Brewing Company's new chef Dan York, who will man the kitchen at the Koko Marina location (as opposed to the Big Island HQ) had his coming out party on July 10 with his first Brewmaster's Dinner. Hawaiirama attended and sampled six different beers, including the Lilikoi Wheat Beer, a light summer draft brewed with passion fruit juice. The star of the dinner, naturally, was KBC's brewmaster Rich Tucciarone, one of the country's best craft brewmasters. A limited edition Kona coffee stout fermented in barrels formerly used for bourbon was a total knockout for dessert with a sweet finish and a very light touch for such a heavy beer. A semi-raucous dining crowd hijacked vanilla bean ice cream from dessert and plunked it into the bourbon stout to great effect. KBC plans to up the ante and make these dinners quarterly insteady of yearly. York's Hot Smoked Pork Tenderloin drizzled with Plum Porter Sauce on Sweet Potato Mash paired with Gale Ale was the standout entree. It won't be on the menu but look for a totally revamped menu coming out soon. That's much welcomed as KBC has long struggled to get the food at Koko Marina up to the same level as its truly fine beers. KBC is one of a number of island breweries turning out fine suds.

—Alex, 07/11/06