I wangled an invite to the the INNAUGURAL TRAVEL + LEISURE'S BEVERAGE ARTS CHALLENGE 2007 this Friday at the posh Halekulani. This the culmination of a massive cocktail combination pitting 250 mixologists against each other in a quest to come up with the most winsome libation containing Grand Marnier. Which, in principle, is a good thing. GM is the velvet thunderbolt of the liquer world, a sure-fire way to wake smiling and wondering what hit you. At any rate, the event is open to the public although it costs $65 per head (then again, you get cocktails and pupus so it might be a really cheap night out if you can manage to quaff three drinks and eat a plate or two). The contest was judged by Dale DeGroff, who will be out for the event. The man makes a wicked tipple. You can catch him tending bar at the hotel's Lewer's Lounge on November 17. The event runs on the lovely Hau Tree Lanai overlooking some of my favorite surf breaks. See you there!

To RSVP please call (808) 931-5040.

PS: Will write for cocktails.

—Alex, 11/14/07