Honolulu's gold coast adds a Latin accent this month when The Kahala Hotel Resort hosts the inaugural 2008 Kahala Food & Wine Classic. For two days, the inspired talents of award-winning chef Cindy Hutson of Ortanique on the Mile in Miami, Florida; winemaker Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat on California's Central Coast; and cigar aficionado Michael Herklots from Davidoff of Geneva in New York share center stage with Hawaii chefs at the Kahala Hotel & Resort.

Highlights include:

"Rhythms of the Night," Friday, June 13; 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Fred Schrader, co-founder of Colgin-Schrader Cellars and producer of a portfolio of world-renowned wines, hosts this culinary celebration in an oceanfront tent and walks guests through the courses and wines with Chef Cindy Hutson, Chef Amy E. Ferguson and winemaker Jim Clendenen. After dinner, cigar aficionados can light up under the stars with Davidoff cigars and cognacs.

"In Cindy's Kitchen," Saturday, June 14; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Chef Cindy Hutson leads an interactive cooking class on the rooftop of the Kahala garage. Gain hands-on experience with this remarkable chef as she takes you through Latino-inspired dishes and flavors for a unique cooking experience.

"Wine-ology with Jim Clendenen," Saturday, June 14; 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Award-winning winemaker Jim Clendenen will host an afternoon of fine wine paired with tapas. Jim will take guests on a wine tasting journey through the vineyards of Au Bon Climat and Clendenen Vineyards.

"Epicuria, a Journey of the Senses," Saturday, June 14; 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.: Chef Hutson teams up with The Kahala's executive chef Wayne Hirabayashi to create a six-course dinner paired with award-winning wines from the cellar of Jim Clendenen and Clendenen Family Vineyards.

"Toes in the Sand... A Cigar Conversation," Saturday, June 14; 10 p.m. - 12 a.m.: Michael Herklots, general manager of Davidoff of Geneva in New York, hosts a beachside conversation on the art of cigars. In this after-dinner experience, guests will enjoy Davidoff cigars, sweets, fruits, chocolates, ports and cognacs.

To make reservations for Classic events, $30-$185, call 739-8760 or email foodandwineclassic@kahalaresort.com.