More than 1,200 food and wine aficionados are expected to attend.

The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce will hold its 11th annual event called Chopsticks & Wine

featuring “Wine…And All That Jazz,” on Thursday, October 18, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Hawaii Convention Center. The event, which started with just five restaurants over 10 years ago, has blossomed into one of Hawaii’s signature foodie events featuring the culinary delights of over a dozen of Hawaii’s most respected chefs and the wine paired to go with it. More than 1,200 food and wine aficionados are expected to attend this event that typically is sold out.

Participating restaurants include Beachhouse at the Moana, Gokujo Sushi by Marukai, Gyotaku Japanese Restaurant, Hakone at the Hawaii Prince Hotel, Kai Market at the Sheraton Waikiki, Le Bistro, Mariposa, The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong, Poke Stop, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center (Five Star International Buffet and Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener), Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, and Shokudo Japanese Restaurant & Bar.

Participating distributors of Hawaii will be providing a wide array of fine wines, sake and beers for sampling.

There will also be a premium wine tasting within Chopsticks & Wine, for wine lovers called “Speakeasy,” an exclusive wine tasting experience. Speakeasy will showcase five cabernet sauvignons and/or blends. Admission to Speakeasy is $75, which is in addition to the regular admission fee.

Participating distributors Coastal Wine & Spirits of Hawaii, Grand Crew Wine Merchants, Paradise Beverages, Southern Wine & Spirits of Hawaii and Young’s Market Company of Hawaii will be providing a wide array of fine wines, sake and beers for sampling. Hawaii Deep Blue will be providing water.

Tickets for Chopsticks & Wine 2012: Wine…And All That Jazz are $125. Reserved tables are available for purchase starting at $2,500. For tickets or more information, call (808) 949-5531, email info@honolulujapanesechamber.org, or visit www.honolulujapanesechamber.org.

Proceeds from both the event and the Speakeasy wine tasting experience benefit the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce and the programs it provides.

Many of Hawaii's top restaurants and chefs will feature specialty dishes.

The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce is one of Honolulu’s major business organizations, representing a cross-section of the city’s businesses, industries and professions. With a Pacific-wide view of business and economic development, the Chamber serves as a catalyst for creating business connections and building lasting relationships. Its office is located at 2454 S. Beretania Street. Its website is www.honolulujapanesechamber.org.

Specialty dishes created by some of Hawaii's top restaurants add flavor and excitement.

Guests enjoy wine tasting and great food as proceeds from the event and the Speakeasy wine tasting experience benefit the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce and the programs it provides.