022413 DO Opt

AN EDITION OF

FEB. 24MAR. 2, 2013

Co-owner Riki Kobayashi and general manager Jesse Maeda prepare to cook up a few of Ichiriki’s classics.

When it comes to food that’s good for you, look no further than Ichiriki Japanese Nabe Restaurant, which has been satisfying customers with its healthy hot pot fare since 2006.

See Page 4 | Leah Friel photo

Entree-worthy appetizers at Max’s of Manila | 6 Wolfgang’s irresistible mac and cheese | 12

ALSO: Cheesa takes Macaroni Grill by storm | 13

ono,youknow The Mandalay

Hifumi Restaurant

Genki Sushi

By Alana Folen | Photos by Leah Friel

H

appy Sunday, Ono readers! We need to treat ourselves every now and then, and if it’s not with sweets, then it should be with scallops.

These cute little critters are everything you could ever want and more. Bite-size, mild but sweet, velvety and dense ... boy, are they worth every bite!

Regarded as the only free-swimming mollusk, in the U.S., scallops come in two varieties — bay scallops and sea scallops. Sea scallops are more commonly utilized out of the two, as they are larger and possess a flavor and texture that are out of this world. Yet, bay scallops are perfect for sushi creations because of their petite size.

So, this week let's fall into the sea of luxury with a “day-boat” load of scallops and splurge on a variety of tantalizing tastes at the following Ono, You Know establishments.

The Mandalay Exquisite Hong Kong-style fare tempts diners at The Mandalay on Alakea Street, where owners and husband-and-wife team Larry and Linda Chan only dish out the best.

According to Larry, the food and the atmosphere are of the highest quality.

“There is no MSG in our cooking,” Larry says. “The restaurant is two stories and we can seat 320 people comfortably.”

Stand-out dishes at the restaurant include The Mandalay Delight Salad, Honey Walnut Shrimp, House Special Seafood Noodles and, of course, dim sum. Steamed Scallop with Spinach Dumpling ($4.50 for three pieces) is a hot pick among scallop lovers. As one of the restaurant's best-selling dim sum options, Steamed Scallop with Spinach Dumpling presents one piece of scallop and the perfect amount of spinach in each dumpling, which is steamed and placed in a basket before it's brought fresh to your table.

Another scallop sensation worth mentioning is The Mandalay’s Seafood Taro Basket. Priced at $18.95, this dish will make jaws drop and mouths water as it features an edible taro basket overflowing with a seafood fantasy of shrimp, scallops, squid and fish sauteed with garlic and mixed with – See page 18

2 | DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013

Above: The editor is ready to savor The Mandalay’s Seafood Taro Basket.

Left: The Mandalay’s Seafood Taro Basket ($18.95) and Steamed Scallop with Spinach Dumpling ($4.50 for three pieces)

Dining Out Dining Out is a weekly advertising supplement published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

EDITOR Alana Folen Phone: 529-4854 diningout@staradvertiser.com

SALES MANAGER Sandi Sakaguchi Phone: 342-.8802 SSakaguchi@staradvertiser.com

SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR Bill Mossman Phone: 529-4863 diningout@staradvertiser.com

Visit us at dining.staradvertiser.com

$

Happy Hour $ 5 Specials

35

3 Course Chef Tasting Menu

Call 808.237.5429 for details & reservations 2nd flr. • Honolulu Design Center

5-7p Mon. thru Fri. Cocktails, Beers and Great Appetizers

2nd Floor Honolulu Design Center 5pm to Closing Mon. thru Sat.

From Business Seminars to Private Parties to Gala Events, the Cupola Theatre will make it a success

Business Hour Seminars or Presentations

Weddings, Private Parties, Restaurant Buyouts

Intimate Rooftop Soirée, Fashion Galas, Concert Events

Choose the uniquely creative venues of the Honolulu Design Center for your next event.

Please allow us to help you plan everything from an office luncheon, private party, business event to a full blown fashion gala. Whether its an intimate group or an entire company function, we have the facilities and staff to make your event an enjoyable success. Our event venues include our: Rooftop Terrace; Amuse Wine Bar; Stage Restaurant; Cupola Events Theatre and the Ice Garden. Give us a call and we’ll show you how your event will be the special one that everyone remembers. Events are now being scheduled for our 2013 calendar. Contact Trina, tshiroma@hdc-hawaii.com or call 808.237.5475 for more information and details.

Photography: PacWest Studios

Award Winning Cuisine and Beverage Service

Honolulu Design Center On Kapiolani between Pensacola & Piikoi St. 1250 Kapiolani Blvd. • t: 956-1250 DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013 | 3

EXPERIENCE THE

G DININ R COVE

OUT Y STOR

ICHIRIKI JAPANESE NABE RESTAURANT

Ichiriki (Piikoi) general manager Jesse Maeda and co-owner Riki Kobayashi 4 | DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013

IN JAPANESE FARE STORY BY ALANA FOLEN • PHOTOS BY LEAH FRIEL chiriki Japanese Nabe Restaurant transports your senses to Japan with its hori gotatsu style of seating — floor seating where you let your legs dangle into a pit for ultimate comfort — with a table before you. Soothing tunes of jazz harmonies float through the air along with intoxicating aromas, which trace themselves to an assortment of Japanese nabe (a term referring to an array of Japanese steamboat or one-pot dishes), sukiyaki, shabu shabu and more.

When asked to simply describe the cuisine here at Ichiriki, founder Issei Kazama is quick to respond with “comfort food.”

“We wanted to introduce the people of Hawaii to nabe, which is generally eaten in Japan during the winter to warm you up.

However, we thought, why not serve it all year long here? We broke the stereotype of nabe being a winter dish,” he says.

Kazama, along with cofounder Riki Kobayashi, opened the doors to Ichiriki’s initial location on Piikoi Street in 2006, and followed it up with the addition of a second location in Westridge, Aiea. Currently, plans are in the works as another restaurant is set to pop up some time next month in Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center.

Nothing is masked here.

Each and every dish

Ahi Katsu ($6.95)

boasts authentic tastes made with all-natural ingredients and pristine flavors. Take shabu shabu, for instance, in which you whisk beef and vegetables through a pot of boiling water. The sheer minimalism of this dish, in which the unmarinated morsels of meat are cooked in plain water, allows an austere purity and deliciousness only achievable by utilizing the highest quality ingredients. When the beef is good, the dish is perfect.

“USDA Choice Short Rib

Shabu Shabu ($18.95) will be added to our new menu starting March 1, but we will serve it as a special for readers,” Dining Out Kazama says. “This dish includes 6 ounces of tender USDA choice short rib along with an assortment of vegetables, rice and ramen noodles.

“This dish was added to give our customers a very good beef shabu shabu at a very reasonable price. We didn’t want to create a cheap shabu shabu full of low-quality beef, so we

worked closely with our vendors to come up with this particular shabu shabu without sacrificing the quality we like,” he adds.

The restaurant is always bustling with customers putting the finishing touches on their hot pot creations. Yet, stop by during happy hour and there’s a certain energy engulfing the establishment that can’t go unnoticed.

“We’ve expanded our happy hour menu at both locations to include not only our Kobe Beef Shabu Shabu ($16.95), but also a handful of appetizers and drinks,” Kazama states, noting the upcoming happy hour time change.

“Next month, the Aiea restaurant’s happy hour runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4 to 6 p.m. and from 9:30 p.m. to closing. Times for our Piikoi location will be from 2 to 6 p.m. and from 9:30 p.m. to closing.”

If there’s one reason to partake in an Ichiriki dining adventure during happy hour, Kobe Beef Shabu Shabu is it. You are brought a platter of 5 ounces of top-grade Kobe beef (which has a nice amount of marbelization, fat and flavor) and a basket of vegetables, in addition to two dipping sauces: goma (creamy sesame sauce) and ponzu (citrus soy sauce, which can be garnished with grated radish, spicy grated radish and green onions).

If spice is what you’re after, Kazama recommends Angry Goma Nabe ($23.95), Ichiriki’s spiciest nabe, all thanks to jalapeno, habanero and chili peppers and a hint of sesame, which swim in the

Happy Hour Kobe Beef Shabu Shabu ($16.95)

Angry Goma Nabe ($23.95) | Lawrence Tabudlo file photo

broth.

“It’s not just spicy, it’s rich with flavor and comes together nicely when all of the nabe ingredients are added to it,” he explains.

“We call it ‘angry’ because the first time we tasted it, I thought Chef Andrew was mad at me and gave me a broth he knew was too spicy. Angry Goma Nabe has been on our secret menu for about a year now with almost a cult following. We thought it would be a good time to put it on the regular menu

JAPANESE NABE RESTAURANT

since so many people have been asking for a spicier nabe.”

Ichiriki’s more than accommodating staff will instruct you in the intricacies of the art of hot-pot dining, yet the restaurant also offers a variety of intrinsic fare as well, including Ahi Katsu ($6.95) and Mushroom Medley ($6.95). Ahi Katsu features a marinated strip of ahi that is deep-fried to perfection and served with a tonkatsu sauce. Enoki, shiitake, shimeji and eryngi

mushrooms, cut up and lightly sauteed in butter, take the spotlight in the Mushroom Medley, garnished with green onions and black pepper.

“Every decision we make at Ichiriki is based on one simple concept: Make our customers happy,” Kazama says with a smile.

“We work hard to come up with things we feel confident in serving to our customers. I’d like to thank our customers for giving us the opportunity to serve them.”

PIIKOI: 510 Piikoi St. #102, Honolulu | 589-2299 | Open daily, Lunch: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dinner: Sunday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight

USDA Choice Short Rib Shabu Shabu ($18.95)

AIEA: Kaonohi St. #C216, Aiea | 484-2222 | Open daily, Lunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Dinner: Monday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight; Sunday, 4-10 p.m.

DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013 | 5

Mae Aguilar Nathalie Walker photos Lumpiang Shanghai ($7.95)

MAX’S OF MANILA

T

WHERE 801 Dillingham Blvd. (also located in Waipahu Shopping Plaza) CALL 951-6297 HOURS Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

menu. It’s good old comfort food in a community where people love the simple recipes of youth.

Simple, plentiful and tasty are the hallmarks of popular local dining, and it’s what Max’s does well.

Maximum sized dishes are not reserved for the main course.

The appetizers are large enough to feed a crowd and cheap enough for solo dining.

Lumpiang Shanghai ($7.95) features bite-sized portions of egg rolls containing ground pork, Chinese celery and seasonings combined to create a simple, enjoyable snack that, combined with the sweet-and-sour sauce, is a crunchy, tangy and sweet way to begin your meal.

Calamari ($7.95) is like everything on the menu, big in portion and individual bites. The large rings of squid are fried golden brown and served with a traditional vinegar dipping sauce that really sets the dish apart from the typical cocktail

he first thing one notices upon entering Max’s of Manila is the customers.

They seem to be in a rush to get a table. This is not because service is slow, it’s exceptional.

Parking is plentiful and a few drops of mist isn’t going to alter anyone’s pace in a place celebrated for its slow pace of life.

No. People rush into Max’s because they love what’s on the Tokwa Con Lechon ($9.95)

NIGHTLY 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Teriyaki Chicken . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15.95 Daily Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$23.95 Sukiyaki Steak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$21.95 Teriyaki Steak & Chicken Combo .$23.95 Kama‘aina & Military Discount Available (with proper ID)

1841 Ala Moana Blvd.

Between Ilikai & Hilton Hawaiian Village

941-4444

Dinner served from 5:30 nightly. Valet parking available. Not valid with any other offer.

6 | DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013

Calamari ($7.95)

sauce accompaniment that most places serve.

If seafood isn’t your thing, yet you still need something before the main course arrives Tokwa Con Lechon ($9.95) may be an option. Made from hunks of pork belly, fried tofu, onion and bell peppers, and tossed with a soy vinaigrette, the plate is a a light,

Hi

Sandwich Vietnamese Fast Food, Smoothies & & Drink Bubble Tea COMBO DEALS

SANDWICH + DRINK

$

8

9

SANDWICH + SMOOTHIE $ OR BUBBLE TEA (reg $10.95)

(reg $9.50) Applies to 1 choice sandwich ($6 value) and 1 avor smoothie ($4.95 value).

Not combinable with other offers/discounts. Valid w/ coupon thru 2/28/13

Waimalu Shopping Center 98-042 Kamehameha Hwy #3 Open daily 10am-9pm

Military receive 10% off w/ valid ID

487-7372

EXTENDED Thru 2/28

Jai & Gau available for Chinese New Year

crispy alternative to the previously mentioned appetizers.

Thirsty? No problem. Max’s offers a line of San Miguel beer to quench your thirst.

Satisfied and happy, I left Max’s with one recurring thought: I’ve got to go back for the chicken. Almost 70 years of happy diners can’t be wrong.

Chinese Chicken Salad FREE (AMĂĽ ĂĽ3CALLOPĂĽ3OUPĂĽsĂĽ0EKINGĂĽ$UCKĂĽ-EAT JAI with 7ALNUTĂĽ3HRIMPĂĽsĂĽ#RISPYĂĽ3KINĂĽ#HICKEN Party Menu!

'INGERĂĽ ĂĽ/NIONĂĽ3TEAMEDĂĽ3EAĂĽ"ASS 0EKINGĂĽ$UCKĂĽW "UNĂĽsĂĽ2ICEĂĽsĂĽ*AI "ONELESSĂĽ#HICKENĂĽ#AKEĂĽ.OODLE #HEF SĂĽ$ESSERTĂĽOFĂĽ$AY 111 N. King St. near Maunakea

Dim Sum $ 98

Served 7am Daily

1

Take-out Orders Welcomed

Mushroom and Snap Pea Stir-fry ($10.50) | Nathalie Walker photo

Korean Hibiscus BBQ

VO

veg’with nout

FOUR

Bulgogi Pokum – Marinated beef

ribeye stir-fried with sweet potato noodles, round onion, carrots and green onion.

Served on a bed of “Hapa-rice” (brown & white rice) and your choice of (4) vegetables, 13 varieties to choose from

Terri Hefner

FREE

MANDOO

with each Bulgogi Pokum or Regular/Combo Plate.

This coupon offer not valid with other specials or discounts. Valid thru 03/31/2013. Limit 5 coupons per order.

Kaimuki Shopping Center 734-8232 (Lower Level) Formerly in Aina Haina Shopping Center

N

oodle lovers know that Little Village Noodle House lives up to its name, cooking up all your favorites from hearty chow fun to fine rice vermicelli, utilizing Northern China, Hong Kong and Szechuan cooking styles. The Chinatown eatery has a lot to offer, and along with noodles you’ll find oodles of other irresistible dishes as well,

LITTLE VILLAGE NOODLE HOUSE WHERE 1113 Smith St. CALL 545-3008 HOURS Sunday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.midnight

and its menu boasts an ample “Vegetarian” list.

But there’s much more than meets the eye here.

“In most of the entrees, you can substitute tofu or vegetables for the meat,” says David Chang, vice president of the restaurant, who says he’s a bit perplexed when people ask if there are any vegetarian dishes, since the restaurant is happy to make substitutions.

“We can always recommend something. It’s unlimited.”

So don’t be shy if you see a meat dish you like.

“You can always request to skip the meat," Chang assures, and points out a few dishes from the menu that he says are "totally vegetarian.”

Eggplant with Garlic

OD OR IK O Japanese restaurant

Celebrating 40 years!

“Committed devotion to serving authentic Japanese taste & hospitality”

Bring or mention this Ad to receive 10% off your food only

Sauce ($9.50) is a signature dish here. It “skips the meat” deliciously, sauteing the eggplant with Little Village’s “special garlic sauce.”

Another customer favorite is Mushroom and Snap Pea Stir-fry ($10.50), in which sliced, small white mushrooms nicely complement the crisp snap peas in a light sauce.

Another “must-have” signature dish, says Chang, is Dried String Beans ($9.50). The beans are stirfried on very high heat

indulgence is closer than you

think

(hence the “dried” description) with the restaurant’s special chili garlic sauce, resulting in a tantalizing texture and spicy flavor. “This is very popular,” he says.

“We only use a special soy sauce for this dish.”

Whether noshing on noodles or a sizzling stirfry, you can skip the meat without compromising flavor at Little Village Noodle House.

Lunch $ 95 Daily 11am-3pm 14 Dinner Sun-Thurs 5pm-9pm $ 95

% 10 OFF Entire Menu with coupon, valid Mon-Thurs

All-You-Can-Eat Buffet includes BIRTHDAY SPECIAL hot entree bar.

Fri/Sat 5pm-10pm

24

50% OFF Birthday Meal

Must be on exact birthday, ID required

Senior/Military Discounts Available Mon.-Thurs.

Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp. 2/28/13

BYOB

Stadium Mall 4510 Salt Lake Blvd. 486-3311

Contact Terri Hefner at diningout@staradvertiser.com

2

LUNCH SPECIAL AVAILABLE FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY

for

39

$

(Savings of $12)

BBQ CHICKEN & ST. LOUIS RIBS COMBO Sizzlin’ Prime Time 3 Course Menu for $45.95 Daily 5pm – 6pm

INCLUDES 1/2 A LOAF OF ONION RINGS.

Happy Hour Daily in our lounge 5pm – 7pm Wine Wednesdays 25% off bottles of wines

(not combinable with other offers/specials/discounts/kama‘aina rates)

Happy Hour 50% off any size from 4pm-6pm and 10pm-12am

Draft Beer!

Kama‘aina Lunch Early Bird SPECIAL QUEEN SET & Take Out Menu ($14.95) (picture shown)

Only 7.50

KING SET ($16.95)

Restaurant Row 500 Ala Moana Blvd.

808.599.3860 Waikiki Beach Walk 226 Lewers St. 808.440.7910

All offers expire 3/31/13.

King’s Village Shopping Center 2400 Koa Ave. visit us at odorikohawaii.com

WAIKIKI

1972 Kalakaua Ave. 808.942.2121

www.tonyromas.com

808-923-7368 Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11am–5pm Dinner . . . . . . 5pm–12am (Midnight)

PEARLRIDGE

98-150 Kaonohi St. 808.487.9911

www.ruthschrishawaii.com

Dine in only. Must present this coupon.

Not to be combined with any other promo/discount/offer.

Expires 3/31/2013.

DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR.2, 2013 | 7

Ho Ho hits the spot with dim sum and desserts

W

hether you’re on your way to work, a family gathering or a potluck with friends, stop by Ho Ho Chinese Cuisine for its convenient, dim sum to-go option.

Located in Kapolei, the restaurant has been open for about 10 years serving delicious traditional Cantonese-style food. The dim sum counter is available for takeout only and opens early from 6

HO HO CHINESE CUISINE

1

a.m. (8 a.m. on Sundays). On the menu is a great assortment of the island favorite manapua, including the original Char Siu Manapua ($1.35 steamed, $1.45 baked), as well as Baked Teriyaki Chicken Manapua, Baked Hot Dog Manapua and Baked Ham & Cheese Manapua ($1.45 each).

Of course, there also are some classic dim sum dishes, such as Shrimp Dumpling, Siu Mai and

Half Moon with pork, dried shrimp and shiitake mushroom (80 cents each). And for a taste of sweetness, there’s rice cake ($1.10) and Jin Dui with red bean, coconut or pork ($1.10 each). You also can order Char Siu ($8.25/pound), Roast Pork ($8.25/pound) and Roast Duck ($9.95 half/$19.95 whole).

The menu also has some desserts not commonly found at a

2

WHERE Marketplace at Kapolei 590 Farrington Hwy. CALL 692-9880 HOURS Dim sum takeout: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday *Lunch buffet available from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, dinner buffet from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily

3 4

1 Marketing director Armando Bauzon with a box of assorted Baked Manapua 2 Assorted Baked Manapua ($1.45 each) 3 Pork Hash, Half Moon and Shrimp dumplings (80 cents each) 4 Jin Dui ($1.10 each) Nathalie Walker photos

Grand Opening Special mamaya

15

$

u

E .ISHIM S

.OODLE

% OFF

all items

Must present coupon. Cannot combine w/other specials. Exp. 2/28/13

0EARLĂĽ+AIĂĽ3HOPPINGĂĽ#TR ĂĽsĂĽ ĂĽ+AMEHAMEHAĂĽ(WYĂĽ! "

ĂĽ- &ĂĽ ! 0ĂĽsĂĽ3ATĂĽ ! 0ĂĽsĂĽ3UNĂĽ ! 0ĂĽ

492-1863

8 | DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013

6 DISCOUNT

on a Second Dinner OR A

-USUBIĂĽsĂĽ"ENTOĂĽsĂĽ$ELI

Namas

RECEIVE A

$

3 DISCOUNT

when Dining Alone

Must present coupon (No take outs) Not valid with any other discount offers.

Expires 3/8/13

2850 Paa St. (near Airport and 99 Ranch Market) 833-3728

Chinese restaurant — Custard Pie ($9.95), Pumpkin Pie ($9.95), Coconut Custard Pie ($10.95) and Custard/Pumpkin Pie ($9.95) (all but the custard needs to be pre-ordered one day in advance). Surprisingly, the custard pie was one of the best I’ve ever tasted, and I’ve had many — just the perfect amount of flavor and creamy texture.

The restaurant is known for its dine-in buffet featuring more than 30 different items, including Salt & Pepper Shrimp for lunch and Steamed Snow Crab for dinner. Buffet price for lunch is $9.95 adult, $5.95 child Monday through Friday; $11.95 adult, $6.95 child on Saturday and Sunday; and for dinner $16.95 adult, $7.95 child Monday through Thursday; $18.95 adult, $9.95 child on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Lunch buffet is available from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, and dinner buffet from 5 to 9 p.m. An a la carte menu is available all day as well.

The restaurant also can accommodate private parties for up to 200 people, and allows party hosts to bring in their own drinks, desserts and pupus, as well as entertainment. Takeout or dine-in, you can count on Ho Ho for some good food at good prices and a good time. Afterall, the name translates to “very good.�

Authentic Korean Cuisine

% OFF 10 Our Whole Menu!

BYOB

Must present coupon.

Exp 2/28/13

CHOGAJIB KOREAN RESTAURANT 825 Keeaumoku St. #111 Open Daily 10am - 4am

744-3440

eatthis

Five Star Feasts

BY JAIMIE KIM

I

f you haven’t yet eaten at Five Star International Buffet, or even if you’ve dined there in the past, you’re going to want to go back for more. With a new menu, and all-you-can-eat selection of delectable “five star” eats, there’s no excuse not to go.

FIVE STAR INTERNATIONAL BUFFET WHERE Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Building C 2301 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki CALL 380-9300 HOURS Open daily, (Lunch) 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; (Happy Hour) 2-4 p.m.; (Dinner) 5-10 p.m.; (Late-night Happy Hour) 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday from the a la carte menu

“We wanted to start the New Year with a new menu that is much more exquisite and fine dining,” shares restaurant manager TJ Gannon.

The restaurant’s new menu includes more seafood items and an extensive selection of sushi.

Lunch is priced at $19 for adults and $12 for children, and dinner costs $48 for adults and $24 for children.

With more than 40 items to choose from for lunch and more than 60 for dinner, you know your all-you-caneat feast will be worth it.

Plus, unlike other buffets, the restaurant serves items in smaller portions, which guarantee you’ll be able to taste a little bit of everything.

The restaurant’s seafood offerings include King Crab, which is steamed, and Lobster. The lobster is first boiled and the brushed with butter and baked before being served. Melted butter for dipping and lemons are served on the side.

For something a little

CAJUN FESTIVAL

Feb 18 thru27 Lunch Selections available for Lunch & Dinner

JOIN US FOR LUNCH! DAILY 11AM-3:30PM TRY ONE OF OUR DELICIOUS $10 LUNCH SPECIALS • PRIME ANGUS BURGER • MAHIMAHI SANDWICH • MAHIMAHI FISH ‘N CHIPS • TROPICAL CHOP SALAD Our regular menu is also available all day.

ROYAL HAWAIIAN CENTER, BLDG. C, LEVEL 3 VALIDATED PARKING WOLFGANGSSTEAKHOUSE.NET

808.922.3600

KEIKI SUNDAY Kids Eat Free

with every adult meal purchase Balloon Twister and Caricature Drawing 6pm to 8pm Table Side Magic

by Alan Arita 580 Nimitz Hwy. 545-7979 Like us on Facebook for Special Deals & Offers

www.samchoyhawaii.com

Baked Lobster (part of buffet) | Nathalie Walker photo

more carnivorous, the restaurant offers Prime Rib. Served with an au jus sauce, it is baked with herbs, and comes with horseradish and sour cream. It is cooked rare, but if you want it a little

more well-done, all you need to do ask any of the chefs behind the counter in the restaurant’s open kitchen atmosphere.

Don’t forget to ask about the kamaaina, military and senior discounts.

Special Menu $138 for 10 people

Chicken with Corn Soup Fried Crispy Whole Chicken Honey Walnut Shrimp Salt & Pepper Pork Chop w/ Tofu Steamed Fish Fillet w/ Ginger Onion Shanghai Cabbage w/ Meat Sauce Beef Noodle w/ Veggies Steamed Rice Dine-in/Take-out available.

Cannot combine with other discounts or specials

Honey Walnut Shrimp

7.95*

$

Coupon Required.

Exp: 2/28/13.

(reg $13.95) *with 1 reg. priced entree.

Cannot combine with other discounts or specials

377-5555 or 377-5566

Lungfunghawaii.com • Open Daily 11am-9pm 5724 Kalanianaole Hwy • Niu Valley Shopping Ctr. LOTS OF FREE PARKING | Dine-in/Take-out available daily.

Open Daily 8am - 6:30pm 1637 Kapiolani Blvd.

(Across from Pan Am Bldg.)

www.tropical-tribe.com

366-8226

Special Valid Sun 2/24 thru Sat 3/2 New Menu Items!

Local Flavor Plate Lunches & Japanese Ramen

FREE !PPETIZER #OUPON 2EQUIRED s /NE 0ER 0ARTY Exp. 2/28/13

521-1688

OPEN DAILY 10:30am-8:30pm

0RIVATE 0ARTY -ENU !VAILABLE FOR !LL 'ROUPS

735.1122

1137 11th Ave

.%7 ,UNCH -ENU !VAILABLE DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013 | 9

Popcorn Shrimp ($7) Nathalie Walker photos

F VIOLET’S GRILL WHERE Kapalama Shopping Center 1210 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu CALL 841-8535 HOURS Daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Bar open until 2 a.m.

or more than 60 years now, Violet’s Grill has been a staple of the Kapalama community and its surrounding areas.

Though the restaurant has gone through various stages of ownership, its menu remains an authentic testament to local comfort foods as well as Japanese and Okinawan specialties.

The eatery’s casual interior seems to say diner with a Japanese twist, and its comforting eats, which have drawn in regulars year after year, match that sentiment. “It’s good home cooking,� says co-owner Cindy Suehisa, whose family has run the eatery since 1998. “Everything’s from scratch.�

With the help of co-owner and sister Joey, Cindy has unveiled a brand new selection of appetizers that are putting a fresh spin

on the eatery’s long-adored menu.

Customers can’t go wrong with Mochiko Chicken ($8), a local classic that has been among the most popular of the establishment’s new dishes. It’s golden hint of sweetness is just right — so much so that patrons will most likely be tempted to order more than one plate.

Popcorn Shrimp ($7) also bursts onto the menu, presenting ever-so-crispy pieces of breaded shrimp bites, perfect for popping into your mouth one after the other.

Violet’s variety of Sliders ($6 for three; deluxe sliders feature tomato and onion for an additional charge) serve as fantastic starters

Sliders ($6 for three)

Mochiko Chicken ($8)

as well, and diners may choose from miniature teri burgers, hamburgers or cheeseburgers. According to Joey, these chompable creations were cooked up specifically for Super Bowl celebrations, but scored so many points among patrons that she had to add them to the menu.

All of the grill’s new dishes are available throughout the day and work well as appetizers or sharable additions to any entree.

They’re also great for snacking on

Server Stephanie Chang

while enjoying a drink at the restaurant’s full bar, which remains open until 2 a.m. daily.

This slew of starters is not the only update happening at the Dillingham Boulevard dining spot.

The entire Kapalama Shopping Center facade and parking lot are getting a makeover as well. The Suehisa sisters assure their loyal customers, though, that Violet’s Grill will be open for business — and good eats — as usual during construction.

Lenten Offerings

February Special $4.99 Mini Cakes Brownie Packs • Butter Mochi Cherry Blossom Cookies

4369 Lawehana St. (across Target in Salt Lake) | OPEN Mon - Fri 6AM - 1PM Sat 6AM - 12PM www.larrysbakery.com or find us on 10 | DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013

Open on Easter Waipahu Shopping Plaza 94-300 Farrington Hwy., Suite F-1 Waipahu, Hawaii 96797

s !SPARAGUS W 4OFU s -ARINATED -ILKFISH s 3HRIMP 3INIGANG 3OUP s 3IZZLING 4OFU AND -ORE 801 Dillingham Blvd. (next to Costco Iwilei) Honolulu Hawaii 96817

mmm$cWniY^_Ya[d$Yec š J[b0 /+'#C7NI ,(/-

Green Papaya Salad

Offer valid on dine-in orders only.

Must present coupon. Cannot be combined with other offers or coupons. Exp 2/28/13

Military w/ID receive 10% OFF facebook.com/phomylienhawaii

WESTRIDGE SHOPPING CENTER • 488-4900 (Next to Makino Chaya) 98-150 Kaonohi St., Aiea Mon-Sat 10am-10pm • Sun 10am-8pm

Oxtail Soup Leah Friel file photo

KITCHEN INSIDER ver wonder what goes on behind the scenes at your favorite restaurant? Well, much credit goes to the many chefs, owners and managers who work diligently day in and day out to make sure Hawaii's diners have a top-notch dining experience.

This week, Dining Out gets the inside scoops from Asahi Grill’s cook Cliff Doctolero, who gives us a little taste of Asahi Grill and shares just what fuels his culinary drive.

E

Who or what inspires you as a chef/manager/owner?

I like to cook a lot. It started in high school when I enrolled in a food-service program for students. I enjoyed it more and more, and had a teacher who pushed me to enroll in KCC’s culinary arts program. Being able to try new things with different ingredients, put them out there to see how people like them is fun. I always want to keep improving,

though. I try to do so by continuing to put new dishes and specials on the menu and seeing how customers respond.

What’s your most popular dish? Our oxtail soup is by far the most popular. We need to cook about 400600 pounds of oxtail every week to keep up with the demand! We boil the meat for hours to make it soft so it falls off the bone, and that also gets the flavor Photo courtesy out of the meat. Oxof Asahi Grill tail has much more flavor than regular beef. Even though there have been some changes to the restaurant over the years, we still offer the same oxtail soup peo-

ple remember from Kapiolani Coffee Shop at Kam Bowl many years ago.

Is there a dish that you create that’s not on your menu, but available upon request? Right now, we’re trying some new stuff out.

Our Oxtail Stew is something we’ve been working on and may add to the menu soon. We also are looking to offer more vegetarian options. For example, Tofu and Mushroom Stir Fry is something that started out as a special, but because it’s been so popular we just put it on the menu. A lot of people don’t know that we offer Veggie Fried Rice, so feel free to ask for that. We will always try to accommodate special requests, or if there is a spe-

NAME Cliff Doctolero TITLE Cook at Asahi Grill TRAINING/EDUCATION KCC Culinary Arts Graduate YEARS AT ASAHI GRILL Three years

10.95

$

Specials not valid on Holidays. Advance Reservations required, please call 971-1818.$3 self park validation only.

Seafoodvillagehawaii.com Ask about our Kama‘aina Discount

Hyatt Regency Resort& Spa-Street Level•2424 Kalakaua Ave., Ewa Tower

per person 10 person minimum

Chicken Salad w/Oriental Dressing 4 TYPES OF DIM SUM (BBQ Pork, Chive Dumpling, Pork Hash, Seafood Dumpling) Beef & Broccoli Kalua Short Ribs Stir-Fried Assorted Vegetables Minute Chicken Fried Noodle DESSERT: Almond Float

cial you had here that’s gone now, you can always ask and we’ll try our best to see if we can serve it to you.

ASAHI GRILL

515 Ward Ave. | 593-2800 Sunday-Thursday, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

If you could serve food to a celebrity, who would it be and why? What dish would you serve? I would serve Alan Wong. Since I started cooking I’ve always looked up to him as a chef. I find inspiration in a lot of different chefs, but he is a standout for me. I’ve never met him personally, but I’ve seen him working while I

was at KCC, and I like his style of cooking and the dishes he creates. I’d serve him Oxtail Stew. We’ve been working on making it another signature dish for the restaurant.

Even though you might find it on the menu at other places, we do it our own way so it has a different flavor that will stand out.

What is the biggest compliment you've ever received as a chef/manager/ owner? When people say they enjoy the food here, or when regulars come back to visit us again and again, it’s very rewarding, but at the same time, it’s a team effort.

I never really thought about those things being a compliment to me because everyone working in the kitchen and on the floor is a part of a customer’s experience. Although, if I create a dish and put it on the menu, and it becomes very popular with the customers, I think it’s great and it pushes me to keep trying new things.

Easter Brunch Buffet Sunday, March 31 9:30am - 1:00pm

Menu Highlights Salad Bar Peel & Eat Shrimp Smoked Salmon Omelet Station Waffle Station

Eggs Benedict Breakfast Meats Asian Style Braised Pork Belly Slow Braised Chicken in Tomato Sauce Pan Seared Salmon with Asian Salsa, Dashi Butter Sauce Baked Ham with Carmelized Pineapple Glaze

LUNCH FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE Innovative creations are presented throughout the day in a relaxed, idyllic setting. Specialties include Ahi Crudo, Steamed Onaga "Orchids Style" and Kahuku Shrimp Ravioli. Sunday Brunch is legendary and is called "Oahu's Best Brunch" by Honolulu Magazine.

Carving: Prime Rib of Beef, Au Jus Array of Desserts $40 adults $17 children 3-10 years old *we will be closed for dinner

ON THE RISE

7AIALAE !VE s www.3660.com

LUNCH: Monday - Saturday, 11.30am to 2pm SUNDAY BRUNCH: 9.30am to 2.30pm

RESERVATIONS: 923.2311 COMPLIMENTARY PARKING 2199 Kalia Rd. Honolulu www.halekulani.com /

DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013 | 11

Step Up to the Plate

Wo l f g a n g ’ s S t e a k h o u s e

with Alana Folen

A C L O S E R L O O K AT T H I S W E E K ’ S H O U S E S P E C I A L : L O B S T E R M A C A R O N I A N D C H E E S E ( $ 1 5 . 9 5 , D I N N E R ; AVA I L A B L E A S A S I D E W I T H T H E P U R C H A S E O F A N E N T R E E , L U N C H )

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enowned for its superb steaks Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener is top-of-the-line in the eyes of any carnivore. However, this avant-garde dining establishment on the third level of Waikiki’s Royal Hawaiian Center in Building C has a lot more to offer its guests than tender morsels of meat, which are always butchered to order.

Take the restaurant’s Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, for example.

Available for lunch and dinner, this most-coveted side dish is not your ordinary mac and cheese. In fact, its intense ooey-gooey goodness features everything your heart desires, such as five cheeses and savory lobster meat. Lobster Macaroni and Cheese offers a blend of flavors so divine, it’s habit-forming.

Butcher Jon Fadli says this is one of the restaurant’s most popular side dishes, and prepares numerous orders to feed eagerly awaiting customers.

“I would recommend this dish to everyone! Each cheese plays its own role in the dish,” he says.

“Gruyere has a sharpness to it, Fontina is creamy, White Vermont Cheddar is the most mild of all the cheeses and the Parmesan brings a bit of saltiness to the dish. None is overpowering, though. I think we found the perfect balance.”

Fontina, Gruyere, White Vermont Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses are mixed together with a cream base to create a cheesy concoction, which is then intertwined with equal parts white wine and butter, and blended well with the macaroni.

What about the mozzarella, you may ask? Well, the mozzarella cheese is browned in a broiler and brought to a crisp smothering the Lobster Macaroni and Cheese. And it’s that extra crispy texture of the cheese that is a match made in heaven when paired with the creaminess of the rest of the dish.

The base of the dish is, of course, macaroni, which is prepared al dente, perfect for soaking up all the flavors.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse doesn’t skimp on the lobster meat. Fadli says lobster claw meat is cut up into bite-sized pieces to guarantee a luscious piece of lobster with every bite.

“We bring in fresh lobster from Maine every day,” he says. Maine lobster thrives in cold water and has a lot of meat to it.

Maine lobster is also very sweet in flavor.

We mix (lobster) into the macaroni, and the dish is complete.”

Photos by Leah Friel

12 | DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013

WOLFGANG’S STEAKHOUSE Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

Royal Hawaiian Center 2301 Kalakaua Ave. 922-3600

STORY BY ALANA FOLEN :: PHOTOS BY LEAH FRIEL

R

omano’s Macaroni Grill in Ala Moana Center’s Hookipa Terrace celebrates a longstanding tradition with innovative Italian fare showcasing quality Italian ingredients that exceed all expectations. Honor system wine and opera singers cultivate the restaurant’s heritage as well, and bring a new experience to every dining adventure.

In this week’s Dining with the Stars, local girl and singer Cheesa Laureta joined us on our most recent quest for authentic Italian delights, while also delving into her blossoming career.

Laureta made her debut on the grand stage on the second season of NBC’s hit show The Voice after she caught the ear of hip-hop singer and mentor Cee Lo Green, who chose Laureta to become a member of his team after witnessing her performance of Beyonce’s If I were a Boy. And that was only the beginning.

Throughout the season,

Laureta continued to wow the nation with renditions of Celine Dion’s All By Myself and Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing, which landed her a spot in Cee Lo’s top three. Despite her elimination in the quarterfinals of the show, it was evident that Laureta possessed a voice unattainable by many. And from a foodie standpoint, her palate is one to be reckoned with as well.

Once seated, we browsed through Macaroni Grill’s menu of meltin-your-mouth Italian favorites, and Laureta made the smart choice to go with the recommendations provided by our server. It wasn’t long before heaping portions of Pasta di Mare, Shrimp Portofino, Mushroom Ravioli, Mama’s Trio and Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Flat Bread appeared before us, ready to be devoured.

“I love food,” says Laureta, who is as real and as down-to-earth as you can get. Although it was my

first time to meet her, it was like dining and catching up with a good friend.

“I always like to check out new restaurants. Living in Los Angeles, there are so many places to try. I love Asian, Mediterranean and Italian foods. I’m excited because this is my first time at Macaroni Grill.”

This island girl relocated to the City of Angels in 2006 to pursue her musical career, yet she always makes it a point to come home — on this most recent trip it was to attend her uncle’s wedding, spread the word about an upcoming album and, of course, eat!

“Shrimp Portofino is my absolute favorite. I love seafood,” Laureta gushes, as she digs into the pasta dish loaded with jumbo shrimp, capellini, spinach, mushrooms and pine nuts in a lemon butter sauce.

“Mama’s Trio also is great because it has a little bit of everything: Chicken Parmesan, Lasagna Bolognese and Chicken Cannelloni. The Chicken Parme-

san reminds me of an Italian chicken katsu,” she says with a laugh. “The meat is so tender and the sauce isn’t overpowering.”

Through the course of our meal, Laureta shared what life is like after The Voice, but the conversation always diverted back to the food.

“The Voice really enabled me to explore different types of musical genres and helped turn me into a true artist. I wasn’t even supposed to audition for the show, but my mom and my brother forced me to. I learned to be very independent, and really got to know who I was as a person and as an artist, and I was able to build upon that to create this career that I’m shooting for right now.

“By the way, Pasta di Mare and Mushroom Ravioli are great entrees for sharing on a first date. I like sharing food,” Laureta exclaims.

“Anyway, I’ve been gigging a lot with the Filipino community in L.A. and within

the Mainland. Life since The Voice has been a crazy roller coaster. I did a song with Charice called I’m Not Perfect, which hit No. 1 in the Philippines, and I can’t wait to release my very own album next month.”

Titled Naked, this album (which Laureta’s brother Troy is helping produce) will showcase Laureta’s unique personal style, embodying what she calls her “craziness and quirkiness.”

“In this album there are a lot of dance tracks. It’s also very poppy. I’m able to express myself with this project,” she adds. “My personal style focuses around pop and R&B. I grew up with a lot of soul music and I sang a lot of classics. My idols are Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Frank Ocean … the list goes on.”

Although Laureta is currently back in L.A., she wil return to the Islands in April, as she will appear in Ewa By Gentry’s Pride 4 Ewa Celebration April 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hoalauna Park (91-1330 Keaunui Drive) in Ewa Beach. This daylong celebration is fun for the whole family and includes crafters, food booths, keiki rides and horse rides. There will be non-stop entertainment, and Laureta is scheduled to perform at 3 p.m. with an autograph session to follow. Admission is free and parking is available.

“It’s going to be an exciting event, and I lived in Ewa Beach for five years, so this will be very cool,” she says.

“I owe a lot to Hawaii.

Everyone has been very supportive of me, and it’s always uplifting to be home.”

ROMANO’S MACARONI GRILL Ala Moana Center, Hookipa Terrace 1450 Ala Moana Blvd.

356-8300 Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013 | 13

... dining out ...

inside

F E AT U R E ...... ..............

STORY BY KYLE GALDEIRA PHOTOS BY NATHLIE WALKER

hen one desires a hearty meal prepared fresh and served in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, look no further than Big City Diner.

The iconic eatery has satisfied Hawaii diners since 1998, and now features five convenient locations: Kailua, Kaimuki, Pearlridge, Waipio and Ward. With a wide variety of menu options and plentiful portions, Big City Diner is poised to please customers of all ages and tastes with its locally influenced comfort food.

“We try to base our menu on the idea of comfort food, and put an upscale twist on the items,” says Dennis Franks, senior executive chef at Big City Diner. “We cater to the local customers and their favorite flavors, as well as the visitors by giving them some Hawaiian flavors that they look forward to. One of our main intentions is to make sure that nobody leaves hungry.”

Franks explains that he incorporates a multitude of fresh, local products and ingredients in the dishes while still keeping menu prices as reasonable as possible.

Start the day off right, regardless of what time one chooses to do so, with Roasted Macadamia Nut Pancakes and Haupia Crème Sauce ($8.99 for the “Big Stack,” $7.99 for the “Not So Big Stack”).

The large, old-fashioned pancakes are topped with roasted Mauna Loa macadamia nuts and covered with a sweet haupia crème sauce to tie all the flavors together.

“It’s been a few years since we introduced the pancakes, and it’s become one of our best-sellers,” Franks says. “It’s a great combination of flavors.”

Franks and his team are constantly updating the menu with new customer favorites, including Fire-Roasted Portobello Mushroom Salad ($10.99). The vegetarian option includes large pieces of the sliced mushroom atop a bed of organic greens, chopped romaine lettuce, diced Roma tomatoes and sweet red onions.

14 | DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013

Big Burger ($14.99)

Senior Executive Chef Dennis Franks

The salad is then topped with big croutons, imported Parmesan cheese, red onion rings and fresh lemon along with a zesty ancho-chile dressing made fresh in-house.

Big City Diner features a host of large, flavorful burgers including the aptly named Big Burger ($14.99). The massive sandwich features a charbroiled beef patty topped with Cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, honey-cured bacon and California avocado. All burgers at the eatery come with 100 percent lean ground steak patties, lettuce, tomato, onion, a dill pickle spear and mayo on a fresh potato bun. While all burgers are served with a hearty portion of skin-on fries, customers may choose to upgrade to zesty garlic fries for just 99 cents more, or add a small green salad for an additional $1.99.

Diners also rave about Baby Back Ribs

... dining out ...

Fire-Roasted Portobello Mushroom Salad ($10.99)

inside

F E AT U R E ....................

Roasted Macadamia Nut Pancakes and Haupia Creme Sauce ($7.99 “Not So Big Stack”)

with Famous Guava-BBQ Sauce ($22.99 “Big Slab,” $18.99 “Not So Big Slab”). The ribs, which resemble one of Fred Flintstone’s favorite entrees, are slow-roasted for five hours until the meat falls off the bone, and slathered with a sweet and tangy guava mango barbecue sauce. The entrée is served with a choice of steamed white or brown rice, and diners may sub for garlic “smashed” potatoes for $1.99, or add a cup of Daily Super Soup or a small green salad for an additional $1.99.

“The ribs are made so they’re served tender, and include that unique local flavor from the barbecue sauce that we make in-house,” says Franks, who also recommends customers upgrade their starch choice to Big City Diner’s famous fried rice or kimchee fried rice.

And, to wrap up a satisfying meal, look no further than Big Brownie Pie ($7.49).

The delectable dessert includes a mountain of Bubbies Vanilla Bean Ice Cream atop a big brownie, which is smothered in chocolate, whipped cream and macadamia nuts.

“We want people to be comfortable and enjoy themselves,” Franks says. “If they’re coming in to grab a bite before

Big Brownie Pie ($7.49)

shopping or watching a movie, they can enjoy a quick full-service meal. Or, families can come in and enjoy the gathering with music in the background and sports on the televisions, if they’d like. Our employees really care about what they do, and that passion creates an enjoyable experience for our guests.”

Big City Diner also offers full-service catering, and is poised to assist customers with all sorts of events and occasions via set and customizable menus.

The service is available islandwide, and to inquire about the options available, log on to www.BigCityDinerHawaii.com/ Catering or call 487-8588.

Baby Back Ribs with Famous Guava-BBQ Sauce ($22.99 “Big Slab”)

Pearlridge East 98-211 Pali Momi St., Ste. 900, Aiea (and four other locations islandwide) 487-8588 BigCityDinerHawaii.com

Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to midnight

DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013 | 15

a Palme D’or has been sharing Japanese-French pastries with the Islands since opening its doors in 2006 at Ala Moana Center. When the shop first opened, many customers weren’t used to this type of pastry — executive chef Akiko Kimura says that Japanese-style desserts often are lighter and not as sweet — but it quickly gained a following.

“The taste is Japanese,” Kimura explains. “Japanese style is more delicate and fine.”

Kimura has been crafting tasty pastries at La Palme D’or since 2009, shortly after arriving in the Islands from Japan. Before that, Kimura had been training Executive Chef Akiko Kimura and working in Japan for 13 years.

“I am always making something new,” she says.

In keeping with its Japanese-inspired cuisine, La Palme D’or imports certain products from Japan, including green tea powder, Jell-O powder, flour, as well as a special wrapping that helps to keep the desserts moist.

In addition, many of its ingredients are all natural: La Palme D’or does not use any corn syrup, genetically modified flour or eggs, or artificial sweeteners, additives or preservatives.

La Palme D’or also utilizes local ingredients. Some of its desserts feature local fruit. Coffee-flavored desserts often make use of Kona coffee. Rum-filled desserts utilize run from Maui.

L

PATISSERIE LA PALME D’OR Ala Moana Center 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 941-6161

with Christina O’Connor

Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sweet Bliss ($4.95), Baked Chocolate Cheesecake (4.95), Kona Chocolate ($4.60) and Mont Blanc ($5) Lawrence Tabudlo photos

Girls Day Cake ($38)

T

he glass display case at Patisserie La Palme D’or is truly tantalizing. Filled with colorful, delicate desserts, the display is likely to present a dilemma for customers.

With so many options, it can seem nearly impossible to chose just one or two.

Located in Ala Moana Center, La Palme D’or is a pastry shop that combines Japanese and French influences to create tasty, light desserts. While it might be hard to choose from its appealing collection, here are a few options.

For starters, Mont Blanc ($5) is not to be missed. With rich chestnut cream, a hint of rum, fresh whipped cream and almond cake, Mont Blanc is

16 | DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013

a smooth treat. It’s so good, in fact, that it is fit for royalty. Executive chef Akiko Kimura created this one when the emperor of Japan visited the Islands in 2009.

Kona Chocolate ($4.60) is a decadent chocolate lover’s dream that Kimura created a few years ago on Valentine’s Day. After being discontinued for a while, the dessert has recently made a reprise. It features chocolate almond sponge, chocolate hazelnut crunch, Kona coffee ganache and milk chocolate cream.

Kimura is constantly creating new items at an impressive pace, and as a result La Palme D’or is frequently adding desserts to its menu to coincide with

chewonthis

Mont Blanc ($5)

1

BY RACHEL BREIT

W seasons and holidays.

One new item is Baked Chocolate Cheesecake ($4.95), which features light cheesecake topped with milk chocolate cream and cookie crust. Kimura says that La Palme D’or’s cheesecakes are among its most popular items. Created in Japanese pastry fashion, the cheesecakes are lighter and fluffier than those you might be used to.

Another new dessert is Sweet Bliss ($4.95) — and it truly is a blissful creation. It is comprised of berry mousse and coconut white chocolate mousse on top of a coconut pineapple sponge cake.

For Girls Day, La Palme D’or has created a special Girls Day Cake ($38), which will be available until March 3. A colorful three-layer cake, it is a combination of pistachio, vanilla and strawberry. In between layers, the cake is filled with cream and strawberries. Place your order for The Girls Day Cake as soon as possible.

Next up for La Palme D’or will be something seasonal for spring and summer.

“Maybe during summer, I will do something with local mangoes,” Kimura teases.

Contact Christina O’Connor at diningout@staradvertiser.com Baked Chocolate Cheesecake ($4.95)

e all know that a delicious meal starts with quality ingredients.

That’s why at Royal Garden Chinese Restaurant, owner Calvin Wong goes straight to the farm for fresh chickens.

Free-ranging, ranch-raised chickens’ access to the outdoors encourages movement and pasture grazing, which produces a leaner, more meaty chicken that is higher in healthy omega-3 fatty acids — a difference you can taste. “The chicken is very rich in taste and the meat is not too soft,” says Wong. Its firm and flavorful meat is so exceptional that Wong is willing to pay the extra price (three times more) for a ranch-raised California chicken that he flies in fresh.

Once Wong has his birds in hand, his brother, co-owner and head chef Johnny Wong, prepares them the traditional Chinese way. “No other restaurant in town will do this. This is traditional rock salt chicken,” says Calvin Wong. The chicken is marinated in salt and simple spices such as star anise. A pot of rock salt is heated to a high temperature. The marinated chicken is placed in special paper and buried in the salt pot.

The pot is then placed in a very hot oven and baked for 30 minutes. The result is a crispy skin and juicy meat

ROYAL GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT WHERE Ala Moana Hotel 410 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu CALL 942-7788 HOURS Lunch: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Dinner: Daily, 5:30–9:30 p.m.

2

3 1 Baked Stuffed Top Shell with Seafood ($5.95 each regular, $2.98 special price) 2 Baked Rock Salt Ranch Chicken ($45 regular price, $22.50 special price) 3 Co-owner and head chef Johnny Wong with Baked Rock Salt Ranch Chicken Rachel Breit photos

— the robust flavor is accented with a hint of the floral aroma of anise.

Baked Rock Salt Ranch Chicken is regularly $45, but Wong is offering a 50 percent discount good until the end of March with only one discount per table and not to be combined with other offers.

Also, orders must be placed at least a day in advance because the chicken takes special preparation.

One whole chicken is more than three-and-a-half pounds and can be shared among up to 10 people with side dishes accompanying it.

Another special item on the menu

is Baked Stuffed Top Shell with Seafood. Minced seafood is combined with mushroom, onion, water chestnuts and curry powder, and baked. The item is regularly priced at $5.95 each, but until the end of March, Royal Garden is offering a 50 percent discount on this fusionfare delight.

DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013 | 17

ono,youknow 1

2 1 Hifumi’s Wafu Scallops — Sizzling Style ($15.95)

2 Genki Sushi’s Dynamite — Scallop Mayo ($4.80)

3 Genki Sushi’s Scallop Mayo ($2.20)

3

– From page 2

a vegetable medley of broccoli, snow peas, carrots and mushroom.

Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., The Mandalay appeases all cravings, especially when you have your sights set on scallops.

The Mandalay 1055 Alakea St. 525-8585

Hifumi Restaurant Situated within Chinese Cultural Plaza, Hifumi Restaurant brings a Japanese twist to the locale, which houses a slew of Chinese restaurants. For more than three decades, Hifumi has been serving up traditional Japanese cuisine at affordable prices.

My family and I have frequented this eatery for years, and everything on the menu, including the miso soup and tsuke-

mono, are definitely worth raving about.

So, the next time you pay a visit to Hifumi, take my word for it and go for Wafu Scallops — Sizzling Style. Priced at $15.95, this lunch and dinner entree boasts close to a dozen deep-fried jumbo sea scallops doused in soy sauce, garlic sauce and a hint of sake, and paired with ground onions and freshly chopped garlic. The description alone is enough to make your mouth water, and once it’s placed before you, you’ll be chomping at the bit to savor each and every bite. The meal comes complete with a bowl of rice, miso soup and tsukemono, which will leave you satisfied for days. Kick up your meal a notch and pour the extra sauce from the dish over your rice. Oh, so ono! Happiness awaits at Hifumi.

18 | DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013

Hifumi Restaurant Chinese Cultural Plaza 100 N. Beretania St., Ste 113 536-3035

Genki Sushi Gosh, what’s not to love about Genki Sushi? I am a self-proclaimed sushi addict, so as Hawaii’s premier kaitenstyle sushi establishment, Genki Sushi steals my heart over and over again with every visit.

Kaiten is the signature style of Genki, meaning all 60-plus of your sushi musthaves are easily accessible via a revolving conveyor belt. This form of sushi dining was based off the idea promoted to create a “fast-food” sushi of sorts. Although Spicy Tuna Roll is an original favorite of mine, I decided to explore the scallop possibilities during my most recent visit.

First and foremost, I tackled two pieces of Scallop Mayo ($2.20), sushi rice combined with scallops, mayo and tobiko wrapped in nori. So simple, but so good!

Then, my sushi journey continued with Genki’s Dynamite — Scallop Mayo ($4.80).

A popular pick among Genki fanatics, this sushi features shrimp tempura topped with scallop mayo and laced with unagi, unagi sauce, garlic mayo and topped with green onions.

“We use bay scallops because they’re small and great for sushi,” says Genki Sushi’s director of purchasing, David Moon.

“We're in the process of changing up the menu and we will be renovating our Ala Moana location beginning March 1. We will be installing a new express system and will reopen again in July. There are a lot of new and exciting changes going on.”

Genki Sushi Ward Warehouse 1200 Ala Moana Blvd. #408 (and various locations) 591-5600

People’s festive, traditional fare

H

omemade desserts that comfort and warm the soul are hard to come by, but at People’s Café on Pali Highway there’s no shortage of sweets made by Araceli Urbina.

“She makes all of the desserts herself,” says head chef Tomas Ventura. “Every 2

1

PEOPLE’S CAFÉ WHERE 1310 Pali Hwy., Honolulu CALL 521-5552 HOURS Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

1 Dudol ($3.75) 2 Royal Bibingka ($3.75) 3 Ube Mochi Rice ($3.75) 4 Sinuman ($3.75) Nathalie Walker photos

3

day, every morning.”

Urbina’s dedication to creating desserts stems from the fact that she has always enjoyed baking. So, it’s good news for all, that she has taken her talents to People’s Café, where patrons can enjoy homemade Filipino desserts throughout the day.

There is an array to choose from, and Dining Out is here to tell you about a few that will really get your mouth watering.

Ube Mochi Rice ($3.75) is a Filipino favorite, also known as Petche-Petche, made with ube

potato, mochi rice and shredded coconut.

“That’s a Filipino tradition that we make during holidays,” Urbina explains.

Tupig ($5) is wrapped in banana leaves and is made of mochi flour, brown sugar, shredded coconut and coconut milk. It comes in Tupig Cassava and Tupig Mochi, both $5.

This dish is another favorite during holidays, especially Christmas; but dessert-lovers don’t have to wait until Christmas to try this Filipino specialty.

“People are really thrilled with the banana leaf because when you use the banana leaf and when you bake it or roast it, the banana leaf aroma comes out,” Urbina says.

Royal Bibingka ($3.75) is a homemade delight definitely fit for royalty. This treat is made with mochi flour and is a type of butter mochi made with Urbina’s secret recipe she created years ago.

“All of these are my own recipe,” she says. “I have been making this for about 10 years now.”

And that decade of expertise and passion for making delicious desserts shines through in each piece that goes home with happy customers.

4

DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013 | 19

WHERE TO DINE Tropics Bar & Grill

AMERICAN

Symbol Key

Atlantis Seafood & Steak

Breakfast

2284 Kalakaua Avenue 922-6868

After Midnight

Panya

Eggs n’ Things Ala Moana

Fendu Boulangerie

451 Piikoi St 538-EGGS (3447)

2752 Woodlawn Dr. Manoa Marketplace 988-4310

Eggs n’ Things Saratoga

La Palme D’or

Alcohol Served

343 Saratoga Road 923-EGGS (3447)

Ala Moana Center - Mall Level Mountain Side, next to Shirokiya 941-6161

Online

Waikiki Beach Eggspress

Kahala Mall 738-5696 (KOZO)

Moiliili 951-5696

DELUXE MAKI SET

(KOZO)

Keeaumoku

by Wal-Mart 946-5696

Reg. $25.99

www.kozosushihawaii.com

BUFFET Camellia Buffet 930 McCully St. 951-0511 • 951-0611

4369 Lawehana St. (across Target in Salt Lake) 422-0059

Buy 1 Plate, Get the 2nd

Pearl City

by Wal-Mart 455-6805

$2.00 OFF One coupon per order. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 3/8/13.

711 Queen St. 597-8880 1111 Bishop St. #4 536-8363 Ala Moana Center 946-6388 Royal Hawaiian Center 791-2969

Larry’s Bakery

2464 Kalakaua Ave (Aston Waikiki Circle) 926-EGGS (3447)

Catering

Located inside of Zippy’s

BAKERY

Lunch Dinner

Napoleon’s Bakery

2005 Kalia Road Hilton Hawaiian Village (Ali‘i Tower) 949-4321

DAILY HAPPY HOUR 4-7 pm

$

3

Beers

with coupon

OPEN DAILY 11AM - 9PM

(KOZO)

52 pcs.

Pearlridge 483-6805

50% OFF

purchase of $25 or more.

Excludes alcohol. Cannot be combined with other specials/discounts. Exp. 2/28/13

Ward Center www.infernospizzahawaii.com

(next to Ryan’s Grill)

375-1200

2nd entree of equal or lesser value.

Cannot combine w/ other discounts/offers.

Exp. 2/28/13.

1006 Kapahulu Ave. Open Daily 7am-10pm • 688-8891

(Corner of Kaimuki Ave/Kapahulu Ave)

Limited Time Offer Lunch Set Menu for 4

From 11am–2pm only

UÊ iÃiÊ V i Ê-> >` UÊ iÞÊ7> ÕÌÊ- À « UÊ"À> }iÊ V i UÊ À i`Ê-ÌÀ }Ê i> Ã UÊ >À VÊ À i`Ê, Vi UÊ/>« V> $48 ($66 value)

50% OFF

KOREAN CUISINE • LUNCH $17.95 10:30AM - 2:30PM • DINNER $25.95 2:30PM-10PM

Sun-Thu 10:30am-10:30pm; Fri/Sat 10:30am-Midnight

*DISCOUNT EXCLUDES ALL BEVERAGES WITH THIS AD. EXP. 2/28/13.

Please present ad upon ordering.

Dine-In only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or special.

Pre-Order Peking Duck. Coupon valid for up to 3 tables. Expires 2/28/13.

$6.39 Fast Food

930 McCully St. • 951-0511/951-0611

• PRIVATE PARTY ROOM • CONVENIENT PARKING

AT ALA MOANA HOTEL • 410 ATKINSON DRIVE • 942-7788

PLEDGE TO PROMOTE & LIVE A DRUG-FREE LIFESTYLE

CHILI FRANK PLATE

& ENTER TO WIN A

Roundtrip for

4

SPAM or PORTUGUESE SAUSAGE OMELETTE

$4.99 Fast Food Breakfast Hours Only

to the U.S. Mainland Equivalent to 240,000 HawaiianMiles!

*Restaurant Price: Chili Frank $7.39, Spam or Portuguese Sausage Omelette $5.99. Prices slightly higher at Zippy’s Kahului. Must be 18 years of age or older & Hawaii resident to enter giveaway. Offer and giveaway valid 2/4 through 2/28/13. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offers, coupons or discount cards. While supplies last. Sorry, no substitutions. Other restrictions may apply.

20 | DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013

25

$

Now Reg. $50

KAL BI, SIRLOIN, CHICKEN, SPICY PORK, FRESH SHRIMP

Ê-ÕLÃÌ ÌÕÌ Ã°Ê i Ê Þ°Ê > ÌÊLiÊV L i`Ê Ü Ì Ê> ÞÊ Ì iÀÊ vviÀ]ÊÌ>ÝiÃÊ> `Ê}À>ÌÕ ÌÞÊ ÌÊ V Õ`i`° 1113 Smith St. 545-3008 Free Parking at rear of restaurant

Peking Duck

WHERE TO DINE CAFE

Five Star International Buffet

CHINESE 923 Keeaumoku St. 955-3388

Market City Shopping Center 2919 Kapiolani Blvd 735-3888

Makino Chaya

Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant

Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant

Kissaten

98-150 Kaonohi St. 486-5100

590 Farrington Hwy. 692-9880

Canton Seafood Restaurant

Anytime Cafe

Royal Hawaiian Center, Bldg C, Level 3.

380-9300

Ho Ho Chinese Cuisine

Ala Moana Center •1450 Ala Moana Blvd.

4th Floor - Ho’okipa Terrace 947-8818

111 N. King St. 521-8268

88 Piikoi St. 593-1200

Happy Day Chinese Restaurant

CATERERS

Yakiniku Camellia Buffet Stadium Mall 4510 Salt Lake Blvd.

486-3311

50% OFF WAFU STEAK

A Catered Experience

Any Ribeye Steak Order with coupon ALOHA BEER ON TAP Must Present Coupon.

Not valid w/other offers/discounts.

1 order per coupon/party.

Exp. 2/28/13

HAPPY HOUR

5-6p & 9pm- midnight

DINNER Tues-Sun 5p-Midnight s Closed Monday LUNCH Tues-Sun 11am-2pm RESTAURANT & PUPU BAR

3008 Waialae Ave.

1113 Smith St. 545-3008

Hee Hing Restaurant

Lung Fung Chinese Restaurant 5724 Kalanianaole Hwy. 377-5566

449 Kapahulu Ave. 735-5544

94-1068 Ka Uka Blvd.

677-7744

Little Village Noodle House

3553 Waialae Ave. 738-8666

Try our Tenshin-Men (Crab Meat Omelet) with Gyoza!

HAWAIIAN & FILIPINO FOOD

LUNCH OR DINNER

2080 S. King Street (past McCully St.)

(808) 947-5919

buy 1 entree, RECEIVE 2ND at

50% OFF 2nd plate must be of equal of lesser value.

Offer not valid with other offers/discounts.

Must present coupon. EXPIRES 2.28.13

MON-SAT 6:30AM - 8PM • SUN 6:30AM - 5PM 1310 PALI HWY. • 521-5552

Mon: 5-10pm | Tues-Fri: 11am-2:30pm/5-10pm Sat: 11am-10pm | Sun: 11am-9pm

Our Broths are made from scratch with no MSG!

Tasty Tuesdays $

6.95 Plate Lunches

Celebrate Your Birthday With us and Receive a complimentary Hy’s Cheesecake & Keepsake Photo For Honoree

March and April Limited items and quantities

Keeping It Our menu changes daily

fresh

Visit our website for daily specials & hours of operation

www.kahaistreet-kitchen.com 237 Kalihi Street s ph 845-0320 s fax 842-4273 (corner of Kahai & Kalihi)

Mon-Fri: 6:00 - 10:00 pm Sat, Sun: 5:30 - 10:00 pm

OAHU:

OUTER ISLANDS:

Kona · (808) 327-6776 Ala Moana · 942-9102 Kukui Grove · (808) 632-2450 Aina Haina · 373-4033 Lahaina · (808) 661-0333 Ewa Town Center · 683-1003 Kaneohe · 247-9595 Maui Mall · (808) 873-7776 Kapahulu · 735-7700 Proud recipient of: Kapolei · 674-4227 Waiau · 485-0227 Waikele · 678-3180 Ward Center · 591-5600 SERVING LUNCH & DINNER TAKEOUT AVAILABLE

• Wine Spectator Award-Winning Wine List • Live Entertainment • Valet Parking Proper Attire Required Reservations Recommended

2440 Kuhio Ave.

922 5555 www.hyshawaii.com

DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013 | 21

WHERE TO DINE Royal Garden Chinese Restaurant

Mandalay (The)

Asahi Grill Ward

Ala Moana Hotel, 3rd Floor 410 Atkinson Drive 942-7788

1055 Alakea St. 525-8585

Big City Diner Kailua 263-8880 Kaimuki 738-8855 Pearlridge East 487-8188 Waipio 678-8868 Ward Center 591-8891

808 Yong’s BBQ 94-216 Farrington Hwy #B1-4 678-8058

Liliha Square, 524-1628

Choose from Garlic Chicken or Chicken Katsu (Served daily) Mochiko Chicken (Wednesday Only), or Karaage Chicken (Friday Only)

Now Serving Breakfast All Day 1 FREE medium size DRINK with purchase of 1 regular PLATE or COMBO! M_j^ Yekfed D[m Oeha Ij[Wa =Whb_Y I^h_cf :[dl[h Ec[b[jj[i

Aeh[Wd <eeZ =h_bb[Z CW^_ Ceh[

50% OFF*

678-8058

15% OFF DINNER

*Some exclusions may apply. Exp. 2/28/13 Must present coupon upon ordering.

/*#(', <Whh_d]jed >mo MW_fW^k 9Wj[h_d] 7lW_bWXb[ D[nj je P_ffoÊi" :ed Gk_`ej[ DWdZ_d]Êi 8Wa[ho

Chee Fried Rice or Kim Chee Pancake FREE Kim

Locals and Military with valid ID receive

1137 11th Ave. 735-1122

Ea_dWmWd @WfWd[i[ Ij[Wa I[W\eeZ BeYWb <Wleh_j[i Buy One Entrée Get the Second

;gkWb eh b[ii[h lWbk[$ :e[i dej _dYbkZ[ if[Y_Wbi$ ;nf_h[i )%)'%')$

947-5411

Himalayan Kitchen

808 Yong’s BBQ New Items

MON-THUR 9AM – 7PM SAT 9:30AM – 7:30PM FRIDAY 9AM – 7:30PM SUN 9:30AM – 6PM 1111 MCCULLY ST.

Henry Loui’s 2850 Paa St. 833-3728

FAMILY DINING

Nice Day Chinese Seafood Restaurant

starting from

1234 South Beretania St. 521-1688

Street Level, 2424 Kalakaua Ave., #102 971-1818

909 Isenberg Street 941-6641

888 Kapahulu Ave. 734-7345

Asian Mix

Seafood Village Maple Garden

Good To Grill

515 Ward Ave. 593-2800

With purchase of any combo or 2 or more orders of meat.

Dine-in only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Limit 1 coupon per party.

Expires 2/28/13.

Original Loco Moco

Not valid for take-out or retail items • Not valid with any other offers or promotions

www.eggsnthings.com

Early Bird Special

Nabe

12

$ (available from 4:30-6pm) Choice of: • Hamburger Steak • Rib Eye Steak • Curry Rice • Grilled Fish Includes: Miso Soup, Mac Salad,

(Min of 2 orders Available from 4:30-6pm)

15

$

Chicken Karage, Rice, and Daily Special Salad

Corned Beef Hash Loco Moco

Ala Moana 451 Piikoi St 538-EGGS

Eggspress Saratoga 2464 Kalakaua Ave 343 Saratoga Ave 926-EGGS 923-EGGS www.eggsnthings.

Ala Moana Center Tel: 947-8818 Open Daily 10:30am to 10:00pm COME TRY OUR…

NEW DIM SUM ITEMS

Fried Mochi w/Lotus Paste

Imperial Spring Roll with Taro & Preserved Meat

• 7 VIP rooms • Accommodate 300+ guests

• 8,000 sq feet • State-of-the-Art Audio/Visual System

FRESH DIM SUM DAILY

Steamed Pork & Veggie Buns

10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

905 Keeaumoku Street

OPEN Daily 5pm - 2am

(808) 951-1004

EXTRA LARGE PLATE Lunch 11am-2pm M-F • Dinner 4:30pm-Midnight Daily

10% OFF

Dear Hearts,

Cash Sale Only (With Coupon)

Don’t be so concerned with getting credit for tasks completed.

A person who continually does this comes off as conceited.

22 | DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013

5% OFF Credit Card Sale Only (With Coupon)

Hong Kong Dim Sum & Regular Menu Items Excludes Set Menus; Roast Pork, Roast Duck, Char Siu & other specials. 5%, 10% and lobster special not to be combined with any other offer/discounts/ specials. Expires 3/31/13. Must present coupon.

Lobster

1599

$

with purchase of Full Price Entree Valid 5-10:30pm

Nice Day Chinese Seafood Restaurant Liliha Square by Times Supermarket

524-1628

Celebrating 11 Years!

Sincerely, Bryce “Saimin Jr”

Dim Sum Take Out Special! 8am-11:30am Lobster $1599

Abalone Siu Mai

1427 Makaloa St. • 955-8528

WAIMALU

WAIPAHU

EWA BEACH SHOP. CTR.

98-020 Kam Hwy.

94-256 Waipahu Depot St.

91-919 Fort Weaver Rd.

488-8824

676-2088

689-0999

w w w. s h i ro s s a i m i n . c o m

with purchase of Full Price Entree Valid 5-10:30pm

10% OFF(Charge) • 15% OFF(Cash) Dim Sum & Reg. Menu Dine In Special!

5% OFF

(Charge) • Happy Day Chinese Restaurant 3553 Waialae Avenue

738-8666

10% OFF(Cash)

Excludes Set Menu; Roast Pork, Roast Duck, Char Siu & other specials.

5%, 10% and lobster special are not to be combined with any other offer/discounts/specials. Expires 3/31/13. Must present coupon.

WHERE TO DINE Sam Choy’s BLC

Tony Roma’s

JJ Bistro & French Pastry

New Eagle Cafe

3447 Waialae Ave.

739-0993

1130 N. Nimitz Hwy. 545-2233

580 N. Nimitz Hwy. 545-7979

Kenny’s Restaurant

Pagoda

1620 N. School St. 841-0931

1525 Rycroft St. 948-8356

Shiro’s Saimin Haven WAIMALU 98-020 Kam Hwy. • 488-8824

Panya Bistro • Bakery • Bar

Kenny’s Hawaiian BBQ

Ala Moana Center, Mauka - Mall Level 946-6388

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, 2nd floor 922-3333

Kit N Kitchen

Restaurant Epic

1010 University Avenue 942-7622

WAIKIKI 1972 Kalakaua Ave. • 942-2121 AIEA 98-150 Kaonohi St. • 487-9911

1131 Nuuanu Ave. 587-7877

BOUNTY Y theof SEVEN SEAS AS AS SEAFOOD BUFFET

Friday & Saturday 5:30 – 9:30 pm

Wailana Coffee House

WAIPAHU 94-256 Waipahu Depot St. • 676-2088

1860 Ala Moana Blvd.

955-1764

EWA BEACH SHOPPING CENTER 91-919 Fort Weaver Rd. • 689-0999

Zippy’s

Shore Bird Restaurant

Call the one nearest you

Outrigger Reef on the Beach 922-2887

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL $15.95 Complete Dinner New Hours 5:30 - 6:45pm

$11.45 Complete Lunch

HAWAII’S NEWEST

Korean Yakiniku Experience Premium Quality Beef & Pork

& after 10:30 p.m.

Sapporo & Kirin (large) $5.75 after 10:30pm

Receive a

FREE

For Reservations KAMA‘AINA, MILITARY & SENIORS

15

% Dinner OFF Buffet

LUNCH 11 am - 2 pm HAPPY HOUR 2 pm - 5 pm • Ala Carte DINNER 5 pm - 10 pm Validated Parking

Royal Hawaiian Ctr. | Bldg C, Level 3

739-8760

380-9300 FiveStarWaikiki.com

Old-Style Korean Lunch Box ($6.99 value) AT

THE KAHALA

HOTEL & RESORT www.kahalaresort.com

Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary Join the

947-2836

Hawaii

Open 7 Days • 2700 So. King St.

with purchase of our new Mixed Combo Yakiniku Set

Dine-in only. Limit 1 free lunch box per coupon/party. Must present coupon. Cannot combine w/other discounts or specials. Exp 2/28/13

1726 Kapiolani Blvd (across Convention Center) FREE parking on Kalauokalani Way s Sun-Thurs 11AM-1AM ~ Fri-Sat 11AM-2AM

941-6678

Ocean House in

98-150 Kaonohi St. • Tel: 486-5100 www.makinochayahawaii.com

— We are celebrating — Our 10th Anniversary For a

SPECIAL BREAKFAST AND DINNER OFFER

*MENU AND PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE *DINNER MENU ONLY

ONLY ONE TYPE OF COUPON PER PARTY

SENIOR SPECIAL! 55+

Visit our website

www.oceanhousewaikiki.com

OCEAN FRONT DINING OUTRIGGER REEF ON THE BEACH | 2169 KALIA RD. | 923–2277 | VALET PARKING

LUNCH & DINNER

30% OFF

Not combinable with other discounts. 55 or older w/ coupon & ID. No online or photo-copied coupons. One coupon per person. Discounts off regular adult price. Excluding Holidays. Expires 2/28/13.

ONLY ONE TYPE OF COUPON PER PARTY

BIRTHDAY SPECIAL! FREE BIRTHDAY MEAL FOR ANY AGE With Family & Group

LUNCH & DINNER

20% OFF

Must have minimum party of 4. Coupon valid on actual birthday, ID required. Not combinable with other discounts. Discounts off regular adult price. No online or photo-copied coupons. Must purchase beverage. Expires 2/28/13.

DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013 | 23

WHERE TO DINE FILIPINO

FINE DINING

Max’s Of Manila

Fifty Three By The Sea

WAIPAHU 94-300 Farrington Hwy

53 Ahui Street 536-5353

HONOLULU 801 Dillingham Blvd.

951-6297

Bali Steak & Seafood

Hy’s Steak House

Stage Restaurant

2440 Kuhio Ave. 922-5555

1250 Kapiolani Blvd.

237-5429

Plumeria Beach House

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Beach Level 5000 Kahala Ave. 739-8760

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Bldg C, Level 3 2301 Kalakaua Ave. 922-3600

Hilton Hawaiian Village (Rainbow Tower) 2005 Kalia Road 949-4321

People’s Cafe Hawaiian & Filipino Food

1310 Pali Hwy 521-5552

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Hoku’s

HAWAIIAN People’s Cafe

Restaurant Row 599-3860 Waikiki Beach Walk 440-7910

The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Lobby Level 5000 Kahala Ave. 739-8760

Hawaiian & Filipino Food

1310 Pali Hwy 521-5552

Serving Hawaii Since 1989

YAKINIKU

MILLION

• Oo-e Mool Naeng Myun

SPICY FRIED SMALL

Octopus

for Lunch 11am-2pm

only

1595

$

Buckwheat Noodle in Cold Spicy Soup Topped with Cucumber, Meat Jun & Kalbi

• Book A Kook

Dried Pollock Soup

DINE-IN

$ 95

5

• Sul Lung Tang

Beef & Tendon Soup

SUN-THUR 11AM-MIDNIGHT/ FRI-SAT 11AM-2AM

Crispy Gau Gee Mein

Ja Jiang Mein

596-0799

Won Ton Mein

Best “Japanese Style” Shabu Shabu in Hawaii

with Kim Chee or Onions

$6.99 $6.99 $6.99

With purchase of an entrée. Not to be combined with any other offer or special. Limited Time.

OPEN DAILY: 10am — midnight 923 KEEAUMOKU ST.

$6.95

Mixed Rice with Veggies & Beef

(behind Walmart)

Starting from $5.99

TAKE-OUT

• Bi Bim Bap

626 SHERIDAN ST.

Lunch &SPECIALS! Late Night Specials SUMMER

Best Cantonese Cuisine

955-3388

Shabu Shabu or any Sukiyaki Set featuring our special sukiyaki sauce. Exp. 2/28/13 Mon-Sat 11am-2pm (last call 1:30pm) Dinner Nightly 5pm-10pm (last call 9:30pm) Validated Parking • 1221 Kapiolani Blvd. • 597-1655

Our Ramen...

EnjW_b HWc[d A_c 9^[[ HWc[d I^eok HWc[d C_ie HWc[d 9^Wh I_k HWc[d JWd JWd HWc[d

LIMITED TIME ONLY

Fresh Island

(Fresh Garlic Soy Sauce, Ground Onions & Sake, Served on sizzling Platter) INCLUDES MISO SOUP, TSUKEMONO & RICE

Fresh MULLET $13.95 Island available

SUN-THURS 6:30AM-10PM FRI-SAT 6:30AM-11PM

Offer not combinable with other offers/discounts OPEN TUE-SUN LUNCH

11AM-2PM, DINNER 5-8:30PM • Closed Monday Lunch & Dinner

100 N. Beretania Street #113 (Parking inside Chinese Cultural Plaza)

536-3035

515 WARD AVE. 593-2800

$1 OFF Any Bread purchases over $4 Must present coupon • exp. 2/28/13

DAILY BREAD SPECIALS MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Ciabatta Rustic Kalamata Olive Bread Sundried Tomato Cheesebread Foccacia Derecco Walnut Raisin Hamakua Farms Mushroom Bread Buckwheat Fig

“All Natural no added chemicals”

988-4310 2752 Woodlawn Dr. • Manoa Marketplace

Mon-Sat 7:30am-7pm; Sunday 7:30am-3pm

Honolulu’s Most Unique Lunch Spot—

Brasserie Du Vin Full Service Monday - Saturday, 11:30 to 4:00 Featuring a French-inspired menu, complemented by an extensive wine list. Lunch includes soup, salads, sandwiches and seafood. Perfect for casual, business and special occasions.

HAPPY HOUR

Kobe Beef $ Shabu Shabu Piikoi St. 2-6pm & 9:30-close

16

95

** while supplies last **

Aiea 4-6pm & 9:30-close

TWO GREAT LOCATIONS! AIEA • 484-2222 HONOLULU • 589-2299 98-150 Kaonohi St. 510 Piikoi St. 24 | DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013

of the Month

Red Velvet Cake & Red Velvet Gourmet Cupcake Prices may vary at locations.

545-1115 • www.brasserieduvin.com 1115 Bethel St (across from Hawaii Theatre)

WHERE TO DINE ITALIAN

Gyu-Kaku

JAPANESE

Il Lupino

Chinpei Ramen

Royal Hawaiian Center 922-3400

2080 S. King Street 947-5919

Inferno’s Wood Fire Pizza

Ward Center (Next to Ryan’s Grill) 1200 Ala Moana Blvd.

375-1200

Genki Sushi

Romanos Macaroni Grill

Taormina-Sicilian Cuisine 227 Lewers St. 926-5050

1427 Makaloa St. 955-8528

Hifumi Japanese Restaurant

Chinese Cultural Plaza 100 N. Beretania St. 536-3035

PARTIES

LUNCH - starting at $9.95 per person

FEBRUARY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

DINNER - starting at $16.95 per person

Live Maine Lobster $14.95* (reg. $35)

Set up as early as 9:30, finish up at 3pm

Set up as early as 4pm, finish up at 10pm

BRING YOUR OWN . . .

Live Dungeness Crab $25 (reg. $37.50) Steamed Fresh Oysters $12 (5 pieces) Sweet and Sour Fresh Tai Snapper $29 FEBRUARY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL MENU

DIMSUM DINE-IN • TAKE-OUT OPEN DAILY • MON-SAT: 6am • SUNDAY: 8am

For more information, please call

692-9880 and ask James or Armando.

KAPOLEI MARKETPLACE 590 Farrington Hwy

BREAKFAST & LUNCH NOW OPEN DAILY! A new twist on an old favorite FREE PARKING FOR BREAKFAST & LUNCH AT RYCROFT STREET PARKING STRUCTURE

TRY OUR NEW & ENHANCED BREAKFAST MENU Breakfast items featured Daily Homemade Kalua Hash and Corned Beef Hash. Original Eggs Benedict & our House Specialty Kalua Hash Benedict. Kalbi Steak & Eggs.

Banana, Blueberry, Baked Apple or Macadamia Nut Pancakes & much more! We now feature a KEIKI MENU! Lunch items featured MONDAY - FRIDAY Lunch Items featured Monday – Friday: Oxtail Soup & Ramen.

Homemade Smoked to perfection Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. Pagoda Famous Garlic Chicken. Classic Big Island Beef Burger & much more!

Now featuring our popular Brunch on SATURDAY and SUNDAY featuring Prime Rib, Crab Legs, Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, Omelet Station and much more.

New Hours of Operation: Breakfast Service: Lunch Service: Brunch Buffet: Dinner Buffet:

Daily Monday-Friday Saturday and Sunday Wednesday-Sunday

6:30am-1:00pm 11:00am-2:00pm 10:00am-2:00pm 5:00pm-9:30pm

Enjoy Happy Hour with Refreshing Drinks, and Tasty Pupu Specials in our Newly Renovated Bar from 3:30pm-6:30pm

Mamaya

Pearl Kai Shopping Center 98-199 Kamehameha Hwy, #A-7B 492-1863

HAWAII’S BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

(*with purchase of an entree)

• Soda, Beer & Wine • Cakes & Dessert • Pupus • Entertainment (Band, DJ, Magicians)

OPEN DAILY 10am - 9pm

AIEA 98-150 Kaonohi St. 484-2222 HONOLULU 510 Piikoi St. 589-2299

Japanese Restaurant Aki

Aina Haina 373-4033 Ala Moana 942-9102 Ewa Town Center 683-1003 Kaneohe 247-9595 Kapahulu 735-7700 Kapolei Commons 674-4227 Waiau 485-0227 Waikele Center 678-3180 Ward Center 591-5600

Ala Moana Center Hookipa Terrace 356-8300

odate up to We can accommfor any occasion: ct 200 people. Perfeay, Wedding, Retirement, thd Graduation, BirSh d more.

Baby owers an

Ichiriki

WINDWARD MALL 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy F1 922-5511 KAPIOLANI - 1221 Kapiolani Blvd., #105 589-2989 WAIKIKI - 307 Lewers St. 926-2989

GOOD MORNING!!!

Start your day off deliciously with Fresh Fruits & Juices, an Acai Bowl, Buttermilk or Macadamia Nut Pancakes, French Toast, Organic Oatmeal, a Frittata, Eggs Benedict, Omelets, & much more!

BREAKFAST DAILY 7~11 A.M. & ‘TIL NOON ON WEEKENDS!!!

ROYAL HAWAIIAN CENTER VALIDATED PARKING WWW

808.922.3400

Henry Kapono

• Pepper Salt Shrimp • Bounty of the Sea Soup • Crackling Chicken • Maine Lobster with Garlic Scallions • Steamed Flounder Fillet with Lemon Ginger Shoyu • Peipa Tofu (Tofu Minced Shrimp Puffs) • Mandarin Long Beans •Steamed Rice $239 Table of 10 (reg. $279) $99 Table of 4 (reg. $109) NOW SERVING

• Steamed Juicy Pork Buns • Taiwan Spicy Beef Noodle •

www.HeeHingHawaii.com

735-5544

449 KAPAHULU AVE., STE 101 www.HeeHingHawaii.com

panya caters to your needs...

2012

Only at Hilton Hawaiian Village® will you find the vibrant heartbeat of Hawaii’s music every night.

Enjoy the best of Hawaii’s contemporary music live, on stage at Tropics Bar & Grill® and Tapa Bar. Savor the new island sounds of noted artists such as Henry Kapono now performing every Saturday: 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Tropics Bar & Grill.

KAMA‘AINA ALSO ENJOY A 15% DINING DISCOUNT at Bali Steak & Seafood and Tropics Bar & Grill.

*For information/reservations call Pagoda Restaurant at 948-8356 or go to our website at: Sizzling Steak Pagodahawaii.com from our Pupu Menu

Ala Moana Center, Mall Level next to Victoria Secret 946-6388 • Ordering hotline 597-8880 M-F WWW

. P A N YA G R O U P. C O M

To see our entire entertainment schedule, go to

HiltonHawaiianVillage.com/music I 949-4321 DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013 | 25

WHERE TO DINE Kobe Japanese Steak House

Sakura Restaurant

1841 Ala Moana Blvd.

941-4444

3008 Waialae Ave 259-7100

Kozo Sushi

Sekiya’s Restaurant & Delicatessen

Kahala Mall • 738-KOZO Keeaumoku • 946-KOZO Moiliili • 951-KOZO Pearlridge • 483-6805 Pearl City • 455-6805

2400 Koa Ave. 923-7368

Restaurant Suntory

Sushi Company

Royal Hawaiian Shpg Cntr, 3rd Flr. 922-5511

825 Keeaumoku St. #111 744-3440

EAST, in King’s Village 922-4233 CENTRAL, in Waikiki Shopping Plaza 922-4702 WEST, in Ala Moana Cntr-Hookipa Terrace 945-3443

Sumo Ramen

Odoriko Japanese Restaurant

Chogajib Korean Restaurant

2700 S. King St. 947-2836

Tanaka of Tokyo

2746 Kaimuki Avenue 732-1656 Kaneohe 234-6868 Kapolei 693-8808 Market City 737-1868 Kamehameha Shp Cntr 848-8186 Pearl Highlands Cntr 456-8082 99 Ranch Mapunapuna 833-3139

Sushi King

Yakiniku Don-Day 905 Keeaumoku St. 951-1004

KOREAN 678 Hawaii (Kang Ho Dong Baekejeong)

626 Sheridan St. 596-0799

Imported Noodles

BYOB

⁄2 OFF

1

One Ice Cream Parlor Item

with any purchase

Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase.

One discounted item per coupon. Not valid on previous purchases or with other offers.

Exp. 3/31/13.

Monday-Friday From 3-6pm $450 Blue Moon Pints

50% OFF Pupus With any 2 Beverages per person

www.bigcitydinerhawaii.com

88 Piikoi St., Honolulu 593-1200 • kissatencafe.com

Find us on Facebook & Twitter

Yakiniku Million

1726 Kapiolani Blvd.

941-6678

1111 McCully Street 947-5411

KAILUA 263-8880 KAIMUKI 738-8855 PEARLRIDGE EAST 487-8188 WAIPIO 678-8868 WARD CENTER 591-8891

Korean Hibiscus BBQ Kaimuki Shopping Center 3221 Waialae Avenue 734-8282

*Available for Patio Seating/Designated Tables on a First Come, First Serve Basis

OPEN ‘til Midnight

GREEN

MONDAYS 10% OFF TRY OUR NEW ITEMS! ALL Vegetable VEGETARIAN DISHES Lasagna Expires 3/15/13 $15.95

(Monday thru Saturday)

735-3888

2919 Kapiolani Blvd.

Market City Shpg Cntr sssssss

M - F 10am -12midnight SAT 8am -12midnight SUN 8am -10pm

Fresh spinach pasta sheet layered with eggplant, mushrooms and ricotta cheese

Spinach Linguine with Shrimp and Scallop $16.95 Fresh spinach pasta with pesto cream sauce topped with flavorful pieces of shrimp and scallop

Won Ton Noodles s Pasta s Risotto s Burgers s Sandwiches s Pizza s Salads s Soups

COMPLIMENTARY SOUP or SALAD, BEVERAGE & DESSERT

WITH EACH LUNCH OR DINNER ENTRÉE PURCHASE! Original Coupon required, photocopies not accepted.

One Coupon per person. Exp. 2/28/13.

Hours of Operation

Mon–Fri 8am–9pm Sat –Sun 6am–9pm 1130 N. NIMITZ HWY. www.neweaglecafehawaii.com Like us on Facebook

ph: 545-2233

Girl’s Day$

SPECIAL ... 38

(Sunday, March 3rd is Girl’s Day) Order in Advance

!LA -OANA #ENTER s -ALL ,EVEL

(Mountain side, next to Shirokiya)

941- 6161 Chinese New Year Special Menus $388 for table of 10

RESTAURANT

SUNTORY Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, 3rd Floor

restaurantsuntory.com

922-5511

Mandalay Combo (Five Spice Beef, Boneless Pig Feet, Jelly Fish) Chicken w/White Fungus Soup Black Mushroom w/Baby Abalone Steamed Fresh Catch of the Day -ONDAY 3UNDAY Lobster with Ginger Onion Stuffed Duck t Lawhon Jai with Oyster 10:30am to Dried Sccallop with Egg White PM Shredded Chicken E-Mein t Dessert

$288 for table of 10

Mandalay Delight Salad Mixed Seafood w/Fish Maw Soup Peking Duck with Bun Sauteed Fresh Lobster w/Ginger Onion Steamed Fresh Catch of the Day Lowhon Jai t Beef with Seasonal Greens Fried Noodles t Dessert

Try our specially priced featured dishes-of-the-week, during our early bird hours only.

2 breakfast & 2 dinner dishes featured weekly

JAI: $10.95 per order GAU: Large $12 Small $6

525-8585 s www.themandalayhawaii.com

!LAKEA 3TREET s &2%% 0!2+).' -ON &RI AFTER PM !LL $AY 3AT 3UN 26 | DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013

EARLY BIRD SPECIALS NOW thru Thursday SERVING! Breakfast Monday 6-7am • Dinner 2-6pm

Specials may be different than dishes shown.

Available for a limited time thru February 2013

841-0931

Kam Shopping Center Open 6am Daily

WHERE TO DINE MEXICAN

PACIFIC RIM

Wahoo’s Fish Taco

3660 on the Rise

Kahala • 4614 Kilauea Ave. 732-9229 Ward • 940 Auahi St. 591-1646

3660 Waialae Ave. 737-1177

OKAZUYA

The Ocean House Restaurant

Outrigger Reef On The Beach 2169 Kalia Rd. 923-2277

Mitsu-Ken

2300 N. King Street 848-5573

SEAFOOD

OKINAWAN

SHABU SHABU Shabu Shabu House

1221 Kapiolani Blvd 597-1655

SWEETS

Blue Water Shrimp & Seafood

Violets Grill

1006 Kapahulu Ave. 688-8891

Kapalama Shopping Center 1210 Dillingham Blvd # 8 841-8535

SHOR American Seafood Grill

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach 2424 Kalakaua Ave. 923-1234 ext. 59

Tropical Tribe

(across Pan Am Bldg) 1637 Kapiolani Blvd.

366-8226

VIETNAMESE Hi Sandwich & Drink

Waimalu Shopping Center 98-042 Kamehameha Hwy #3 487-7372

Pho Five-0

Waimalu Shopping Center 98-042 Kamehameha Hwy 487-5091

Pho My Lien

98-150 Kaonohi St. 488-4900

WE’RE MOVING!

MITSU-KEN

Home of the Famous Garlic Chicken

Seafood Boat

OUR SCHOOL STREET LOCATION IS CLOSED Our new location will be opening in March

2300 N. King Street

39.95

$

(Across New City Nissan) For latest updates, call 848-5573

bliss.

tender moments of

Crab Claws Mussels Clams Shrimp Raw Oysters

922-6868

Call for Reservations & Information 2284 Kalakaua Ave.

Open 7 Days from 11am-10pm

Lunch 11am - 4pm Dinner 5pm - 10pm 1860 Ala Moana Blvd. • Validated Parking Open 24 Hours 955-1764

Try Our Marinated Fried Chicken!

JJ’s New 4-Course Meal includes

GRILLED DOUBLE LOBSTER TAIL

“Marinated in a Light Teri Sauce then Deep Fried.

Very Tasty!”

filet mignon,10 ounces A prime cut from the tenderloin of beef, exceptionally textured and uniquely tender.

A fine steak. A fine experience.

Sun-Thu 8am-10pm • Fri-Sat til 11pm Okazuya open daily from 8am

with white wine & garlic sauce

SEKIYA’S RESTAURANT & DELICATESSEN

$39.95 or One Tail for $29.95

Serving Hawaii for 77 Years!

2746 Kaimuki Ave

FREE DESSERT

CALL 739-0993

at the old Waikiki III Theatres Parking available at the Pro-Park location Seaside Ave. Pay $2 at the Restaurant. www.atlantisseafoodsteak.com

732-1656

w/purchase of a $50 Gift Certificate

3447 Waialae Avenue J J F R E N C H P A S T R Y . C O M

ACROSS KAIMUKI H.S. www.SekiyasRestaurant.com

beachhousewaikiki.com • 921-4600 • Complimentary valet parking.

2012 DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013 | 27

orderoftheday

FINE DINING

Tan Tan Nabe ($18, early bird special $15)

YAKITORI AT CASUAL PRICES STORY BY MICHELLE LEE • PHOTOS BY NATHALIE WALKER

I

n recent years, Hawaii’s culinary scene has witnessed a surge in new, tasty delicacies from around the world ranging from Parisian crepes to Nepalese kabobs. Perhaps one of the most beloved food crazes to make its way into the stomachs of hungry food lovers islandwide has been yakitori, the savory grilled chicken skewers popularized from Japan.

One of the first individuals to bring yakitori to Hawaii was Aki Hirose, who celebrated the grand opening of his new business Japanese Restaurant Aki this past Wednesday. Many yakitori fans may remember Hirose, as he was previously the owner of yakitori restaurants Yakitori Yoshi and Japanese Dining and Bar Yoshi.

As the new manager of Japanese Restaurant Aki, Hirose looks forward to bringing the same flavorful yakitori experience, but with an elevated atmos-

phere. “The menu here is still very authentically Japanese, but with a more modern looking presentation,” says Hirose.

“We also have designed the restaurant space to emulate a very fine dining impression.”

Yakitori is the main feature at Japanese Restaurant Aki. Customers may choose from an extended list of a la carte items such as Chicken Thighs ($2), Chicken Wings ($2), Chicken Meatballs ($2.50) and Gizzards ($2). In addition, non-poultry items include Pork Belly ($2.50), Cow Tongue ($3.50) and Shiitake Mushrooms ($2).

For customers who would like to try several yakitori options at once, the Yakitori Assortment (starting at $16) offers a variety of choices at a greater value.

“These days, yakitori is almost as popular as sushi in Japan,” says Hirose.

Aki's Original Hamburger Steak ($10.50)

Although the restaurant’s enticing art pieces and modern, streamlined furniture may suggest otherwise, Japanese Restaurant Aki’s menu remains affordable. “The average price per person is less than $30,” says Hirose. “I wanted to bring the yakitori trend to Hawaii in a sophisticated manner, but keep prices very reasonable.”

In addition, Japanese Restaurant Aki offers an appetizing Early Bird Special Dinner Plate ($12) available every day from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The dish offers a choice between curry rice, hamburger steak, grilled fish and steak, along with

Server Mayuko Sudo

JAPANESE RESTAURANT AKI WHERE 1427 Makaloa St., Honolulu CALL 955-8528 HOURS Open for lunch Monday– Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner MondaySunday, 4:30 p.m. to midnight

28 | DINING OUT | FEB. 24-MAR. 2, 2013

Yakitori Assortment ($16)

macaroni salad, a daily special salad or fried chicken. The meal also comes with miso soup and rice.

The lunch menu also presents an attractive variety of flavorful options such as Aki’s Original Hamburger Steak ($10.50), which is handmade daily from a fresh mix of seasoned ground pork and beef.

Chefs at Japanese Restaurant Aki put much time and effort into each dish to maximize flavor. One example is the restaurant’s famed curry rice, which is simmered in pork belly for three days prior to consumption. “Many of our menu items are taken directly from some of the most successful restaurants in Tokyo,” says Hirose. “So we feel confident the menu will do well with both Hawaii’s local and visiting population.”

The restaurant also features a selection of nabe hot pot dishes. Tan Tan Nabe ($18), a sesame broth-based dish, is one of the most popular nabe options and is available as an early bird special for $15.

Japanese Restaurant Aki also features a full-service bar with happy hour daily from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight.