Hawaii Dining Out 22 Jan 2012

JAN. 22-28, 2012

(from front) Server Kae Yoshikawa, kitchen manager Lennon De Leon and restaurant supervisor Howard Unebasami Jr. with a few favorites from Tony Roma’s, including Steak & Wild Mushroom Flatbread, Baby Back Ribs and Filet Medallions Combo, and Beef Short Rib.

Tony Roma’s has gone beyond its world-famous baby back ribs, expanding its menu to include seafood, steak, appetizers and just about everything in between.

See page 4 | Leah Friel photo

ALSO: Uniquely unagi | 2

Big City Diner goes big on taste | 7 Authentic Italian fare at Il Lupino | 10

ono,youknow

Sushi Ichiban

Genki Sushi

Curry King

Freewheeling adventures with ultimate

Unagi

By Alana Folen | Photos by Leah Friel that said, come along with me, and let’s explore some of the best establishments around town that are making their way into the unagi universe.

Sushi Ichiban

I

’m a huge, as in huge, fan of the infamously grumpy, quick-witted Anthony Bourdain and his Emmy Award-winning Travel Channel series No Reservations. Bourdain explores every corner of the globe and comes face to face with foreign foods, eclectic personalities and exotic places that help define the international cultural landscape we live in.

What a job!

I’ve always had the urge to discover my inner-Anthony Bourdain and delve into the colorful and vibrant foods here at home and around the world. Therefore, this week I decided to explore the somewhat outlandish cuisine that’s part of our ethnic melting pot. My first assignment: Tackling into onolicious morsels of unagi aka fresh-water eel. While some may believe it to be slightly unappealing, when prepared the right way, unagi is divine!

Unagi is a common ingredient used in Japanese cuisine, and special unagi restaurants are widespread in Japan as well. Not only is unagi Ono, You Know worthy in flavor and taste, it’s also high in protein, vitamin A and calcium, thus making for a guilt-free meal. With

Above: The editor digs into Sushi Ichiban’s onolicious Unagi Avocado Maki.

2 | DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012

Avocado Maki right before my very eyes at the sushi counter, and I was thrilled to have two of my favorite sushi essentials (unagi and avocado) in one roll, enhanced with nori, sushi rice and sesame seeds on the exterior. The Unajyu also is a favorite of mine. It features a whole piece of unagi drizzled with unagi sauce and sprinkled with a bit of sansho (mild pepper) atop a bed of hot rice. Unajyu is the heartier dish of the two, and my top pick when I’ve worked up an appetite.

“We make our own sauce, in which we dip the unagi in,” Kusaka explains. “The sauce isn’t overpowering, but yet it intensifies the natural unagi flavor.”

So, the next time you want to immerse yourself in a world of unagi, think

Sushi Ichiban is on a roll when it comes to providing sushi enthusiasts with the highest-quality creations. Head chef Marc Kusaka, who previously worked at Morimoto Waikiki before leading the pack at the Waialae Avenue restaurant, makes it priority to ensure that freshness is key.

Hungry for some authentic Japanese dishes, I was pleased to know that Kusaka obtains a good portion of his fish directly from Japan. And no matter what you’re in the mood for, Kusaka will exquisitely create a perfect meal for any sushi fanatic — whether it be California Rolls, Spicy Tuna Rolls, Inari or a plethora of sashimi, including tobiko, ikura, maguro, tako, ebi and more.

On my most recent visit to the restaurant, I had an intense craving for unagi — Unagi Avocado Maki ($8) and Unajyu ($15), to be exact.

“Unagi is fresh-water eel.

It’s on the fattier side, which gives it a lot more taste,” Kusaka says.

Genki Sushi server Cami Silva Chef Marc delicately pre- and supervisor Kristine Corpuz pared the delicious Unagi

Sushi Ichiban for No. 1 unagi delights.

Sushi Ichiban 3579 Waialae Ave. 737.8820

Genki Sushi

The sushi addict in me can never get enough of Genki Sushi! As Hawaii's premier kaiten-style sushi establishment, and with 14 locations in the Islands — nine on Oahu, two on Maui, one on Kauai and one on the Big Island — this popular sushi eatery is always here to serve you.

Kaiten is the signature style of Genki, meaning all 60 of your sushi favorites are easily accessible via a revolving conveyor – See page 12

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

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OUR NEW MENU ITEMS ARE HERE! STEAK & WILD MUSHROOM FLATBREAD

S TA R T E R S & S O U P S STEAK & WILD MUSHROOM FLATBREAD

ROASTED VEGETABLE TUSCAN FLATBREAD

Crisp flatbread topped with grilled, all-natural beef tenderloin, melted Havarti cheese, crumbled Bleu cheese, wild mushrooms, red pepper, chives and creamy horseradish sauce.

Crisp flatbread loaded with four Italian cheeses, roasted grape tomatoes, artichoke hearts, red onion, crisp eggplant, Feta cheese, fresh basil and a hint of balsamic reduction.

SANDWICHES NOLITA DELI PANINI Thin-sliced smoked turkey, Genoa salami, melted Havarti cheese, homemade Italian spiced pepperoncini and caper sauce piled on toasty Italian bread.

NOLITA DELI PANINI

SALADS

RIBS & COMBOS

GRILLED MAHI MAHI SALAD Mojo-grilled Mahi-mahi on a bed of Asian greens with house-made pineapple salsa, grape tomatoes, macadamia nuts and cilantro. Served with our Hawaiian dressing and toasted Italian cheese flatbread.

S I G N AT U R E S T E A K S FILET MEDALLIONS Three all-natural filet medallions with your choice of up to three gourmet toppings. Served with loaded mashed red potatoes and cole slaw.

CHOOSE FROM: Teriyaki Glaze • Peppercorn Sauce Wild Mushrooms • Cabernet Demi-Glace Balsamic Reduction & Dijon Mustard Sauce

HERB CRUSTED MEDALLIONS WITH ROASTED VEGETABLE REDUCTION* As prepared by Hawaii’s award winning chef, Felipe “Jojo� Molar. Tender beef medallions encrusted with Chef’s special herb coating. Gently grilled and topped with a roasted vegetable glaze reduction.

Served with TR’s special mashed red potatoes and fire-roasted vegetables.

FILET MEDALLIONS* AND...

BEEF SHORT RIB

Two perfectly prepared, all-natural, filet medallions topped with your choice of one of the select entrees below.

Braised for 12 hours and grilled bone-in short rib topped with Cabernet demi-glace and fire-roasted zucchini, yellow squash, red peppers and carrots.

Served with mashed red potatoes.

BBQ Chicken South Miami Fried Shrimp Mahi-Mahi Grilled Salmon Shrimp Scampi

GIFT CARDS

P A S TA CHICKEN PICCATA Grilled Chicken in a lemon caper wine sauce.

BURGERS WILD MUSHROOM HAVARTI BURGER* A juicy sirloin burger topped with buttery Havarti cheese and sauteed wild mushrooms.

Tasty, simple and always appreciated. Ask your server for details

SHRIMP & SALMON PICCATA

BABY BACK RIBS & FILET MEDALLIONS COMBO

SEAFOOD MOJO-GRILLED MAHI MAHI WITH PINEAPPLE SALSA Seasoned Mahi Mahi basted with Tony’s exclusive citrus and brown mustard Mojo sauce and grilled to perfection. Topped with pineapple salsa made-in-house and served with rice pilaf and broccoli.

FIRE-ROASTED VEGETABLE AND WILD MUSHROOM SANDWICH Roasted Italian vegetables, and sauteed wil mushrooms piled high on a soft bun. A real vegetarian delight

SHRIMP & SALMON PICCATA Grilled Salmon topped with shrimp in a lemon caper wine sauce. Served with rice pilaf and broccoli.

DESSERTS MINI DESSERTS

ICE CREAM

The perfect finish. The perfect size. • Golden Apple Tart • Raspberry Brownie Royale • Red Velvet Cake • Strawberry Cheesecake • Chocolate Chunk Cookie Sandwich

Ask your server for flavors of the day.

ICE CREAM TRIO Select your favorite three flavors to enjoy!

DESSERT TRIO Tony’s Dessert Trio lets you sample three delicious mini desserts to finish your meal in grand style.

Made Fresh Daily in Hawaii

WAIKIKI • 1972 KALAKAUA AVENUE 942-2121 PEARLRIDGE • 98-150 KAONOHI STREET 487-9911 DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012 |

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JAN. 22-28, 2012

(from front) Server Kae Yoshikawa, kitchen manager Lennon De Leon and restaurant supervisor Howard Unebasami Jr. with a few favorites from Tony Roma’s, including Steak & Wild Mushroom Flatbread, Baby Back Ribs and Filet Medallions Combo, and Beef Short Rib.

Tony Roma’s has gone beyond its world-famous baby back ribs, expanding its menu to include seafood, steak, appetizers and just about everything in between.

See page 4 | Leah Friel photo

ALSO: Uniquely unagi | 2

Dining Out//Cover Story

Big City Diner goes big on taste | 7 Authentic Italian fare at Il Lupino | 10

4 | DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012

ention those three luscious 1 words, “baby back ribs,” and the first thing that comes to mind is Tony Roma’s. Revered as one of the most globally recognizable names in the restaurant industry, Tony Roma’s is the largest casual theme restaurant chain specializing in ribs, boasting its success with nearly 200 restaurant locations across the globe, including one in the heart of Waikiki and another in Aiea.

“In the beginning, Tony Roma’s focused primarily on ribs, with only a few side dishes such as french fries and cole slaw,” says Waikiki general manager Grace Villagracia, who’s been a part of Tony Roma’s ohana for the past 10 years. “The Waikiki location opened in 1980, and we had a very limited menu back then, yet through the years we’ve evolved and the concept changed — now we offer a little bit of everything, an eclectic array of cuisine.”

The first Tony Roma’s opened its doors in North Miami, Fla., in January 1972. Then, four years later, Clint Murchison Jr., a Texas financier and owner of the Dallas Cowboys, was impressed by Tony Roma’s product and agreed to purchase the majority of the U.S. franchise rights and establish a jointly owned company, Roma Corporation, to fund aggressive growth and expansion.

Today, this award-winning restaurant still serves a multitude of its signature baby back ribs to patrons, but has expanded its menu to focus on a variety of culinary favorites as well — not just ribs. The eatery now offers an extensive selection of steaks and seafood entrees, along with various appetizers and desserts.

she adds.

In fact, a newly revised version of the menu was released just last month and has garnered nothing but a positive response from customers. Browse through the menu and you’ll find an abundance of items to greet all palates and taste buds, starting with a brand new appetizer, Steak & Wild Mushroom Flatbread ($12.99). A chef’s recommendation, this starter dish features crisp flatbread topped with grilled, all-natural beef tenderloin, melted Havarti cheese, crumbled bleu cheese, wild mushrooms, red peppers, chives and a creamy horseradish sauce. Then continue your food journey with all-new entrees such as Beef Short Rib ($26.99) and Nolita Deli Panini ($12.99).

Regional chef JP Choy has been working at Tony Roma’s Waikiki since its incep“For the longest time (because of our name), people thought we were an Italian restaurant,” Villagracia explains. “They would come in here looking for pasta, we wouldn’t have it, and they would walk out. But now, with the evolution of our menu we do offer pasta — Shrimp Scampi Pasta ($18.99) is one of our biggest sellers, actually.

“The menu had previously changed at least once every year, but in the last few years we’ve revamped the menu every six months or so,”

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tion, and makes magic in the kitchen with each and every edible creation. For example, Beef Short Rib presents hungry diners with succulent grilled bone-in short ribs that have been braised for 12 hours, and topped with a savory Cabernet demi-glace, and fire-roasted zucchini, yellow squash, red peppers and carrots, accompanied by mashed red potatoes. And if you’re in the mood for a classic sandwich, Nolita Deli Panini is a top-notch pick, with thin-sliced smoked turkey, Genoa salami, melted Havarti cheese, homemade Italian-spiced pepperoncini and caper sauce piled high on toasty Italian bread.

“The response to the new menu has been very good,” Villagracia says. “A lot of the new items have been selling extremely well. And although the menu is so diverse, we still sell predominantly baby back ribs. I would say we sell close to 300 slabs of ribs per day.”

Of course, it all comes back to the classic Tony Roma’s Original Baby Back Ribs ($24.99 Roma Rack, $18.59 half slab, $28.99 full slab) — tender, lean pork loin meat basted with Tony Roma’s original sauce, or your choice of Roma Red Hot Sauce or Carolina Honey — and St. Louis Ribs ($21.99 Roma Rack, $16.99 half slab, $25.99 full slab) — a larger, meatier cut of pork rib with more natural marbling, finished with your choice of sauce.

“Our ribs are so tender and the meat literally falls off the bone,” Villagracia explains, noting that it’s the sauce that really started it all. “The sauce is made from a secret recipe, and it’s tangy with a hint of sweetness.

“Now we have a Ribs & Combos section of our menu that customers love,

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1 Baby Back Ribs and Filet Medallions Combo ($29.99) 2 Tony Roma’s Waikiki regional chef JP Choy and general manager Grace Villagracia with Nolita Deli Panini and Grilled Mahimahi Salad.

3 Beef Short Rib ($26.99) 4 Shrimp Scampi Pasta ($18.99) 5 Grilled Mahi Mahi Salad ($15.99) 6 Nolita Deli Panini ($12.99) 7 Steak & Wild Mushroom Flatbread ($12.99)

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especially Baby Back Ribs and Filet Medallions Combo ($29.99). It’s a complete meal, and some people tend to share it because of the rather large portion size,” she adds.

According to Villagracia, 90 percent of Tony Roma’s Waikiki clientele are tourists, who appreciate the local flair that exudes from a few of Tony Roma’s delicious masterpieces, such as Grilled Mahi Mahi Salad ($15.99). This newly introduced salad is a mouth-watering creation that greets diners with mojo-grilled mahi mahi on a bed of Asian greens adorned with housemade pineapple salsa, grape tomatoes, macadamia nuts and cilantro, served with Hawaiian dressing and toasted Italian cheese flatbread.

However, Tony Roma’s Waikiki is doing its best to draw in the locals as well.

“We want more locals to come on over and check out the new menu and look of the restaurant. We remodeled last November — it’s definitely more up-to-date and the ambiance continues to be very homey,” she says of this familyfriendly establishment that seats 128 individuals, offers a full bar, and can accommodate large parties.

“We don’t take reservations, so we recommend that people come early, but we do offer free valet parking from 5:30 p.m. daily.

“Here at Tony Roma’s, we want to start 2012 fresh, and we’ve been very lucky! We're extremely grateful to our patrons — we’ve received an excellent response regarding our new look and menu — and we couldn’t ask for more,” Villagracia says with a smile.

DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012 |

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Traditional favorites

Golden Duck Chinese Restaurant Where: 4230 Waialae Ave. (Kahala) 1221 S. King St.

Call: 737.7188 (Kahala) 597.8088 (King St.)

Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily (Kahala) 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. daily (King St.)

Sun Nin Fai Lok, Xin Nian Kwai Le! That’s Happy New Year in Cantonese and Mandarin respectively. It’s the biggest celebration in Asia, with most businesses in China, Hong Kong and Taipei closed for about a week.

It’s also a holiday full of traditions, including fireworks, lion dances and food.

At Golden Duck Chinese Restaurant, customers can enjoy special new year treats, such as Gau ($13 large, $5-$6 small), Mixed Dried Fruit ($8.35 per pound) and Lucky Candy ($3.95 per bag).

“Gau has a lot of meaning for Chinese New Year,” says manager Darlene Fong. “The round shape and stickiness of gau represents the family sticking together through the year. The red date on top is for good luck, and the sesame seeds symbolize fertility for a lot of

New Mui Kwai Chop Suey Chinese Restaurant (Same owner and menu)

Where: 132 Oneawa St.

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Call: 262.7800

Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

Special Chinese New Year Jai ($11.95) Gau ($13 large, $5-$6 small), Mixed Dried Fruit ($8.35 per pound), Lucky Candy ($3.95 per bag) Lawrence Tabudlo photos

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grandchildren. Also the word gau means higher, so it represents going higher every year.”

As for the traditional Chinese New Year meal, Fong suggests Golden Duck’s special Chinese New Year Jai ($11.95), Steam Sea Bass ($11.95), and Salt and Pepper Pork Chops ($9.50).

“It’s a Chinese tradition to eat Jai because it represents longevity and good health,” explains Fong. “We offer Jai on the menu all the time, but during Chinese New Year we make a special jai with more ingredients — dried oysters, fat choy, red dates, bean curd, a variety of mushrooms, tofu, long rice, snow peas, black fungus, chestnut and more.

It’s also good to have a fish dish because fish in Chinese is “yu,” which means surplus, so it represents having more of what you have in the new year. And you usually have a meat dish, and our Salt and Pepper Pork Chop is very popular.

We use a lot of garlic and green onion, so there’s a lot of flavor.”

Golden Duck Chinese Restaurant, which is locally owned and operated, serves traditional Chinese food specializing in Cantonese-style and some Szechuan-style cuisine. The restaurant will be open on Chinese New Year (Jan. 23), offers a full-service bar and daily specials, and is available for private parties.

Gau, Assorted Mixed Dried Fruit and Lucky Candy are from Golden Duck’s candy store in Chinatown, Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery located at 1027 Maunakea St., where you’ll find a bigger selection of Chinese treats. Call 531.6688.

whatwe’reeatingat (from left) Marilyn Lew, William and Helen Chan Nicole Kato photo

Golden Palace

Seafood Restaurant

By Nicole Kato

T

Helen adds with a smile.

ucked away in the middle of Chinatown in downtown Honolulu lies a Chinese restaurant with food so good it attracts regular visitors from the Mainland — Nevada, to be exact.

Dining Out caught up with Helen and William Chan and their daughter Marilyn Lew, who live in Nevada and come to Hawaii once a year to celebrate Chinese New Year. And their first stop is always Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant.

According to Helen, she and her husband are retired and travel the world. “But nothing compares to here (Hawaii),” she says.

All dim sum is $1.98, and with a price like that it’s no wonder Golden Palace is always busy. And the prices aren’t the only thing that keeps customers coming back again and again. Golden Palace’s Gary Lam makes a good impression on customers, as do the rest of the staff. “He's a nice person, and he attracts nice customers,”

Helen Chan: “We always get Oyster Sauce Chicken ($6.95), and they have the best dim sum in the whole world.”

William Chan: “I like all the dim sum. We can’t get dim sum like this in San Francisco, Hong Kong or Nevada.”

Marilyn Lew: “My favorite dim sum is the Har Gau, Steamed Shrimp Dumpling ($1.98). I like the texture and shrimp. I’ve loved shrimp since I was a child.”

Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant Where: 111 N. King St., Honolulu

Call: 521.8268

Hours: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Grand Opening Special!

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98-1277 Kaahumanu St. (across from Safeway)

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FREE 3 pieces of Garlic Butter Shrimp or Medium Soda w/ purchase of a Regular Size Entree (with coupon)

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Big City, big portions, big appetite

T

Big City Diner Where: Ward Centers 1060 Auahi St. #4, Honolulu (and various locations)

Call: 591.8891

Hours: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday

1 Grandma’s Incredible Kim Chee Fried Rice ($8.99) and Roasted Garlic Fries ($5.99) 2 Wings Over Big City ($9.99) 3 Mary Urata with Roasted Garlic Fries ($5.99) and Wings Over Big City ($9.99) Leah Friel photos

ake a few items off the menu and Big City Diner may no longer be Big City Diner. Ray Chan’s Island-Style Poke ($8.99) and The Really Loco, Loco Moco ($9.99) are as much a part of the restaurant as its cozy and traditional décor. The third leg in the holy trinity of Big City’s signature dishes is Grandma’s Incredible Kim Chee Fried Rice ($8.99).

Made with peas, onion, egg, char sui pork and, of course, fresh kim chee, the appetizer/main course menu item is a favorite among guests for a very good reason: It’s creamy and delicious. Yes, the kim chee is a big part of the appeal, but it is the sauce, made with oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, shoyu and few other semi-secret ingredients, that turns this simple menu item into something special.

Chilled Tofu ($4.99) on a diner appetizer menu may seem strange, but it works and provides a lighter option. The locally produced tofu is topped with chopped green onion and sesame seeds, and served with grated ginger, to which shoyu is typically mixed.

The mixture provides a bit of kick and traditional flavor to the creamy tofu.

The mild flavor of the tofu complements the sweet and spicy sauce on another pupu pick, Wings Over Big City ($9.99). With a taste that is a little bit Southern, a little bit Kansas City and, as assistant manager Ron Ching says, “a whole bunch local,” the sauce has a good balance that stays away from being overpowering in any direction. One word of advice: Ask for extra napkins. The ten-

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der chicken and slightly sticky sauce will have you licking your fingers. On second thought, bypass the napkins in favor of the more natural approach.

If barbecue sauce on your chin is better left for another day, try the Roasted Garlic Fries ($5.99). Crispy and with enough garlic to offend most vampires, the fries are a simple and tasty way to share food with friends while talking story or waiting for the main course to arrive. Or don’t share them. What happens at Big City Diner … well, eventually gets back to your friends, as someone you know is likely to be in the booth next to you.

The Original

Waialae Only

with Mediterranean Sauces, Basmati Rice, Pita Bread and Greek Salad. www.thefatgreek.net

We’re Open on Sundays M-Th 9a-7p; F-Sat 9a-7:30p; Sun 9:30a-6p • 1111 McCully Street • 947-5411

no corkage fee

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

Kailua - Coming Soon!

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3040 Waialae Ave. (Corner of St. Louis & Waialae) Open Daily 11am-10pm

1831 Ala Moana Blvd.

(Between Ilikai & Kobe) Open Daily 11am-10pm Free Validated parking at Waikiki Marina

Enchanted Lake Shopping Center

Ala Moana - 949-2120

Find us on Facebook & Twitter

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All Bottles and Glasses of Wine 7 am - 10 pm

Makai Market Mall Hours

DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012 |

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chewonthis Facebook page (facebook.com/nabeman) every week!”

Treat yourself to healthy, Sukiyaki Bento is the perfect choice. In fact, Kazama fresh and alluring flavors says this tatsy bento is the at Ichiriki. takeout option of the restaurant’s very popular sukiyaki.

“We recently just started offering this bento that consists of beef sukiyaki with our homemade tsukune meatballs and some seasonal vegetables,” he says.

Sukiyaki Bento is available daily from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at both locations, and if you purchase four, you get one free.

“We also offer Snow Crab some great disNabe ($59.95) counts on our Leah Friel photo

Ichiriki’s irresistible nabe, bento

By Alana Folen

P

ay a visit to Ichiriki on any given day, and you'll be greeted by the hustle and bustle of diners who can’t wait to sample the famous nabe, which the eatery is known for. The alluring aroma of flavorful cuisine and lulling chatter of patrons having a good time will definitely work up appetite.

The restaurant opened the doors to its first location on Piikoi Street in 2006, and opened its second location this past June in Westridge, Aiea.

Both have garnered much success.

“The concept of Ichiriki

is simple: Make our customers happy,” says coowner Issei Kazama. “We serve Japanese nabe (hot pot) including more than a dozen original ones, along with traditional shabu shabu and sukiyaki.

Our food is very healthy, as we don’t use any grease when it comes to our nabe, and most of the nabe consists of many different vegetables.”

Simply put, Ichiriki prides itself on wonderful food with great service to match. So, the next time you find yourself at this premier Japanese restaurant, Chew On This: Seafood Kami Nabe ($59.95 for two people) and Sukiyaki

Bento ($7.95).

Seafood Kami Nabe is a must-have for any seafood lover. This nabe features snow crab legs, jumbosized shrimp, calamari, salmon and scallops.

“Combine the seafood with bountiful portions of vegetables, and have yourself a little party at your table,” Kazama exclaims.

“It is cooked in our paper pot, so a lot of oil from the seafood gets absorbed into the paper and not your belly,” he adds, noting that the nabe comes complete with rice and two orders of udon or ramen noodles at the end of the meal to help you savor the delicious shoyu broth.

For people on-the-go,

Ichiriki Where: 510 Piikoi St. #102, Honolulu 98-150 Kaonohi St., Suite C216, Aiea

Call: 589.2299 (Piikoi) 484.2222 (Aiea)

Hours: Piikoi Open daily 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (Lunch) 5–11 p.m. SundayThursday, 5 p.m.– midnight Friday-Saturday (Dinner) Aiea Open daily 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (Lunch) 5–11 p.m. MondayThursday, 5 p.m.–midnight Friday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m.

Sundays (Dinner)

eatthis

Going

By Ali Resich

Greek O

n Jan. 3, The Fat Greek Waikiki celebrated its one-year anniversary. In addition to many local clientele, the Ala Moana Boulevard eatery has become home to a following of tourists, including international regulars who revisit the hot spot during their yearly vacations.

“It’s great they remember us and want to eat here again. They tell us they’re glad we’re still here,” says manager George Stephanos.

Fish of the Day ($15.95) Nathalie Walker photo

It’s fresh and flavorful Greek food that keeps diners coming back for more.

Favorites like Fresh Fish of the Day ($15.95), served Saganaki style on a sizzling platter with tomato sauce, onions, peppers, basmati rice, house salad and pita bread quickly sell out. This dish features daily fresh catches such as opah, ahi and mahi mahi, and also comes Mediterranean style with a spicy salsa.

The Royal Platter (serves 24; $39.95) is great for sharing, and includes four lamb chops, eight pieces of garlic shrimp, Greek salad, Greek fries, hummus, pita bread, baklava

Kung Hee Fat Choy Your choice: • Crispy Gau Gee-10 pcs • Chinese Chicken Salad • Oyster Sauce Chicken with Cake Noodle Available for lunch & dinner at Kahala location only

4230 Waialae Ave. 737-7188 • 737-7288 Open daily 10am-9pm

599

ONLY $

each

New Year’s

JAI & GAU NOW AVAILABLE! at both locations

8 | DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012

and two sodas. Rib eyes alongside Red Lobster and cooked to order may be sub- Chart House restaurants on stituted for the lamb chops Hobron Lane. upon request.

The establishment’s Wednesday Special became so popular that it’s now a The Fat Greek menu regular. Succulent Fat Greek Kabobs ($14.95) are Where: skewers filled with grilled 3040 Waialae Ave. #A3, lamb or chicken and vegeta- Honolulu (Kaimuki) bles such as mushrooms and onions. With such savory 1831 Ala Moana Blvd., meals, it’s no wonder The Ste. 201, Honolulu (Waikiki) Fat Greek’s customer base Call: keeps growing.

734.0404 (Kaimuki) When enjoying your Greek 941.3444 (Waikiki) feast, be sure to take advantage of validated parking Hours: available at the Waikiki Open daily, 11 a.m-10 p.m.

Marina structure located Specials from 4 p.m.

YAKINIKU

MILLION Mountain Goat Soup

To Our Dear Customers

Spicy Buckwheat Noodle

Try a combo meal with our famous Kalbi!

We will officially close our business on January 23rd.

Thank you for your patronage.

947-1133

1491 King St. #105 (corner of King & Kaheka) • Lots of Parking in Back

Since 1989

626 SHERIDAN ST. (behind Walmart) 596-0799 SUN-THUR 11AM-MIDNIGHT / FRI-SAT 11AM-2AM

Kobe’s steak and shrimp shake-up

A Kobe Steakhouse Where: 1841 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu

Call: 941.4444

Hours: 5:30-10 p.m. daily (lounge opens at 5 p.m.)

s consumers of books, movies, cars, etc., there is a trend to go for the best-selling items around, the ones that have proven to be top quality as decided by the public, reviewers and critics.

Well, if you take that same philosophy and apply it to what you may choose for dinner at Kobe Steakhouse, then you should certainly gravitate toward the Steak and Shrimp combination served ($34.95).

The dish is centered around a salt-and-pepper 5-ounce steak, which pairs well with Kobe’s special mustard sauce that accentuates the beefy flavor. Your seven pieces of shrimp have been marinated in butter and lemon before being grilled, and their flavor height-

complement to the Steak and Shrimp combination is a side of Fried Rice ($4).

If shrimp is not your top pick, then Kobe owner Roy Nakamura highly suggests Scallops, also priced at $34.95. When asked if changes would ever be made to this Kobe signature dish, Nakamura replies, “I wouldn’t mess with perfection.”

So, if it’s ethnic cuisine you’re searching for, Kobe Steakhouse has all your surf and turf favorites to fill your appetite.

ened by Kobe's ginger sauce. Also served are sprouts, and teppanyaki vegetables, which include zucchini, mushrooms and onions. A great

Steak and Shrimp Combo ($34.95) and Fried Rice ($4) File photo

Paiten Ramen!

Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan

HOUSE SPECIAL:

Curry & Ramen Combo

$

Mini Ramen + 4 pc. Gyoza + Curry Plate (choice of 8)

The be st of

Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm • Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

INTERNATIONAL For questions related to your Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscription

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Kapahulu 737-0177 3308 Kanaina Avenue

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380-9300 The pulse of paradise. www.staradvertiser.com

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Dine-in or take-out

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377-5555 or 377-5566

FREE LOBSTER

Lungfunghawaii.com • Open Daily 11am-9pm 5724 Kalanianaole Hwy • Niu Valley Shopping Ctr. LOTS OF FREE PARKING

with purchase of (4) orders from Special Open Menu

DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012 |

9

... dining out ...

inside

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

Il Lupino excutive chef Nicola Sayada turns up the heat in the kitchen.

A

fter working as a waiter at Peter Luger Steak House in Brooklyn for 40 years, Wolfgang Zwiener spurned retirement and instead chose to open his own chain of immensely popular steak houses. While finding an empty seat at one of his restaurants is as rare as one of the perfectly cooked pieces of dry-aged beef, success ceases to slow down the 72-year-old.

Instead, the former head waiter of New York’s top steak haven decided to offer customers a taste of his initial culinary passion: Italian food. Zwiener developed a liking for the delectable fare while growing up in Europe and spending time traveling through Italy.

He earned the nickname Il

Lupino, translated to mean “little wolf” in Italian, and his eatery — which stands directly below his highly acclaimed Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in Royal Hawaiian Center—appropriately bears the moniker.

Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar offers up stellar customer service and authentic Italian cuisine in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Nestled alongside a tranquil garden and situated behind the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Il Lupino stands out as one of the center’s culinary crown jewels. Eaters have the option of dining alfresco in the restaurant’s outside patio area that features its own bar, or may remain in the comfortable dining room that offers views of the restaurant’s vast wine

collection and a glimpse into the open kitchen.

Executive chef Nicola Sayada is the mastermind behind the mouth-watering menu, and works tirelessly to craft dishes that include authentic Italian recipes and ingredients, including pasta imported from Italy.

In his work as both acclaimed chef and restaurateur, Sayada brings 40plus years of experience to the table.

“I bought a whole bunch of Italian cookbooks to see what the new chefs are doing,” says Sayada, who was trained in French cuisine in San Francisco.

“We’re doing some nice, classical cuisine. It’s not regional, it’s all the classical dishes that Italians have been making.”

Linguine alla Carbonara

2

Royal Hawaiian Center 2233 Kalakaua Ave., Bldg. B, Honolulu 922.3400

1 Open daily 8 a.m.10:30 p.m., SundayThursday; close at 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday Take advantage of multiple Happy Hour specials available daily from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Enjoy $7 cocktails, including Il Lupino Mai Tai made with premium rum and fruit juices. Wine by the glass also is available for $5, as are selected $4 beers. Also, Indulge in Calamari Sicilian Style ($5) or Happy Hour Pizza ($5).

10 | DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012

... dining out ...

($18) features a bed of noodles coated with Parmesan, pancetta and egg and incorporates tomatoes, bacon and chili flakes for an added kick. The Bucatini all’Amatriciana ($17) and Linguine alle Vongole ($19) both feature the hearty pasta while the latter includes fresh clams served with a choice of white wine or tomato sauce.

“Manila clams open up and have a little muddy flavor to them,” says Sayada of the typical clam served in pasta dishes elsewhere. “We get our clams from Florida; they’re littlenecks. They’re much more flavorful and have some more saltiness in their water; they’re awesome.”

Those looking for a light

meal are encouraged to try Insalate di Rucola ($14), a vibrant green arugula salad that offers a distinct swath of flavors.

“The American palate is not really set up for the bitter lettuces,” says Sayada when describing the taste associated with arugula.

“So, we came up with this salad and in order to tailor it more toward the American palate, I put pears in it that we pansear with vinegar, butter and brown sugar. I glaze them in that and add some extra-virgin olive oil vinaigrette, some Parmesan, and caramelized Marcona almonds to finish.”

What would a classic Italian eatery be without pizza? Il Lupino bakes its thin-crust pies to order,

8

including Zucchini e Melanzane ($15) that offers an array of oven roasted zucchini and eggplant with tri-color peppers and Parmesan cheese. Other traditional favorites include Polpettone al Pomodoro ($10), a massive veal, pork and beef meatball served on a bed of tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese, and Ravioli ai Funghi ($19), wild mushroom ravioli in a zesty sauce.

“I add a little flavor to enhance certain items, but I don’t bastardize the dish,” Sayada says. “Our pasta comes from Italy, and I dare to say that there’s not one restaurant in Hawaii or in the majority of the Mainland that uses our pasta. It’s the real thing.

It’s incredible pasta. You

want to keep it as close to the root of Italian cooking as possible.”

The “Chef Nic Touch,” as regulars have come to know it, also comes through in Il Lupino’s dessert selection. Panna Cotta al Cioccolato Bianco ($10) features an Italian white chocolate crème with a rich compote flavored with cardamom, lavender, orange peel and Madeira wine.

Tiramisu al Cioccolato ($11) offers fluffy layers of Mascarpone cheese, espresso, eggs and chocolate cake served on a bed of almond crème anglaise and cocoa powder.

The delectable desserts will have diners crying wolf — a positive side effect of the Il Lupino experience.

inside

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

3 4

1 Linguine alle Carbonara ($18) 2 Insalata di Rucola ($14) 3 Zucchini e Melanzane ($15) 4 Tiramisu al Ciocclato ($11) 5 Polpettone al Pomodoro ($10) 6 Il Lupino offers a wide array of authentic Italian dishes.

5

7 Bucatini all'Amatriciana ($17) 8 Panna Cotta al Cioccolato Bianco ($10)

7

6

DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012 |

11

ono,youknow 1

2

4 3

5

1 Curry King’s Unagi Bowl ($9.55)

6

2 Sushi Ichiban’s Unagi Avocado Maki ($8)

t

3 Genki Sushi’s Dragon Roll ($3.80) 4 Sushi Ichiban’s Unajyu ($15) 5 Genki Sushi’s Unagi ($2.80) 6 Shane Yang with Curry King’s Ungai Bowl.

r

– From page 2

belt. This form of sushi dining is based on the idea promoted to create a “fast-food sushi of sorts.

What’s my immediate must-have or “must-grab,” you may ask? That would most certainly be Genki Sushi’s Dragon Roll. Priced at $3.80, the Dragon Roll is most fitting being that it is the year of the dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac.

“Dragon Roll (four pieces) is a popular pick among our customers,” says director of purchasing, David Moon.

“It’s very good!”

With the very first bite, I would describe it as an unagi lover’s take on the classic California roll, as it consists of crab, mayo and avocado wrapped ever so tightly in nori and rice, and topped with a flavorful piece of unagi seasoned in a special sauce.

“Our unagi is always very tender,” Moon adds. And you’ll indeed notice that 12 | DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012

when biting into Genki’s prime Unagi (2.80, two pieces), broiled and sliced atop Genki’s onolicious sushi rice, wrapped with a strip of nori and accented with the eatery’s scrumptious unagi sauce.

While you’re at it, make room in your tummy to feast on plates upon plates of Spicy Tempura Roll, Ahi Poke, Spicy Tuna Roll, Inari, Teriyaki Chicken Bowl and more. It’s evident that the possibilities are endless at Genki Sushi.

Genki Sushi 430 Kamehameha Hwy. (and various locations) 485.0227

Curry King At Curry King, the crowning moment is when you are presented with a piping hot bowl of paitan ramen or savory Japanese curry — just a couple of the many alluring entrees to come out of this establishment.

Located in the food court at Ward Warehouse, Curry King opened its doors this past September, and according to manager and chef Shane Yang, his philosophy is to offer high-quality cuisine at an affordable price.

“We specialize in paitain ramen,” Yang says. “Paitan is pork-based soup, and we leave it to simmer until it turns a natural white. You can order ramen or udon with paitan soup.”

Yet, with a name like Curry King, it’s only proper to ask about the curry dishes offered here. Yang presents diners with a Japanese curry (with rice or ramen), which he says isn’t too spicy, and in fact gives off a sweeter flavor.

Is your stomach growling yet? Mine is.

However, being that my appetite was geared to everything uniquely unagi, I just had to ask Yang about his unagi special.

“We do have an Unagi Bowl ($9.55), featuring barbecue teriyaki fresh-water

eel,” he says.

Diners are greeted with a bowl full of rice topped with 5.5 ounces of delicious unagi smothered in a homemade teriyaki sauce. A side of mixed greens and tsukemono complete the dish.

“Unagi is a favorite with locals and the meat is very tender,” Yang explains.

“When you mix the teriyaki unagi with the hot rice, it’s very delicious. We sell about 10 to 15 orders of the Unagi Bowl per day.”

Yang oversees the 30-item menu at Curry King and is looking to add more items in the near future.

“It’s always exciting to come up with new ideas and see how our customers like it,” he says.

Curry King Ward Warehouse 1050 Ala Moana Blvd. #1400 591.8855

Don't Worry, Be Happy veg’nout E VO Jai ($9.95) | Nathalie Walker photo

Happy Day Chinese Seafood Restaurant Where: 3353 Waialae Ave., Honolulu Call: 738.8666 Hours: Open daily, 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

veryone is going out for dim Chinese New Year sum, but you’re hesitant to join favorite, Jai aka monk’s them as you’re well aware that food, is a popular choice vegetarian dim sum here and it contains no is a rarity at most Chinese restaurants. meat or fish.

“Gung hay fat Don’t worry, be happy. choy!” says Happy Day’s While dim sum upbeat owner Lisa Lum, who was indeed happy to draws the crowds to Happy Day Chinese recommend the restaurant’s Jai for Dining Out Seafood Restaurant in Kaimuki, that’s readers to celebrate the not all you’ll find on Year of the Dragon — the lunar new year — or any its extensive menu of day of the year.

Cantonese favorites.

Happy Day’s Jai And don’t let the ($9.95) is a healthy comname make you sad bination of long rice, — it’s not all about Day owner Lisa Lum bean curd, carrots, black seafood.

The Happy with Jai.

with

Terri Hefner

mushrooms, Chinese peas, golden mushrooms, tofu skin and more in a red bean curd sauce. All those vegetable flavors and textures work well together, and the slippery strands of long rice provide a nice complement that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

Eating Jai is a traditional way to celebrate Chinese New Year, and lucky for veggie lovers, you can savor it all year round at Happy Day.

The Star of the Sea

By Ali Resich

F Star of Honolulu Where: Docked At Pier 8 Aloha Tower Marketplace 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu

Call: 1.800.334.6191 or 983.STAR (7827) Website: StarofHonolulu.com Hours: Cruises run daily.

Premier Whale Watch Cruise 11:15 a.m. boarding at Aloha Tower Marketplace, noon departure, 2:30 p.m. disembark.

Early Bird Whale Watch 8 a.m. boarding at Aloha Tower Marketplace, 8:45 a.m. departure, 10:45 a.m. disembark.

or 55 years, the Star of Honolulu has wowed guests with timeless sunset dinner cruises. The 232-foot ship, custom built in 1992 and recently renovated, is Hawaii’s only moving restaurant of its kind. Lesser known are the ship’s exciting, seasonal day cruises that will leave kamaaina ready to hop on board.

The Premier Whale Watch Cruise ($63, adults; $38, children) includes two-and-a-half hours of humpback whale-spotting, along with the Taste of Hawaii Buffet. The vessel makes use of its four walkaround decks and 60-foothigh observation deck to spot the sea’s “friendly giants” as it cruises daily until April 15.

“Thankfully, we see whales every day. I’ve been on this boat and splashed from a whale

landing in the water,” says executive chef Adam Gilbert.

Now in his fifth year as executive chef, Gilbert and his team provide meals for hundreds of customers at a time. In doing so, producing consistent, high-quality food is his first priority.

To achieve this, Gilbert turns to local produce.

“We buy all our lettuce from Maui. All our tomatoes are local; our tofu’s locally made. Our marinades are from raw ingredients and our miso marinade is completely from scratch.”

Some of the buffet’s must-haves are Citrus Miso Glazed White Fish, Teriyaki Chicken and the Hawaiian Black Sea Salt Roast Beef Carving Station.

Gilbert also ensures everyone can find something to please their palate aboard the ship. Vegan, vegetarian and glucosefree dishes have been added to this year’s menu with Fried Noodles and

Tofu Poke topping off vegan favorites.

Kamaaina discounts for entire parties are available for the Premier Whale Watch (prices start at $38.07/$22.68) as well as Early Bird Whale Watch (prices start at $24.26/$14.58) cruises to customers who purchase tickets with a valid Hawaii ID. Also, with every paying adult, one child (ages 3 to 11) can cruise for free.

“Every year I bring my family on the whalewatching trips because it’s a lot more local-friendly,” explains Gilbert. “For people who live in Hawaii and work all the time and don’t get to the ocean much, you get a great lunch and you see whales jumping out of the water 20-feet from you!”

1

2

1 Star of Honolulu wows diners with its delectable cuisine.

2 A humpback whale puts on a show for guests.

3 Star of Honolulu favorites Photos courtesy of Star of Honolulu

3 DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012 |

13

Kissaten Coffee Bar 88 Piikoi St., Honolulu 593.1200

with Christina O’Connor

K

issaten Coffee Bar is the answer to late-night dining. Whether you are looking for dinner after a night out or caffeine to fuel a study session, Kissaten will have what you need to make it through those late nights. With a casual, tranquil environment — and its convenient location on Piikoi Street — Kissaten is the perfect place to hang out with friends or hit the books. And best of all, it's open 24 hours a day.

“All throughout the day, there is always somebody here,” says co-owner Neysa Taba. “We have a lot of students who come here to study, a lot of businesspeople, and then also the late-night crowd coming in after they go out.”

Kissaten serves breakfast from 6 to 11 a.m., so you can start your day off with tasty 14 | DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012

Fresh Croissants ($2) Lawrence Tabudlo photos

options such as Fruit Plate ($5) or Fresh Baked Croissants ($2). Taba says that one of the most popular breakfast items is Smoked Salmon & Bagel ($9), with organic mesclun greens, capers and shaved onions. Or for an energizing morning meal, try Egg White Frittata ($7), with goat cheese, roasted tomatoes and spinach.

For lunch or dinner, one of the most popular menu items is Kissaten Melt ($9), which features pastrami, mozzarella, caramelized onions and a mustard aioli on a rosemary olive loaf. Another customer favorite is Grilled Cheese & Tomato Bisque ($9), which is offered on the late-night menu. Another late-night standby is Kissaten's Pho Noodle Soup ($7).

Taba describes Kissaten’s cuisine as

ON THESIDE

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week

A

lthough Kissaten Coffee Bar has been opened just slightly more than one year, it has already established a loyal following of customers who frequent the eatery for its tasty drinks and food offered around the clock. Co-owners John Ishimi, Sean Ishizaki and Neysa Taba started Kissaten as a way to solve their own night-owl dilemmas. Taba says that the three of them — who all worked together at a bar before opening Kissaten — kept late hours and basically lived off of coffee.

“We all had so many things going on,” Taba says. “Jon owned several businesses in the past, and Sean and I always had multiple jobs … And we also do the nightlife thing, so we were always awake at all hours of the day. And we all love coffee.”

But because of their unusual hours, Taba says, it was sometimes hard to find a place to go after work or a night out.

“So we took both ideas — the 24-hour lifestyle and our love for coffee — and tried to mash them together,” Taba says.

Today, Kissaten is a haven for night owls like its co-owners.

Kissaten’s casual and welcoming environment ensure that you will have a great experience whether you’re looking for a quiet study spot or a casual place to meet up with a group of friends.

Even if you stop in to Kissaten often, you’ll likely find something new to try. Kissaten features a rotating set of daily food specials. On Valentine’s Day, guests get a free dessert with the purchase of Kissaten Melt ($9). Kissaten also offers seasonal drink specials.

They are currently working on a drink special for Valentine’s Day.

Kissaten sous chef Brittany Freitas with Homemade Bread Pudding ($3.50).

foodiefare “American comfort food with a twist,” adding that the restaurant likes to add its own, unique flavor to each of the dishes. “A lot of our dishes have an ethnic twist — we try to do Japanese, Italian or French twists to everything,” she says. “Our dishes often have an ingredient that you wouldn’t expect.”

Roasted Herb Vegetable Wrap ($8), for example, pairs red pepper hummus with goat cheese. And Kissaten offers a creative new spin on a classic Grilled Cheese sandwich. Mixed in with the smoked gouda and

Tillamook Cheddar are apples and smoked bacon.

And if it’s coffee you’re after, Kissaten offers a range of flavorful coffee and espresso drinks, including Thai Latte ($3 for a small), Italian Macchiato ($1.75 for a small) and Caramella ($3.75 for a small). Tea drinks include Chai Tea Latte ($2.75 for a small) and Matcha Tea Latte ($2.75 for a small).

Coffee or tea drinks also taste great with Kissaten’s sweet desserts, such as Homemade Bread Pudding ($3.50).

1

2

Kahala Mall 738-5696 (KOZO)

Moiliili 951-5696 (KOZO)

Keeaumoku

by Wal-Mart 946-5696

45 pcs.

Nigri 12 pcs.

Inari 3 pcs.

Makisushi 12 pcs.

Hosomaki 18 pcs.

(KOZO)

Pearlridge 483-6805

One coupon per order. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 1/31/12

Pearl City

by Wal-Mart 455-6805

• GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE • LUNCH SPECIALS STARTING FROM $7.99 SERVED DAILY 10AM-3PM

10% off senior (65 or older) on tuesdays & thursdays *restrictions may apply.

3

4

1 Egg White Fritatta ($9) 2 Smoked Salmon & Bagel ($9) 3 Homemade Bread Pudding ($3.50) 4 Fruit Plate ($5)

7 days open!

(808) 596-7555

www.choisgarden.com

1303 Rycroft street • Honolulu • HI 96814

NIGHTLY 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Teriyaki Chicken . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15.95 Daily Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$23.95 Sukiyaki Steak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20.95 Teriyaki Steak & Chicken Combo .$21.95 Kama‘aina & Military Discount Available (with proper ID)

1841 Ala Moana Blvd.

Between Ilikai & Hilton Hawaiian Village

941-4444

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

$11.45 Complete Lunch

& after 10:30 p.m.

Sapporo & Kirin (large) $5.75 after 10:30pm For questions related to your Honolulu StarAdvertiser subscription CALL

538-NEWS(6397)

Dinner Menu

2 Choice Teishoku Combo

17.75- $22.75

$

The pulse of paradise. www.staradvertiser.com

Open 7 Days • 2700 So. King St.

FREE KING PAR Behind

Served with rice, miso soup, two side dishes, and pickles.

Choose from • Fried Oyster • Ebi Fry • Ahi Sashimi • Broiled Salmon Chicken Katsu • Miso Butterfish • Karaage • Pork Ginger Sizzling Hamburger Steak • Tempura • Tonkatsu and many more!

Bentos and assorted musubi available daily as well as ala carte specials OPEN DAILY 11am-9pm Lunch 11 am - 4 pm Dinner 5 pm - 9 pm

Request a vacation stop • Make a payment Billing or delivery questions Start a new subscription

947-2836

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

Japanese Home Style Restaurant “Hinone Mizunone” Please enjoy the KAMADAKIGOHAN cooked completely by “Ogama”.

1345 S. King Street Corner of S. King St. & Sheridan St. Close to Ala Moana Shpg Cntr & Wal Mart

942-4848

TEL.

www.fujio-food.com

nt

Restaura

HAPPY HOUR 4pm-8pm!

1649 Kalakaua Ave. (808) 447-1492

Now open at the Waikiki Circle Hotel Same Great Food Served in an Eggspressive Fashion

2464 Kalakaua Avenue

926-EGGS (3447) www.eggsnthings.com DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012 |

15

WHERE TO DINE AMERICAN

Symbol Key

4 Kings Kitchen

Breakfast

2671 S. King St. 951-5464

Lunch

Atlantis Seafood & Steak

La Palme D’or

Waikiki • 926-3444 Kailua • 262-0820 Hawaii Kai • 394-9100 Aiea • 486-2167 University • 949-0050 Maui • 661-9111

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

Larry’s Bakery 4369 Lawehana St. (across Target in Salt Lake) 422-0059

Tropics Bar & Grill

2284 Kalakaua Avenue 922-6868

Dinner

Teddy’s Bigger Burger

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

After Midnight

Napoleon’s Bakery Located inside of Zippy’s

Eggs n’ Things

Alcohol served

343 Saratoga Road 923-EGGS (3447)

BAKERY

Online

Waikiki Beach Eggspress

Fendu Boulangerie

Catering

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

2752 Woodlawn Dr. Manoa Marketplace 988-4310

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

BLUE HAWAII SUSHI BAR & RESTAURANT

Early Bird Special 4-5pm NEW MENU & SUSHI BAR! Teriyaki Chicken $7.95 Teriyaki Combo (Steak & Chicken) $10.95 Fish of the Day $7.95 North Shore Garlic Shrimp $9.95 Includes Miso Soup, Salad, Rice and Japanese hot tea Not valid with other offers or promotions. turn into driveway (5464) • 2671A S. King St. Parking: between Kokua Market & 4 Kings Special valid on Meatloaf only. Must present coupon. Exp. 1/31/12

1140 Kuala St. (Across Wal-Mart) Pearl City | 456-2128 Sun-Thurs 10:30am-9:00pm | Fri-Sat 11:00am-10:00pm

951-KING

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

00 Take $5 OFF your purchase of $40 or more. exp. 1/26/12. cannot be combined with other offers/specials. must present coupon.

• 14 broths • 6 meats • 100 different ingredients

BYOB

Reg. $15.99

OPEN DAILY: 10am — midnight 923 KEEAUMOKU ST.

NE New W Y M ear, en u!

Best Cantonese Cuisine

955-3388

951-7878 2700 S. King St. (near 7-11 at King St./University) M-Th 4pm-12am | F-Sun 4pm-1am

10% OFF

Cash Sale Only (With Coupon)

at the Colony Surf Please come share our nightly sunsets...

5% OFF

Hong Kong Dim Sum & Regular Menu Items

Nice Day Chinese Seafood Restaurant

“At times it’s good to ponder Upon things that’s somber Of all the realities and necessities, Integrity must be number one This is a must or thy will be done.”

524-1628

Saimin Havenly Yours,

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 1/31/12. Must present coupon.

Lobster $999 with purchase of Full Price Entree Valid 5-10:30pm

Celebrating 10 Years!

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

Michel’s Early DiningClub ON RESERVATIONS MENTIONING THIS AD Expires 1/31/12

www.michelshawaii.com • 923-6552 • 2895 Kalakaua Ave. FREE VALET PARKING • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT NIGHTLY

CALL FOR BANQUETS, RECEPTIONS & PARTIES 728-3463 16 | DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012

Valid at Participating Locations Windward Mall 235-4467 Pearl City 486-4467 • Hilo 959-2600 Valid(Ala at Participating Locations: Waikiki Moana Blvd) 949-4467 Waikiki (Ala Moana), Hilo, Pearl City, and Windward Mall www.ihophawaii.com

Dear Hearts and Treasured Friends,

Credit Card Sale Only (With Coupon)

Liliha Square by Times Supermarket

Two course menu for $45 plus a complimentary glass of wine.

5:30 pm Reservations Only! MONDAY THRU SATURDAY

©2012 IHOP IP, LLC

Deep Fried Jai Flounder (Whole) with Seasoning Herbs $9.99 $8.99 ( )

• NEW! Bacon-Wrapped Sirloin Steak & Eggs • Chicken & Waffles • NEW! Cheesy Western Omelette • NEW! Bacon & Cheddar Hash Brown StackTM • NEW! Hash Brown Crusted Chicken & Biscuit • Nutella® Crepes & Eggs UNDER 600 CALORIES • SIMPLE & FIT Veggie Omelette

Gift Cards Available

OPEN Tues-Fri: 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm • Sat: 11am-9pm • Sun-Mon: Closed

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR SPECIAL

STARTS JAN. 23rd

Lobster $999 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

10% OFF(Cash)

3553 Waialae Avenue Excludes Set Menu; Roast Pork, Roast Duck, Char Siu & other specials.

738-8666

Shiro ‘Manuela Boy’ Matsuo

5%, 10% and lobster special are not to be combined with any other offer/discounts/specials. Expires 1/31/12. Must present coupon.

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

WHERE TO DINE BUFFET

CHINESE

Kissaten 88 Piikoi St. 593-1200

Camellia Buffet

Aina Haina Chop Suey

930 McCully St. 951-0511/0611

111 N. King St. 521-8268

Aina Haina Shopping Center 820 W. Hind Dr. 373-1303 or 373-4632

Makino Chaya

Koko Cafe

Westridge Mall 486-5100

Hale Koa Hotel, 2055 Kalia Road 955-0555 Call for eligibility details.

949-4321

Makittii 2380 Kuhio Ave. 923-2260

CAFE

Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant

Market City Shopping Center 2919 Kapiolani Blvd 735-3888

a cut

above the rest.

3553 Waialae Ave. 738-8666

923 Keeaumoku St. 955-3388

CATERERS Anytime Cafe

Happy Day Chinese Restaurant

Canton Seafood Restaurant

Golden Duck 4230 Waialae Ave., Kahala 737-7188 1221 S. King St. 597-8088

A Catered Experience 94-1068 Ka Uka Blvd.

677-7744

Hee Hing Restaurant 449 Kapahulu Ave. 735-5544

$1 OFF Any Bread purchases over $4 Must present coupon • exp. 1/26/12

DAILY BREAD SPECIALS TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

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

Early Bird $ Special Only

12.95

Special Year of the Dragon Menu Asian Shrimp Salad with Fresh Melons and Golden Pineapple • Eight Treasure Wintermelon Soup • Pot Roast Chicken Roasted Garlic Live Dungeness Crab Braised Boneless Beef Shortribs with Taro Sweet and Sour Whole Snapper Hamakua Mushroom, Hasu and Chinese Peas Stir Fry • New Year’s Jai • Red Azuki Bean Dessert Soup • New Year’s Gau $289 Table of Ten (reg. $310) $150 Table of Five

“All Natural no added chemicals”

988-4310 2752 Woodlawn Dr. • Manoa Marketplace

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

BREAKFAST SPECIAL FREE

2 side Pancakes

with order of any breakfast entrée

Sauteed Mahi with Lobster Sauce Steak & Shrimp Chicken Alfredo Pasta

(excluding entrées From the Griddle) Offer Valid 6am – noon thru 3/31/12

922-6868

Call for Reservations & Information 2284 Kalakaua Ave.

Your choice of syrups: Sugar Free Maple Maple • Coconut Strawberry – NEW! Blueberry – NEW!

$1.79

Open 7 Days from 11am-10pm

Lunch 11am - 4pm Dinner 5pm - 10pm

Bottomless COFFEE

841-0931

Kam Shopping Center Open 6am Daily

wagyu new york strip, 14 ounces This Australian, kobe-style beef is masterfully grilled to provide a juicy and tender treat for your palate.

Hee Hing Celebrates The Year of the DRAGON

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

Menu available Jan 15 –February 15, 2012

Year of the Dragon Dinner Buffet

Appetizers – Oyster Sauce Poke, Chilled Soya Meats, Dim Sum, Garlic Wings & more.

International Salads Chinatown Caring Station – Black Pepper Roast Prime Rib, Roast Pig, Char Siu Pork Tenderloin Chinese Entrees – Roast Duck, Seafood Black Bean, Steamed Fresh Clams, Crablegs. Steamed Fish, Curry Chicken, Pepper Salt Prawns, Vegetable Stir Fry, New Year’s Jai, Noodles, Fried Rice & more!

Desserts – New Year’s Gau, Almond Float, Fried Mochi, Red Velvet Cake, Mochi Rice Balls and much, much more Adult- $27.95 Seniors- $26.95 Keikis 4-12 $13.95 Served Sunday, Jan. 22 & Monday, Jan 23; 5-9pm

New Year’s Lion Dance Sunday, Jan. 22 & Monday, Jan 23 at 6:30pm

For reservations, call

735-5544

449 KAPAHULU AVE., STE 101

Happy New Year & Kung Hee Fat Choy $238 for table of 6 ($398 for table of 10)

A fine steak. A fine experience.

• Dynasty Style Appetizer Platter • Imitation Shark’s Fin Soup w/ Chicken • Lobsters with Garlic & butter Sauce • Steamed Whole FIsh • Steamed Chicken — Dynasty Style

• Sautéed Shrimp & Scallop w/Honey Walnuts • New Year Good Luck “Jai” • Seafood Fried Rice w/Garlic • Mochi Balls in Sweet Ginger Broth Valid 12.26.2011- 1.31.2012

Lion Dance 1/22 7:00PM

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

Ala Moana Center

947-8818 DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012 |

17

WHERE TO DINE Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant

Mandalay (The)

ON ON

1055 Alakea St. 525-8585

Ala Moana Shopping Center 1450 Ala Moana Blvd.

4th Floor - Ho’okipa Terrace 947-8818

Lung Fung Chinese Restaurant

Nice Day Chinese Seafood Restaurant

5724 Kalanianaole Hwy. 377-5566

Liliha Square 524-1628

10.95

$

Steamed

Seabass

Fresh Local

Opakapaka Steamed with Ginger, Onions and Mushrooms

9.95

$

16.95

$

Includes: Scoop Rice, Miso Soup, Tea,Tofu, Gyoza, Green Salad or Tsukemono OPEN TUE-SUN LUNCH

99-08 Kauhale St., Aiea 488-8898

Waimalu Chop Suey

Henry Loui’s

ON ON at McCully

Aina Haina Chop Suey

1110 McCully St. • 946-8833

Aina Haina Shopping Center 373-1303 or 373-4632

www.ononhawaii.com

2 pc. Shrimp Tempura 2 pc. Vegetable Tempura & Miso Butterfish

Ert’s Grill

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

Waimalu Shopping Center 98-020 Kam Hwy. 488-1616

Chinese Restaurant

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR

Bibas Hale Koa Hotel, 2055 Kalia Road 955-0555 Call for eligibility details.

Seafood Village Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa

909 Isenberg St. 941-6641

1113 Smith St. 545-3008

FAMILY DINING

1110 McCully St.

at McCully 946-8833

Maple Garden / Yen King Little Villlage Noodle House

On On at McCully

10% OFF

COUPON

2850 Paa St. 833-3728

East Honolulu

Catering Available Small & Large Parties starting from $6 per person

Dine-In and Take-Out Excludes Special Menus Exp 1/31/12

FREE DELIVERY

#10

for orders $100 or more within Honolulu Area

Eggplant Chicken

Go to www.ononhawaii.com to view Menus and find $5 Coupon

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

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

536-3035

Crispy Pata

(Crispy Pork Hocks)

Cuisine of the Philippines www.maxschicken.com

OUR IMMENSELY POPULAR TAKE-OUT PLATE LUNCH FOR ONLY... $

14 LOCATIONS:

801 Dillingham Blvd. (next to Costco Iwilei) Honolulu Hawaii 96817 Waipahu Shopping Plaza 94-300 Farrington Hwy., Suite F-1 Waipahu, Hawaii 96797

Celebrate Your Birthday

BUY ONE ENTREE GET THE 2ND ENTREE AT

50% OFF

*2nd entree of equal or lesser value; Present coupon at time of purchase. One coupon per transaction. Exp 1/31/12

951-MAXS (6297)

Aina Haina 373-4033 Kapahulu 735-7700 Waiau 485-0227 Kaneohe 247-9595 Ala Moana 942-9102 Waikele 678-3180

Stadium Marketplace 488-9202 Ewa Town Center 683-1003 Ward Center 591-5600 Kapolei 674-4227

6.65

Kukui Grove 808-632-2450 Maui Mall 808-873-7776 Lahaina 808-661-0333 Kona 808-327-6776

NOW OPEN at 900 N. Nimitz Hwy 536-8570 1627 Nuuanu Ave 585-8839 2955 E. Manoa Rd 988-0212 Mon-Sat 10:30am-9pm; Sun 12n-8pm

5 – Course Dinner $40

Call For Take Out www.bangkokchefexpress.com

Available on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Only ––––––––––––––––Beginning––––––––––––––

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

Mon-Fri: 6:00 - 10:00 pm Sat, Sun: 5:30 - 10:00 pm • Wine Spectator Award-Winning Wine List • Live Entertainment • Valet Parking Proper Attire Required Reservations Recommended

2440 Kuhio Ave.

922 5555 www.hyshawaii.com

Roasted Butternut Squash and Lobster Bisque Shooter with a glass of Mionetto Prosecco Gold Label

–––––––––––––––Appetizers–––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––Salad––––––––––––––––– Kataifi and Mac Nut Crusted Black Tiger Prawn Salad with a glass of Esser Chardonnay

––––––––––––––––Entrée–––––––––––––– Chef Chai’s Signature Thai Style Oxtail Soup and Steamed Rice OR Grilled Fresh Local Fish with Curry Sauce and Wakana Soba with a glass of Au Bon Climat Pinor Noir

–––––––––––––––Dessert––––––––––––––– Heart Shape White Chocolate Amore Truffle Aloha Tower Marketplace FREE VALET PARKING • www.chefchai.com 18 | DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012

Buy one dinner entree, receive 2nd entree

179

$

50% OFF

521-8268

per person

for Wines

• 585-0011

Ham and Scallop Soup • Chinese Chicken Salad • Peking Duck w/ Buns • Steamed Sea Bass w/ Ginger & Onions • Walnut Shrimp • Capitol Pork Chops • Boneless Chicken Cake Noodle • Rice • Jai • Chef’s Dessert of the Day 111 N. King St. near Maunakea 7am -10pm

per person

for Dinner

$15

(Monk’s Food) Available All-Day

Special Menu for10

valid Sun, Mon & Tues Expires 1/31/12.

$40

Jai

Chinese New Year

Fresh Ahi Katsu with Tomato Mango Salsa Wasabi Curry Sauce

Serving Lunch & Dinner • Take-out Available

Free Parking in the Rear DINNER HOURS ONLY No credit cards accepted for special menu

Dim Sum

Served 7am Daily

1

$ 98 Take-out Orders Welcomed

WHERE TO DINE IHOP Waikiki - 1850 Ala Moana Blvd 949-4467 Waikiki - Kuhio & Lewers 921-2400

Kenny’s Restaurant

Rainbow Drive Inn

Le Cacao Bistro

1620 N. School St. 841-0931

3441 Waialae Ave.

Kenny’s Express Hawaiian BBQ

Pagoda

2nd Floor, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center 922-9333

1525 Rycroft St. 948-8356

3308 Kanaina Ave. 737-0177

626-5368

Pearl City - Times Sq. SC 486-4467 Kaneohe - Windward Mall 235-4467

Restaurant Epic 1131 Nuuanu Ave. 587-7877

Hilo - Prince Kuhio Plaza 959-2600

Shiro’s Saimin Haven

JJ Bistro & French Pastry 3447 Waialae Ave.

739-0993

Kit N Kitchen

Panya Bistro • Bakery • Bar

1010 University Avenue 942-7622

Ala Moana Center, Mauka - Mall Level 946-6388

Make Someone’s Day Special

FREE Appetizer (up to $10 in value)

Order one to two weeks in advance.

2065 S. Beretania St. Honolulu HI 96826

Ala Moana Center • Mall Level

Must present coupon. Expires 1/31/12.

(Mountain side, next to Shirokiya) 941- 6161

PH: (808)946-7466 | M-Sat: 5pm-12am

Something New. Something Classic.

Open Daily – 11AM - 10PM Happy Hour – Daily in the lounge 4PM - 7PM Vino Thursdays - 25% Off Bottles of Wine

Bring this ad in for a Complimentary Dessert*

www.macaronigrill.com

10% OFF ENTIRE FOOD PURCHASE

Now se

Wine & Brveinegr!

excluding alcohol. Offer valid at Waikiki Location w/ coupon. Exp. 1/31/12 1831 Ala Moana Blvd. (Between Ilikai & Kobe) Open Daily 11am-10pm

941-3444

Free Validated parking at Waikiki Marina

1 FREE Shrimp Tempura With your order when you bring in this coupon, 1 per person

KOREAN CUISINE • LUNCH $16.95 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM • DINNER $24.95 2:30 PM -10 PM

E x pi re s J

KAL BI, SIRLOIN, CHICKEN, SASHIMI, SPICY PORK

*With the purchase of two entrees. $8.00 Value. Expires 2/29/2012. StarAdv

Ala Moana Center – Ho‘okipa Terrace | 808.356.8300 Also at Queens’ MarketPlace, Waikoloa Beach Resort | 808.443.5515

Waimalu 98-020 Kam Hwy. 488-8824 Waipahu 94-256 Waipahu Depot St. 676-2088 Ewa Beach Shp. Ctr. 91-919 Fort Weaver Rd. 689-0999

an. 2

6, 2

Hanaki

*DISCOUNT EXCLUDES ALL BEVERAGESWITH THIS AD. EXP. 1/31/12.

012

Japanese Cuisine

Serving Oahu’s Ohanas For More Than 14 Yrs. 11:30 am-2:30 pm; 5 pm-9:30 pm (Closed Tuesdays) 930 McCully St. • 951-0511/951-0611

Enter to Win! 1 21 Trips For Two To of

Las Vegas

Premium Class now serving Zippy’s Chili!

• PRIVATE PARTY ROOM • CONVENIENT PARKING

MANOA MARKETPLACE (Tons of FREE Parking) 988-1551

Spaghetti & Chicken Mixed Plate

$5.99fast food Oxtail Style

Turkey Neck Soup

$5.29fast food

Restaurant price: Spaghetti & Chicken Plate $6.99, Oxtail Style Turkey Neck Soup $6.29. Offer valid 1/2/12 - 2/5/12. Prices slightly higher at Kahului. Offer not valid with any other promotional offers/discount cards. Other restrictions may apply, see stores for details.

available from 10:30am, while supplies last

DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012 |

19

WHERE TO DINE Wailana Coffee House 1860 Ala Moana Blvd.

955-1764

FINE DINING Bali Steak & Seafood

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

GREEK

Restaurant Row 599-3860 Waikiki Beach Walk 440-7910

Greek Marina

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

Sam Choy’s BLC

Zippy’s Call the one nearest you

Chai’s Island Bistro Aloha Tower Market Pl. 585-0011

FILIPINO Max’s Of Manila 94-300 Farrington Hwy 801 Dillingham Blvd.

951-6297

Koko Marina Shopping Center 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy. 396-8441

Hy’s Steak House 2440 Kuhio Ave. 922-5555

Il Lupino Royal Hawaiian Center 922-3400

580 N. Nimitz Hwy. 545-7979

The Fat Greek 3040 Waialae Ave. 734-0404 Ala Moana Makai Market 949-2120

Stage Restaurant 1250 Kapiolani Blvd.

237-5429

Top of Waikiki

Fat Greek Waikiki

Waikiki Business Plaza 2270 Kalakaua Ave. 923-3877

1831 Ala Moana Blvd 941-3444

VALENTINE’S DAY

Year of the Dragon Beggar Chicken, Crab Legs, And more Dinner 5-8:30 pm Kids $12 (Ages 5–12) Adults $20.95

February 14

5:30 – 8:30

Garlic Scallion Shrimp OR Short Rib Tortellini ❖ ❖ ❖

Spinach Salad ❖ ❖ ❖

Fire Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Truffled Mushroom Sauce OR Grilled Fresh Catch, Blue Crab & Kahuku Corn ❖ ❖ ❖

Chocolate Raspberry Torte Lion Dance Starts @ 6pm 1/23/12

High Quality at Affordable Prices!

$75 ala carte menu not available.

Reservations Recommended

CHIRASHI SPECIAL

14.95

*Free parking available at First Hawaiian Bank

Maple Garden /Yen King

909 Isenberg Street • 941-6641 www.MapleGardenHawaii.com

Ocean front dining

ON THE RISE

3660 Waialae Ave. • 737-1177 www.3660.com

Also Available Curry & Steak Monday-Sunday 10:30am-2:30pm, 5pm–10pm

3579 Waialae Avenue 737-8820

Valet parking available

COMPLIMENTARY UNCLE MOKI’S LAVA FLOW DESSERT WITH THE PURCHASE OF 2 DINNER ENTREES Must present coupon. Not valid with any other discounts or specials. Exp 1/2//12.

OUTRIGGER REEF HOTEL • 2169 KALIA RD. • 923–2277 20 | DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012

WHERE TO DINE ITALIAN Happy Valley Pasta & Pizza

Blue Hawaii Sushi

3106 Monsarrat Ave. 737-0080

1140 Kuala St., Pearl City Across Wal-Mart 456-2128

Romanos Macaroni Grill

Curry King

Ala Moana Center Hookipa Terrace 356-8300

Z Pizza Ward Centre Auahi St. Shops 596-0066 Kailua 151 Hekili St. 230-8400

Hinone Mizunone

Genki Sushi

JAPANESE

1345 South King St. 942-4848

Stadium Market Place 488-9202 Aina Haina 373-4033 Ala Moana 942-9102 Ewa Town Center 683-1003 Kaneohe 247-9595 Kapahulu 735-7700 Kapolei Commons 674-4227 Waikele Center 678-3180 Waiau 485-0227 Ward Center 591-5600 Kukui Grove 808-632-2450 Maui Mall 808-873-7776 Lahaina 808-661-0333 Kona 808-327-6776

Ward Warehouse 1050 Ala Moana Blvd. #1400 591-8855

Ichiriki Aiea 98-150 Kaonohi St. 484-2222 Honolulu 510 Piikoi St. 589-2299

Kobe Japanese Steak House 1841 Ala Moana Blvd.

941-4444

Kozo Sushi

G Sushi Market City Shopping Center 2919 Kapiolani Blvd. #23 732-9661

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

Hifumi Japanese Restaurant Chinese Cultural Plaza 536-3035

Voted Best Thai in Hawaii 15% OFF Take Out Coupon required. Not combinable with other offers. Expires 1/27/12

Snow Crab Monday Nights

THAI CUISINE

BUY ONE ITEM & GET THE NEXT ONE

2# Snow Crab Legs for $29.95

Tuesdays Our Kupunas 60 and older receive a 20% Discount all day Proof of eligibility will be required

SERVING HAWAII SINCE 1977...

50% OFF

2028 Kuhio Avenue

Exp. 1/31/12.

Walking distance from all Waikiki Hotels

Good for any item of equal or lesser value. Original Coupon required. Not valid on retail items or bottled beverages. One discounted item per coupon.

Not combinable with any other offer. No cash value.

What’s happening at Sam Choy’s?

Dinner 4:30pm - Closing

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

tel. 951-9355 www.keosthaicuisine.com

Prime Rib Wednesday Nights

Fri, Sat & Sun New York Steak

16 oz. Prime Rib for $20.95

Brewer’s Thursdays Pitchers of Aloha Beer for $10

“The King of Steaks”

Aloha Fridays

Top Sirloin Steak

Hawaiian Plate all day and LIVE Hawaiian entertainment from 6:00 - 9:00

“Buttered & Wined”

Chuckwagon Saturday Nights 5:00 - 8:30 Chuckwagon Buffet for $28.95

Teriyaki Steak

FREE House Salad & Soft Drink with any Pizza, Pasta, or Risotto menu item Starting from $

8.98

3106 Monsarrat Ave. • Honolulu, HI 96815 • Ph: (808) 737-0080 • Fax (808) 735-0800

“Tender & Moist” With “All You Can Eat” Salad Bar! Your choice for only

$

1295

Keiki Sunday Nights 6:00 - 8:00 Kids Eat Free from our Keiki menu with each Adult entree purchased Magic by Alan Arita, balloon sculpting, caricature drawing

Oyster Festival Jan 30th to Feb 12th See Menu at:

www.samchoyhawaii.com

955-1764 • OPEN 24 HOURS 1860 Blvd.

1860 Ala Ala Moana Moana Blvd.

Validated Parking Validated Parking

580 Nimitz Hwy. 545-7979 Like us on Facebook for Special Deals & Offers www.samchoyhawaii.com

January Special NEW!

Chocolate Banana ‘n Cream Cake

ICHIRIKI-ON-THE-GO SUKIYAKI BENTOS

$7.95

DAILY 11AM-2:30PM

TWO GREAT LOCATIONS! Prices Pri riceess are are slightly sslig llilig ight ig htly higher hiigh ig gh g her er at at Ala Ala la Moana Moan Mo na a and and nd Pearlridge.

Pearlr rlridg rrl llridg idge.

AIEA • 484-2222 98-150 Kaonohi St.

HONOLULU • 589-2299 510 Piikoi St.

DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012 |

21

WHERE TO DINE Tanaka of Tokyo

Sekiya’s Restaurant & Delicatessen

Makino Chaya 98-150 Kaonohi St. 486-5100

Sushi Ichiban

East, in King’s Village 922-4233 Central, in Waikiki Shopping Plaza 922-4702 West, in Ala Moana Cntr-Hookipa Terrace 945-3443

3579 Waialae Ave. 737-8820

2746 Kaimuki Avenue 732-1656

Sumo Ramen

Restaurant Suntory

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

Royal Hawaiian Shpg Cntr 3rd Flr. 922-5511

Sushi Izakaya

KOREAN

2065 S. Beretania St 946-7466

Choi’s Garden 1303 Rycroft St., Honolulu. HI 596-7555

Sakura Terrace Japanese Cafe

Sushi King

1240 South King Street 591-1181

2700 S. King St. 947-2836

Sushi Company 1111 McCully Street 947-5411

Choon Chun Chicken 1649 Kalakaua Ave. 447-4492

Try Our Tasty PORK TOFU! Pork Tofu simmered in our special broth...

Delicious!

10% OFF for Senior Citizens

Sun-Thu 8am-10pm • Fri-Sat til 11pm Okazuya open daily from 8am FREE Delivery min. $15 within 4 miles

955-8889 1111 McCully St. OPEN DAILY 9:30am-10pm

SEKIYA’S RESTAURANT & DELICATESSEN

10% OFF with Ad

Serving Hawaii for 75 Years!

2746 Kaimuki Ave

www.123wok.com • order online • HEALTHY CHINESE CUISINE • HAWAIIAN BBQ • HOT POT

All-Occasion Catering

732-1656

Perfect for Birthday Parties, Family get togethers and more!

2710 South King St. www.fukuyadeli.com

Won Ton Soup

Offer valid on dine-in orders only. Must present coupon.

Cannot be combined with other offers or coupons. Exp 1/31/12

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

BREAKFAST & LUNCH NOW OPEN DAILY! Monday - Friday & Weekend Brunch Buffet

WESTRIDGE SHOPPING CENTER • 488-4900 (Next to Makino Chaya) 98-150 Kaonohi St., Aiea

Eggs Benedict, Homemade Corned Beef Hash Inquire about our... and Kalua Hash, Loco Moco, VALENTINE’S DA Belgium Waffles and much more.

DINNER BUFFETY

946-2073 Deli Hours: Wed-Sun 6am-2pm After hours catering available

ACROSS KAIMUKI H.S.

www.SekiyasRestaurant.com

January Special $4.99

Mon-Sat 10am-10pm • Sun 10am-8pm

Lunch items featured MONDAY - FRIDAY

Oxtail Soup and Ramen, Prime Rib Sandwich, Classic Burger, Ahi Katsu Salad, Fresh Catch of the Day and much more.

Now featuring our popular

Brunch on SATURDAY and SUNDAY

POPULAR OXTAIL RAMEN

Taste our small Pepperoni Caprese Pizza

featuring Prime Rib, Crab Legs, Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, Omelet Station and much more.

A new twist on an old favorite

for only

New Hours of Operation: Breakfast Service: Monday-Friday Saturday and Sunday Lunch Service: Monday-Friday Brunch Buffet: Saturday and Sunday Dinner Buffet: Wednesday-Sunday

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

Continuing the tradition...

Not valid with any other offer.

Offer valid thru 1/31/12.

WARD CENTRE (Auahi Streetfront) 1200 Ala Moana 596-0066 KAILUA (Next to Boots & Kimo’s) 151 Hekili St. 230-8400 January afternoon

FREE

Live Maine Lobster with orders of $50 or more!

Dine-in only. Offer good with ad thru 1/31/12.

TEA SPECIAL Book your party of 10 or more people and get

10% OFF

plus your choice of dessert

January Special 4-Course Meal SOUP CHOICE

OF THE

D AY

OF APPETIZER Lao Rock & Roll • Baked Lobster Avocado • Escargot • Crab Rangoon

CHOICE

OF

ONE ENTREE

Fisherman Pie • Baked Cornish Hen • Baked Salmon Asian Classic • Cheese Ravioli w/Lobster

PLUS CR ÈME BRÛLÉE

“House of Gau Gee”

Waimalu Shopping Center 98-020 Kam Hwy • 488-1616 22 | DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012

$5.00

with the purchase of any XL pizza

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

Bistro & French Pastry

(*$5 for Lamb Wellington)

$24.70 per person

expires 1/31/12

3441 Waialae Ave.

626-5368

Le Cacao LUNCH SPECIAL

15% OFF & FREE DRINK

with purchase of 4-course Meal Special Now Serving

BRUNCH

Daily 10:30am-2pm

3447 Waialae Avenue | 739-0993 | jjfrenchpastry.com

WHERE TO DINE Yakiniku Million

PACIFIC RIM

626 Sheridan St. 596-0799

3660 on the Rise 3660 Waialae Ave. 737-1177

MEXICAN El Charro Mexicano Aiea Restaurant

1491 S. King St. 947-1133

Bangkok Chef

Hanaki Restaurant

Saigon Pearl

1627 Nuuanu Ave. • 585-8839 2955 E. Manoa Rd. • 988-0212 900 N. Nimitz Hwy. • 536-8570

Manoa Marketplace 2756 Woodlawn Drive 988-1551

2710 S. King St. 946-2073

Pho My Lien 98-150 Kaonohi St. 488-4900

THAI

SHABU SHABU

Fukuya Delicatessen & Catering

VIETNAMESE

Jin Din Rou

2169 Kalia Rd., Outrigger Reef Hotel 923-2277

OKAZUYA

Keo’s Thai Cuisine 2028 Kuhio Ave. 951-9355

TAIWANESE

The Ocean House Restaurant

99-115 Aiea Heights Drive 488-9727

Shabu Shabu King 2700 S King St. 951-7878

1430 Kona St., #101 955-7888

Celebrate the New Year with our homemade New Year Goodies

Order Now for your Chinese New Year Celebration!

Gau Now Available Through End of January

salumeria tray

GOOD LUCK Short Bread COOKIES

Happy Hour

HEALTHY, WEALTHY, HAPPINESS and MORE

Lunch Mon – Sat 11:00am–2:30pm SAKURA TERRACE JAPANESE CAFE Dinner Mon – Sat 1240 South King Street | 591-1181 | Free Parking 5:00pm–10:00pm Sunday 4:30pm –9:30pm www.sakuraterrace.com

Daily 3:00~6:30 p.m. $4 Beer • $5 Wine • $7 Cocktails $5 Pupus • Pizza • Salumeria (deli)

FOR SALE NOW! ém Coconut Crau Nian G

e

• Red Bean Gau • Brown Sugar Nian Gau • Water Chestnut Gau • Gourmet Ingredients

946-6388 • 597-8880 ALA MOANA CENTER WWW.PANYAGROUP.COM

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Royal Hawaiian Center, at the Royal Grove • Validated Parking www.illupino.com • 808.922.3400

Dim Sum Brunch Buffet NOODLE HOUSE

Chinese New Year

98-150 Kaonohi St. • Tel: 486-5100

$20.99 Adult

$13.99 Children (3-12)

www.themandalayhawaii.com 1055 Alakea St. • 525-8585 Free Parking - Mon- Fri after 5pm & All Day Sat & Sun Excluding all coupons & other discounts. Dine in only.

FREE PIZZA! BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE (Reg. $9.95each)

King Crab Leg 50% OFF

Build your own 10” pizza with unlimited toppings.

Limited one order per Special Set Menu

No substitutions. Limited time offer. Cannot combined with any other offers.

Management reserved the right to change any menu item without notice

LION Mon, JaDnANCE 2 6pm 3rd

And a variety of Hong Kong Style Dim Sum

$17.99 Seniors(60+)

Optional Purchase

www.littlevillagehawaii.com

Jai & Gau

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10:30am - 9pm

• Orange Chicken • Steamed Fish Fillet • New Year’s Jai • New Year’s Dessert

1113 Smith Street • 545-3008

Featuring . . .

• Pork Hash • Shrimp w/Nori Roll • Mochi Rice in Lotus Leaf • Dried Shrimp Puff • Diced Wintermelon Soup • Char Siu Gon Lo Mein • Salt & Pepper Shrimp • Almond Tofu • Haupia Gelatin Cake and many more choices.

Special Set Menu ❖ Jan 19-23, 2012 $ 230 /Menu for 10 $ 100 /Menu for 4 • Diced Winter Melon Soup • Crispy Lettuce Wrap • Peking Duck w/Steamed Bun • Shanghai Mochi Stir Fried • Salt & Pepper Jumbo Shrimp

Sunday, January 22, 2012 Seatings: 10:30AM and 12:30PM

*Take out only, w/coupon; not to be combined with any other offer. Expires 1/31/12.

*Menu and prices subject to change.

BIRTHDAY SPECIAL! KAMA‘AINA SPECIAL! FREE BIRTHDAY MEAL FOR ANY AGE LUNCH & With Family & Group LUNCH & DINNER DINNER

20% OFF

1 Coupon per group. Must have valid ID. Not combinable with other discounts. Discounts off regular adult price. No online or photo-copied coupons. Must purchase beverage. Expires 2/3/12

20% OFF

Must have minimum party of 4. One Birthday coupon per 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. Excluding holidays. Expires 2/3/12

Also available Pasta • Burgers • Salads • Sandwiches

OPEN TIL MIDNIGHT! 2919 Kapiolani Blvd., #218

Shrimp Scampi

MARKET CITY SHPG CNTR 735-3888

Won Ton Noodle

DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012 |

23

orderoftheday Story by Kelli Shiroma

Photos by Nathalie Walker

Cheese Ravioli with Lobster ($12.95)

JJ French Bistro & Pastry

I

f you’re looking to be more adventurous this year in your choice of restaurants and cuisine, there’s no better choice than JJ Bistro & French Pastry, located in Kaimuki on Waialae Avenue. The restaurant, which first opened in Aiea in 1995 and moved to its current location in 1999, is known for its unique assortment of entrées and pastries, according to owner and chef JJ Luangkhot.

“Our food is a fusion of Laotian and French cuisine,” Luangkhot says. “Our restaurant is a unique and elegant pastry shop. We are the only one (restaurant) that has this (original) menu.”

Luangkhot recalls that, prior to Sept. 11, 2001, the eatery sold more pastries.

However, after 9-11, he decided to start serving more

Where: 3447 Waialae Ave., Honolulu

entrées at the restaurant.

Since then, the menu has continued to evolve, as Luangkhot added dishes that were initially unfamiliar to locals but have since grown to be customer favorites.

“Our food is very different from most of the restaurants in Hawaii,” he says. “We created our own dishes, some of which locals have never seen before. We are using French technique with Laotian flair.”

The signature at JJ Bistro & French Pastry is Fisherman Pot Pie ($12.95), an assortment of scallops, salmon, shrimp, bamboo, eggplant, red bell pepper and zucchini with green curry sauce, and served on a puff pastry shell.

Other customer favorites include Asian Classic ($9.95) — a mix of scallops, salmon, shrimp and rice pasta with shiitake mushrooms and

24 | DINING OUT | JAN. 22-28, 2012

Fisherman Pot Pie ($12.95)

Asian Classic ($11.95)

Call: 739.0993

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m-9 p.m., Sundays, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Website: jjfrenchpastry.com

roasted garlic sauce — and Seafood Brioche ($9.95), an assortment of salmon, scallops, shrimp, leeks, shiitake mushrooms, red bell peppers and the chef’s special black pepper cream sauce.

“Asian Classic is a very popular (choice),” states Luangkhot. “It’s like a seafood (mixture) with roasted garlic sauce with the rice pasta.”

Baked Salmon ($9.95), served with French bread, and Cheese Ravioli with Lobster ($12.95) — one of the newest additions to the restaurant’s menu — also are frequentlyordered entrées. But the unique menu doesn’t just stop with entrées. For dessert, customers can find a plethora of elegant and delicious choices.

The eatery is known for its Chocolate Pyramid ($5.25), a structure of dark chocolate

mousse comprising a combination of three different types of chocolate. Other popular desserts include those with fruity flavors.

“The Chocolate Pyramid is our signature dessert,” Luangkhot says, “but since we are in Hawaii, we created new dishes with Hawaiian flair.

“We came up with Chocolate Fruit Basket ($4.75), and Chocolate Lilikoi ($4.75) is one of our best-sellers.”

Last year, because of limited seating at his restaurant, Luangkhot decided to open another bistro right down the street. He explains that the sister restaurant, Le Cacao Bistro, is based on the same concept as JJ Bistro but features a completely different menu.

“There are different entrées (at Le Cacao Bistro),” he

says. “Le Cacao is more of a New York-style bistro.”

Le Cacao Bistro also differs from JJ Bistro in that it offers a menu for “De Afternoon Tea” ($14.95 person, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily), including delicacies such as a Trio of French Macaroons and mini croissant sandwiches. From Jan. 15, Le Cacao Bistro also will introduce a brunch option. “‘De Afternoon Tea’ has its own menu, and brunch will be from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day,” adds Luangkhot.

As far as goals for 2012, Luangkhot is trying to focus more on Le Cacao Bistro and introduce new items to its ever-expanding menu.

“We want to create a new menu for our sister restaurant to make it more affordable and make it a more simple, bistro style,” he says.