Hawaii Dining Out 27 May 2012

M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2

AN EDITION OF

Party on, Raising their martini glasses to a decade and a half of business success are Panya owners Alice (top left) and Annie Yeung, and their father, Wai Chiu Yeung.

Panya!

It’s another birthday bash for the chic bistro, bakery and bar known as Panya, where food, drinks and desserts are incomparably prepared and always worth toasting.

See Page 4 | Leah Friel photo

ALSO: Discover Saigon’s secrets | 8

Five Star cuisine that’s out of this world | 7 At Royal Palace, the filet is fit for nobility | 18

ono,youknow

Lung Fung Chinese Restaurant

Max’s of Manila

Nuuanu Okazuya

Bittersweet Cravıngs for

Bitter Melon

By Alana Folen | Photos by Leah Friel

Lung Fung Chinese Melon caught my eye. My grandmother Pata, Filipino Bistek, Pork Sisig and would often make this dish for me while Adobo, and my appetite has ascended into Restaurant

M

y world revolves around food.

At work or at play, food is the center of my universe. Go figure, right? As the editor of Dining Out that shouldn’t come as any surprise. And being that I come across a variety of exotic foods on a daily basis, I’m grateful that I’m not a picky eater. Truth be told, I can pretty much say I’ll try everything at least once. Whether it makes it on my list of “can’t live without” is an entirely different story.

Well, this week, I took my non-discriminating palate to sample dishes that pay homage to a distinct fruit that may leave a bitter taste in your mouth: bitter melon.

The name gives it away, but it’s safe to say that bitter melon is most definitely an acquired taste — a taste that I’ve grown to love, in fact. My grandmother and mother both incorporate it into many different dishes that as a child I despised, but now crave. And when I can’t get my hands on my family’s cooking, I turn to the following Ono, You Know establishments for a “bittersweet” home-cooked meal!

There’s just something about authentic Chinese food that screams “comfort food” for me, and Lung Fung Chinese Restaurant in Niu Valley Shopping Center is a longtime favorite of mine. This East Oahu establishment opened its doors in 1981, which means locals have been enjoying irresistible Chinese cuisine with hints of local goodness for generations.

Be it Minute Chicken Cake Noodle, Crispy Gau Gee or Sweet-Sour Spare Ribs, Lung Fung’s ever-expansive menu is sure to impress a raging appetite. While glancing over the menu, Beef with Bitter

Above: The editor can’t wait to indulge in Lung Fung’s Beef with Bitter Melon ($10.95).

Right: Max’s of Manila’s Ampalaya con Carne ($8.95) 2 | D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2

growing up, so it always holds a special place in my heart. Priced at $10.95, Beef with Bitter Melon features a captivating symphony of morsels of tender beef, carrots and, of course, flavorful pieces of bitter melon swimming in a black bean sauce and stir-fried to perfection. Scoop this over a bowl of rice and it’s a force to be reckoned with.

“Beef with Bitter Melon is one of those dishes that is only popular with some customers. I've noticed the younger generations don’t seem to care for it as much — they say it’s too bitter,” says restaurant manager Eddie Ma with a laugh.

“Although, I’ve heard that bitter melon is good for your health.”

And while, yes, bitter melon might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the fact that this entree has been on the menu for years is proof that it does have its avid fans — myself included.

“We also can cook up bitter melon soup, but that’s only upon request,” Ma adds.

Lung Fung Chinese Restaurant Niu Valley Shopping Center 5724 Kalanianaole Hwy. 377.5555 or 377.5566

Max’s of Manila Now what would a tribute to bitter melon be without the inclusion of Max’s of Manila? Without a doubt, Max’s is my go-to choice for home-cooked Filipino fare. Mention those sweet words: Crispy

heaven. Add to that Max’s Fried Chicken and a refreshing glass of Sago’t Gulaman, and I can hear the angels start to sing! But while I was reveling in my foodie fantasies, Elizabeth Joven, operations manager of the Dillingham location, brought me back to the task at hand: bitter melon.

“Bitter melon is a staple in Filipino cuisine. It’s used in many of our dishes,” she says.

– See page 14

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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Story by Alana Folen • Photos by Leah Friel 1

1 Indonesian Fried Rice ($14.95) and Panya Burger ($13.95) 2 Laksa ($13.95) 3 Strawberry Lemon Drop and Green Apple Martini ($5 each, Happy Hour; $8 each, regular price) 4 Servers Chancelor Kim, Suha Lin, Yiu Wai Lam and

operations manager Kiana Huang 5 Caesar Salad with Smoked Salmon ($14.95) 6 Philly Cheese Steak with a Cup of Clam Chowder ($13.94) 7 Panya Burger ($13.95) 8 Baked Mixed Seafood ($15.95)

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elebrate good times with Panya Bistro & Bakery, as this one-of-a-kind eatery that’s trendy and modern, while still comfortable and casual, is getting a head start on its birthday festivities. Come June 14, this favorite hot spot of kamaaina and visitors alike will turn a fabulous 15 years old. Still looking as good as ever, with its lush décor and inviting atmosphere, Panya has not skipped a beat when it comes to serving immaculate cuisine that lures in the appetites of just about everyone.

Dining Out recently caught up with sisters and owners of Panya, Annie and Alice Yeung, who took us on an exciting journey through time. Looking back on Panya's initial opening in 1997 in McCully Shopping Center to where it’s at today with three thriving locations islandwide, there’s just one thing left to say: “Oh baby, look how you’ve grown!”

DO: Happy early birthday to a wonderful establishment! How has Panya progressed over a span of 15 years?

Annie: I think we’ve been through many stages, and we’ve been able to expand our services from primarily being just a bakery to transitioning into a full-service restaurant and eventually offering a variety of catering services. We now have three locations islandwide. Our Ala Moana location is the only place where we have a full bar, full restaurant service and bakery in the front of the store. Our Queen Street location is where we

have our central kitchen, and we serve breakfast and lunch here from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday only. Royal Hawaiian Center is a smaller location and centers mostly around our baked goods and desserts. But we also serve light meals, such as salads, sandwiches, soups and bentos.

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DO: Is owning a restaurant something you two always dreamed of?

Annie: No way. We never thought of having a restaurant of our own (laughs). But, I guess we took baby steps, from opening just a bakery, to a cafe, and the biggest move was finally opening a restaurant in Ala Moana Center.

DO: Fifteen years ago when you founded Panya, did you ever imagine it would be as successful as it is today?

Annie: No. Honestly, at first we were very skeptical if we were doing the right thing, but we must 2

have done something right, and we’re fortunate that the majority of the feedback from our customers has been positive. Of course, we’re also grateful that we have a lot of loyal customers.

DO: Does Panya have anything special planned for its upcoming birthday celebration?

Annie: Yes, we'll be treating our Ala Moana Center customers to a complimentary slice of birthday cake on June 14 (dine-in only), while supplies last. We’ll also be having a special promotion at all three locations featuring special Panya iPhone neck strips. Inquire within.

DO: Panya offers a fusion of cuisines. What was the inspiration behind the varied menu selection?

Annie: We basically came up with the menu by incorporating all the foods that we like or the foods that

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M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2

AN EDITION OF

tor

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Party on,

Panya!

Raising their martini glasses to nearly a decade and a half of business success are Panya owners Alice (top left) and Annie Yeung, and their father, Wai Chiu Yeung.

It’s another birthday bash for the chic bistro, bakery and bar known as Panya, where food, drinks and desserts are incomparably prepared and always worth toasting.

See Page 4 | Leah Friel photo

ALSO: Discover Saigon’s secrets | 8

we missed having in Hong Kong (where we’re from). For example, we had to put won ton on the menu because I love won ton noodles.

Alice: We also have a lot of friends from Southeast Asia who miss things like Thai Beef Salad, so they taught me how to make it and then we had to include it on the menu. Most importantly though, we always cater to our customers’ wants and needs, and food trends as well. We try our best to use the freshest ingredients.

Indonesian Fried Rice ($14.95), which is a relatively new item on the menu that’s received a great response from customers. Alice and I both like spicy food, so we wanted to add some spice to the menu. Panya’s Baked Mixed Seafood ($15.95) is growing in popularity as well, which features shrimp, scallops and calamari over fried rice smothered in a homemade light cream sauce.

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DO: What are some menu headliners here?

Annie: Our Philly Cheese Steak with a cup of Clam Chowder ($13.94) has a lot of fans. When it comes to this sandwich, it’s very hearty, but not greasy. Here at Panya, we make our own bread for all of our sandwiches and burgers, and that really stands out. Then we have our

There’s always something you’ll find that you’ll like on our menu because we’re not limited to a certain style of cuisine — we offer a wide variety of items and Panya is the perfect place to celebrate all occasions.

Annie: Also, I want people to think of Panya as offering high-quality food at very reasonable prices. It’s like five-star cuisine in a very casual atmosphere. You can relax, and even enjoy a martini or a glass of wine. Where else can you have a lychee martini with won ton noodle? And especially here at our Ala Moana location parking is easy to come by as well.

DO: What do you have to say to your loyal patrons who have been avid fans of Panya for the last 15 years?

Alice: First of all, thank you for supporting us, especially since we’re a small business in Hawaii.

Annie: We’re very lucky. A lot of our customers have become friends over the years because they come quite frequently.

We’re very appreciative of our customers and we try to get to know all of them on a personal level. However, we do want people to know that we’re not perfect, we’re still learning and improving every day. We only hope to get better.

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Alice: When it comes to signature items, that would most certainly be our Panya Burger ($13.95) and Laksa ($13.95), an authentic MalaysianSingapore-style noodle dish. It’s like a spicy seafood noodle. Customers can’t deviate away from it even if they want to try something new.

DO: When people think of Panya, what is the first thing you want to come to mind?

Alice: I want them to think happy thoughts and feel very welcomed here.

Five Star cuisine that’s out of this world | 7 At Royal Palace, the filet is fit for nobility | 18

Panya

Bistro & Bakery Ala Moana Center 1450 Ala Moana Blvd.

946.6388 Open Sundays 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

711 Queen St. 597.8880 Open Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Royal Hawaiian Center Waikiki (Building B, Ground Level) 791.2969 Open daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

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DO: What is something people would be surprised to know about the Panya operation?

Annie: We have 70 employees in the Panya family. Alice and I work so closely with the entire operation and we definitely believe in involvement. We both cook and all the managers cook. We don’t have a literal “head chef.”

D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2 | 5

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For starters, here’s a ‘Fine’ way to dine

F

ine Dining Burgundy’s commitment to everything synonymous with the famed wine region of Southern France is obvious from its selection of seafood and wine to the deep, rich color of its walls. Burgundian food is often called “the heart of French cuisine,” where the richness of the ingredients is coaxed to even greater heights through careful preparation and the assurance of quality.

With this in mind, it would seem only natural to start with the house-made Paté de Campagne Au Foie Gras ($12.50).

The pate is served with cornichon (pick-

10% off Breakfast & Lunch

FINE DINING BURGUNDY

les), Dijon mustard and crushed pistachio, both in the pate and on the side as a tasty garnish.

Complementary French baguette comes with every order and makes a good palette for the creamy foie gras.

If you’ve got some bread left

2

15% off

Dinner w/valid military ID

Please show your valid Military ID to the cashier, at time of payment. *Cannot be used in combination with other offers or discounts. Not valid for Retail Merchandise. **Subject to change or adjustments without notice.

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1 Salade Nicoise ($12) 2 Paté de Campagne Au Foie Gras ($12.50) 3 Moules Marinieres Frites ($16) 4 Hors d’oeuvre Variés ($14)

WHERE 1006 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu CALL 739.5000

Nathalie Walker photos

HOURS Open daily from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. Closed Monday.

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and are still in a dipping mood, try Moules Marinieres Frites ($16). The mussels are quickly sauteed in white wine, diced tomato, garlic and thyme, then steamed in a casserole dish and served with fresh-cut potato fries.

Not sure what you want? Hors d’oeuvre Variés ($14) provides an interesting tour of the menu.

The sampler platter comes with two profiteroles (small puff pas-

Special Graduation Chicken Salad Menu for10 Ham &Chinese Scallop Soup • Stuffed Duck

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$

try) filled with salmon mousse, pork pate, Parma prosciutto; poached, chilled and sliced scallops and a kiwi vinaigrette.

If a rustic appetizer is to your liking, Salade Nicoise ($12) may be just the appetizer to order. Made from Yukon Gold potatoes, tomato, red onion, anchovy, tuna and a boiled egg of mixed ’Nalo greens, the fresh salad is topped with a vinaigrette au

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

Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!

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Walnut Shrimp • Crispy Skin Chicken Ginger & Onion Steamed Sea Bass Boneless Chicken Cake Noodle Rice • Chef’s Dessert of Day 111N. King St. near Maunakea 7am-10pm

vin rouge (red wine vinaigrette).

While the name, menu and wine are all very French, many of Chef de Cuisine Victor Straley’s pupus are anchored with Island produce that is quick to recognize.

“We try to use as much fresh local products as we can,” said general manager Jon Bransford.

“We use Hauula tomatoes, Hamakua mushrooms, greens from ’Nalo Farms and fresh Kona Cold Lobster.”

From

Dim Sum Served 7am Daily $ 98

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1 Nigiri Sushi Platter 2 Fresh Island Poke 3 Chef Yasushi Kawai 4 Hamakua Tomato with Mozzarella Cheese 5 Baked Oyster 6 Parfait Tart

FIVE STAR INTERNATIONAL BUFFET WHERE Royal Hawaiian Center 2301 Kalakaua Ave., Suite 308

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CALL 380.9300 HOURS Daily, (Lunch) 11 a.m.2 p.m., (Happy Hour) 2-5 p.m., (Dinner) 5-10 p.m.

Nathalie Walker photos

Five Star’s world-class buffet

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t’s no secret that along the famous strip of Waikiki is a diner’s paradise of great eats.

But what some may have yet to discover are the new restaurants that have joined this iconic neighborhood.

Five Star International Buffet, which opened at Royal Hawaiian Center just days before the new year, offers an all-you-can-eat international-style gourmet buffet in a clean and welcoming, contemporary setting.

At lunchtime, there are about 30 dishes to choose from; and at

dinner the selection expands to 50 to 60 choices. On weekends, the lunch buffet has about 40 items.

The majority of the food is Japanese style, but there also are other ethnic influences making their way to the buffet including Italian, French and even Hawaiian, such as Fresh Island Poke made with ahi, onion, ogo and shoyu.

Signature must-try dishes (from the dinner buffet) include Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon, Hamakua Tomato with

Mozzarella Cheese, Baked Oyster with miso sauce and mayonnaise, and Bouillabaisse, which has garlic fish, mussels and clams, as well as a flavorful broth made with a variety of vegetables combined with a lobster base.

Also popular is the nigiri sushi platter, which features salmon, scallop, squid, unagi, ahi and a rainbow roll. And, of course, there is a great assortment of desserts, including the Parfait Tart, which has a graham cracker crust at the bottom, a sweet mas-

querade berry mix in the middle and parfait cream on top.

Guaranteed to satisfy all appetites of any size and taste, what sets Five Star International Buffet apart from the rest is its attention to detail in everything from food and presentation to the restaurant's design and service.

A 15 percent discount is available during dinner and weekend lunch for kamaaina, military and seniors (age 60 and above).

During weekday lunch, kamaaina, military and seniors receive a free soft drink as well.

The lunch buffet is reasonably

Picnic on the Lanai Cheers to Dads!

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priced at $19 for adults and $12 for children age 5 to 12. The dinner buffet is $48 for adults and $24 for children. And on weekends, lunch is priced at $29 for adults and $16 for children.

A special a la carte menu is available during happy hour from 2 to 5 p.m.

At Royal Hawaiian Center, Five Star International Buffet is located on the third floor near Forever21. The company also has three locations in Hokkaido, Japan.

So, treat yourself to a worldly spread of flavors at this topnotch restaurant of choice.

restaurantsuntory.com

922-5511

KAILUA 263-8880 KAIMUKI 738-8855 PEARLRIDGE EAST 487-8188 WAIPIO 678-8868 WARD CENTER 591-8891 www.bigcitydinerhawaii.com Find us on Facebook & Twitter

“Order by the Slab...”

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Saigon Cuisine Vietnamese Restaurant

KITCHEN INSIDER

1408 Liliha St. // 521.6888 Open Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., Sunday – Monday 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Name Jennifer and Taylor Tran Title owner/chef of Saigon Cuisine Training/education Taylor learned to cook by growing up in the restaurant business and working at several restaurants.

Years at restaurant One year

lways 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 got the inside scoops from Saigon Cuisine Vietnamese File photo Restaurant’s owner Jennifer Tran, who gave us a little taste of Saigon Cuisine and shared just what fuels her culinary What’s your most popular dish? Our fresh udon in beef or chicken broth. We the pho to make it as healthy as possible.

Vermicelli Noodle bowl with spring rolls make the udon fresh and top the dish The customer also said the rare, thinly drive.

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Who or what inspires you as a chef/manager/owner? Our family loves food and loves to eat out. Taylor loves to cook. We would eat out during the week, but Sunday was a big family dinner, with Taylor cooking for 30 people! He always puts effort into removing the oil from his pho to make a clear broth that was healthy and flavorful too. Taylor’s parents had a food stand in Vietnam, so he grew up in that business. When we first moved to Hawaii we opened a Vietnamese restaurant, but closed to start a family. Now we are happy to have this restaurant, and offer fast, healthy and affordable home-cooked food!

and sirloin pork is very popular. The pork is marinated for flavor, and the fish sauce to pour over the whole thing is our house-made recipe. Our pho is also very popular. The Combination Pho has everything — rare steak, tendon, tripe, brisket, flank and beef balls. The Seafood Pho or Chicken Pho are good for people who don’t feel like eating red meat.

Is there a dish that you create that’s not on your menu, but available upon request? We are always creating new dishes and letting our family try our creations first. We haven’t put these on the menu yet, but if we get a good response we would love to add them. The first is a

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with seafood or pork. It’s a good alternative to pho! The second is a Vietnamese “spaghetti,” which is our take on a traditional Vietnamese dish. Instead of rice noodles, we use spaghetti and top it with shredded pork, shredded cucumber, bean sprouts, peanut sauce, and pour coconut milk and fish sauce over the top. It’s a cold dish that is very fresh, kind of like a salad. We can do half or full orders of this so people can try.

What is the biggest compliment you’ve ever received as a chef/manager/ owner? Just recently a customer said our broth is so clear and delicious, and he can taste the herbs and spices! Taylor is very careful to remove the oils from

sliced steak for the pho tastes fresh and the meat is soft, not tough. Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz has visited us a couple of times as well! He came with his family and ordered the crab noodle soup and winter rolls. He was very nice and said the food was delicious!

If you could serve food to a celebrity, who would it be and why? What dish would you serve? The cast of Hawaii Five-0! I used to watch the old show when I was younger and we still watch the new version. We would love to cook for everyone, especially McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin). I would serve them the 4 season rolls, which are healthy with lots of veggies, and pho, of course!

whatwe’reeatingat...

Kobe Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar

KOBE STEAKHOUSE

(from left) Roxa nne Takaesu an d James Maeda Nicole Kato phot o

WHERE 1841 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu CALL 941.4444

By Nicole Kato

Kobe’s Sushi Bar one evening.

Although it was Maeda’s first time, obe Japanese Steak House & he was impressed by the cordial Sushi Bar, situated between wait staff and admirable interior. the Ilikai and Hilton Hawaiian Village, has been providJames Maeda: “When you walk ing customers with an authentic din- through the door everyone is so ing experience for 40 years. friendly, and it has a really nice The venue’s rustic interior makes appearance.” for a perfect date night or family outing, and locals and tourists alike can Roxanne Takaesu: “I like the be seen entering the double doors Shrimp Tempura Roll ($12).” that face Ala Moana Boulevard.

Dining Out caught up with James Maeda and Roxanne Takaesu at

K

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

WEBSITE honolulukobe.com NOTES Valet parking available in front of the restaurant.

Celebrate Don Don’s 10th Anniversary on May 30 & 31 ONLY Teriyaki Chicken Don or Loco Moco Your choice:

$3.99

Free Regular Size Drink with purchase of a Regular Priced Entree (except side orders). No coupon necessary.

Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Ala Moana Center Makai Market 944-3618

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Hifumi Restaurant

1 Miso Butterfish with salad ($13.95) 2 Giant Jumbo Shrimp Tempura ($13.95) 3 Sashimi Special ($15.95) 4 Steamed Opakapaka ($16.95) Leah Friel photos

with Christina O’Connor

Hifumi

hits the spot

A

lthough it may seem odd that a Japanese restaurant is located in the Chinese Cultural Plaza in the heart of Chinatown, one taste of the food at Hifumi Restaurant will rid customers of any misconceptions they may have. Hifumi offers up a wide array of Japanese favorites like donburi, mendon, a variety of bentos and more. With its casual, welcoming atmosphere, Hifumi Restaurant is the perfect place to stop for lunch or to enjoy a leisurely dinner for a special occasion.

And Hifumi’s reasonable prices are among the best in town.

“Compared with other places, our portions are really big and our prices are really good,” says Elise Ching, a longtime waitress who has been with the restaurant for more than 20 years. “This is a really good deal.”

Ching describes the food as local-style Japanese cuisine.

Some of Hifumi’s most popular dishes include Steamed Opakapaka with ginger onion ($16.95) and the Sashimi Special ($15.95). And right now, diners can take advantage of a special deal — Miso Butterfish with salad ($13.95). Topping the list of customer favorites, Ching says,

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is Giant Jumbo Shrimp Tempura ($13.95), which includes two pieces of shrimp tempura and four pieces of vegetable tempura, and also comes with miso soup, tsukemono and rice.

“We serve the biggest size shrimp tempura,” Ching says.

2 Hifumi’s bentos are also among the most popular menu items.

Bentos meals are served with rice, miso soup and tsukemono. Bento offerings include Chicken Teriyaki ($11.45 a la

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carte; $17.45 with sashimi; and $22.95 with sashimi and tempura) and Tonkatsu ($12.95 a la carte; $18.95 with sashimi; and $24.95 with sashimi and tempura).

Other popular offerings are the wafu options. Ching explains that creating a wafu dish entails grilling a piece of meat or fish, and then seasoning it with fresh garlic, sake and ground onions. The wafu entrees have been so popular that Hifumi has been steadily expanding its wafu items over the years.

“We have added more to the menu,” Ching says. “Now we have Wafu Salmon ($13.95), Wafu Chicken ($11.95) and Wafu Pork ($12.95).” In addition, Ching notes that customers can request a variety of other menu items to be served wafu-style.

Despite volatile market prices, Ching boasts that Hifumi has managed to keep its prices relatively constant throughout the years — and the good prices are one thing that has kept customers coming back.

“We try to get the best value, the best deal for the customers, so that they are happy,” Ching says.

Contact Christina O’Connor at diningout@staradvertiser.com

THESIDE

Open Tuesday–Sunday 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; 5–8:15 p.m.

ON

ifumi Restaurant has been wowing customers with its reasonable prices and tasty localstyle Japanese cuisine for more than 40 years. Longtime waitServer ress Elise Ching reveals how the Elsie Ching restaurant has managed to continue to keep its customers happy after all those years — by keeping its food fresh and healthy.

“We use really quality ingredients,” Ching says, adding that Hifumi does not add MSG to any of its dishes. “We want the people to enjoy our food.

“We get fresh fish, not the frozen ones, and they’re a good size,” Ching says.

Ching also credits the creative, meticulous chefs at Hifumi for the restaurant’s flavorful dishes.

“The chefs find out which sauces really match (the dish),” Ching says.

If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, Hifumi could be the answer.

“A lot of people come here for special events, like birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers — anything,” Ching says.

“You just let us know, and we will try to help you get what you want.”

H

100 N Beretania St., Suite 113, Honolulu 536.3035

3

4

ng i elp aH r Xt

Serving Local Favorites and Gourmet Specials since 1999.

Local Food, for Local People, from Locals with Aloha.

Plate Lunches with Aloha Breakfast • Burgers • Local Favorites • Gourmet Plate Lunch • Fresh Local Fish • Catering • Banquet Facilities

(File photos)

A landmark restaurant within Best Western Hotel, Plaza Cafe is best known for its breakfast buffet (daily) and dinner buffet (FridayMonday). If you’re a seafood fanatic, you’ll love Snow Crab Legs and Mussels on the Half Shell. Plaza Cafe is located at 3253 N. Nimitz Hwy. For hours and more information, call 836.3636.

Father’s Dinner Day Buffet za a Pl

fe a C

Sunday, June 17 5:00 – 8:00pm

$49.50 Plan your graduation event with us Contact Cheryl

• 4 Private Rooms • Accommodations for 20 - 200 • Lunch or Dinner

oh! bytheway

NEW!

Keeaumoku

Koko Marina

919 Keeaumoku St. | 942-2323

7192 Kalanianaole Hwy. | 394-2373

Kailua

Waipio

301 Hahani St. | 263-2697

94-1221 Ka Uka Blvd. | 680-7520

Dinner Menu

2 Choice Teishoku Combo

17.75 - $22.75

$

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

ON THE RISE

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

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

Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa • Street Level • 2420 Kalakaua Ave., Ewa Tower • 971-1818

L

ast week Dining Out told you Ichiriki’s Early Bird Special is offered from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Our mistake. You can take advantage of the Early Bird Special from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

www.seafoodvillagehawaii.com • Ask About Our Kama‘Aina Special Discount * $3 Self Park Validation

• Chicken Salad $10.95 w/Oriental Dressing per person • 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 MINIMUM OF

10 PERSONS (1 DAY ADVANCE RESERVATION NEEDED).

$15.95 • Seafood Salad • 6 TYPES OF DIM SUM per person (Seafood Dumpling, Seafood Siu Mai, Lotus Wrap Mochi Rice w/Chicken, Crispy Shrimp Dumpling, Spinach Dumpling, BBQ Pork Manapua) • Roasted Peking Duck • Salt & Pepper Calamari • Seafood Fried Noodle • DESSERT: Mango Pudding PRIVATE ROOM DEPENDS ON AVAILABILITY. MENU PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE TAX

& GRATUITY.

D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2 | 1 1

... dining out ...

inside

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

Beef Meat Ball ($2.50)

Chinese Cuisine Makes for a Nice Day Story by Carol Chang | Photos by Nathalie Walker

N

ice Day Chinese Seafood Restaurant has carved a home and a reputation as the go-to place for manapua and dim sum — eat in or takeout — without searching for parking in Chinatown just blocks away.

Lobster with Garlic Butter ($12.95)

Winter Melon Dim Sum ($3.25)

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Sandwiched between Times Supermarket and a sushi shop, it’s been serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner and banquets since 2008 at Liliha Square Shopping Center. And the takeout window for China’s favorite dumplings is a busy gathering spot starting at 7:30 a.m. every day. There they are, the tasty morsels, lined up on the pastry racks waiting to make someone’s nice day: the baked manapua stuffed with char siu, chicken, custard, hot dogs; the delicate pouches of steamed pork, shrimp, scallops, turnips; the mochi balls, spinach, minced beef, seaweed. It seems that if you lined up the dozens of dim sum selections all in a row, it just might stretch around the parking lot! (That

wouldn’t happen, though, because they sell out daily, according to shift manager Helen Liang.)

Prices for these little pockets of heaven range from $2.30 to $3.75 per serving (two or three items). And Liang is most proud of Nice Day’s newest creation, Winter Melon Dim Sum with coconut filling.

The kitchen wizards incorporate the classic winter vegetable into the mochi rice dough, Liang explains, nestle the coconut inside, do a few more secret things and then out comes a chewy, tasty snack shaped like a green ball.

“This is exclusive,” she says. “We are the only restaurant to do this.” Liang is a cook herself, having come to Hawaii from

Guangdong, China, about 20 years ago. Working at Nice Day for about a year now, she enjoys the Hong Kong-style menu and personally favors Chicken Curry Manapua.

There is age and wisdom at Nice Day Chinese Seafood Restaurant, too. It emanates from co-owner Yung Sang Chan, who laughingly describes himself as “80 but look 20.”

Must be all that good Chinese food. Chan keeps an eye on things at Nice Day, and also at Happy Day Seafood Restaurant in Kaimuki, which he also coowns with the ever-smiling Lisa Lum. The two are business partners who met at Chan’s earlier eatery, the now-closed Sea Fortune restaurant in Chinatown, where they worked for

... dining out ...

inside

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

Orange Chicken ($9.95)

Manager Helen Liang and owner Yung Sang Chan three decades.

Chan’s schedule goes something like this: Awaken at 3:30 a.m. at his Aina Haina home, go to Ala Moana Beach for a swim and a brisk walk (he illustrates this with pumping arms), go to Happy Day at 8 a.m., go to Nice Day at 10 a.m., back to Happy Day at 2 p.m., stay there until 10:30 p.m. Start over next day. Does he cook any more? “No, too much work.”

Meanwhile back in the kitchen, the staff continues to make its trademark Orange Chicken ($9.95), Lobster with Garlic Butter or other sauces ($12.95 when ordered with another entree) and more dim sum, including Chicken Feet ($2.30).

Liang recommends you simply embrace a fried foot with your chopsticks and suck off the skin. Good stuff, never mind the bones.

Customers also can order a meat plate of Roast Duck, Char Siu Pork and Roast Pork for $36 to go with the dim sum, or ask for separate meat plates of $9.95 each.

“Our roast duck is No. 1 in town,” she adds. Another new offering is Deep-Fried

NICE DAY CHINESE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Liliha Square Shopping Center 1425 Liliha St., Honolulu 524.1628 Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Taro ($2.50 for three).

Regular customer Brian Ing, who says he’s a picky eater, enjoys Nice Day’s cake noodle ($1 extra) with his Oyster Sauce Chicken. “The toasted flavor of the crisp noodles seems to add to it,” says

Ing, who’s having an early lunch with his parents, George and June, both in their nineties. June knows her Chinese restaurants, too, as she worked at a waitress for more than 30 years at Tin Tin Chop Suey, a classic late-night spot in Chinatown’s past.

“We come before the lunch crowd around 10:30 a.m.,” Ing adds. “The dim sum rush is usually pau around 1:30 or 2 p.m.” Then he turns back to the piping hot entrees that have arrived at the table.

To add to your nice visit, study the colorful murals, lanterns and good luck symbols that surround the tables.

There’s also a shrine to a Chinese god, plus three tanks of fish to amuse the children — all of them bringing more good luck along with the food, Liang says.

Chicken Feet ($2.50)

Char Siu Pork, Roast Duck and Roast Pork ($36)

D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2 | 1 3

ono,youknow 1 Nuuanu Okazuya’s Namasu with bitter melon ($2) 2 Nuuanu Okazuya’s Stuffed Bitter Melon ($2.25 each) 3 Lung Fung’s Beef with Bitter Melon ($10.95) 4 Nuuanu Okazuya’s Goya Chanpuru ($2.25 per serving) 5 Max’s of Manila’s Pinakbet ($8.95)

2

1

3

5

4

t oyster sauce, Ampalaya con Carne is a must-try. Don’t let the bitter melon intimidate you, there’s a great chance you’ll love it.

With 127 branches in the Philippines, two branches in Dubai, two in Canada and eight branches in the U.S., we’re lucky to have Max’s to call our own here in the Islands. Max’s of Manila is slated to open six more restaurants in the Philippines and four additional international branches.

– From page 2

Before I knew it plates of Pinakbet ($8.95) and Ampalaya con Carne ($8.95) sat before me ready to be devoured.

According to Max’s experts, Pinakbet is a Filipino staple vegetable dish from the Ilocos Region located in Northern Philippines. The name of the dish comes from the Ilocano word pinakebbet, meaning “shrunk” or “shriveled.”

“Pinakbet consists of pork and shrimp sautéed in a special blend of bagoong alaMax’s of Manila mang (shrimp paste) with fresh ampalaya 801 Dillingham Blvd. (also located in (bitter melon), okra, sitaw (string beans), Waipahu Shopping Plaza) eggplant, squash and kangkong,” Joven 951.6297 explains.

And Ampalaya con Carne is super sarap (delicious), in my book! Max’s Nuuanu Okazuya Located on Nuuanu Avenue is Nuuanu twist to a Filipino vegetable classic made Okazuya, a top-notch haven that meets all of fresh ampalaya (bitter melon) and beef tenderloin tips in savory brown gravy and of your okazu needs. Known for its local

.B. B.Y.O

and Japanese onolicious items, Nuuanu Okazuya was founded by the Nagamine family close to 30 years ago. Owner Mark Kitagawa decided to partner with the Nagamines in 2007, and takes pride in the fact that his eatery, although small, provides patrons with a wide-ranging menu, which features the freshest of ingredients.

You can find a complete listing of menu options at nuuanuokazuya.com.

Beckoning bitter melon? Well, guess what? Kitagawa and manager Johnathan Mosley are quick to point out three flavorful bitter melon favorites with a bite.

Goya Chanpuru ($2.25 per serving) is a traditional Okinawan dish, which translates to “bitter melon stir-fry,” and showcases a savory blend of cooked bitter melon, pork and tofu in a porkbased sauce.

“This dish is very popular and healthy — anything with bitter melon is very Pearl City

by Wal-Mart 455-6805

(excludes lunch specials combo)

Kahala Mall 738-5696

LUNCH SPECIAL $6.75 Peanut Curry Chicken w/Rice & Crispy Fried Chicken

Free Dessert With Purchase of $10 or more

Mon-Fri: 10:30am-10:00pm Sat-Sun: 11:00am-10:00pm

1311 N. KING ST, KALIHI

(NEXT TO NEW DINER’S DRIVE IN)

(must present coupon) Exp 6/5/12

842-4049

1 4 | D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2

(KOZO)

Moiliili 951-5696

98 pcs.

California Maki, Egg Maki, Futo Maki, Tempura Maki, Cucumber Maki, Shinko Maki, Ume Maki & Cone Sushi

(KOZO)

Keeaumoku

by Wal-Mart 946-5696

No Raw Fish

One coupon per order. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 6/30/12

(KOZO)

Order 2 hours in advance

Pearlridge 483-6805

healthy — it’s said to be a brain food, good for the brain,” Kitagawa explains.

Then, for something unique, sample Nuuanu Okazuya’s Namasu ($2) with a bitter melon twist.

“Of course when you add the bitter melon component to the namasu, it’s going to be a bit more on the bitter side, but not as bitter as a cooked bitter melon,” Mosley says.

Last, but not least, you most certainly have to take a bite out of the establishment’s Stuffed Bitter Melon ($2.25 each), which boasts a flavorful filling of pork hash, not to mention the added kick from the bitter melon.

Nuuanu Okazuya 1351 Nuuanu Ave. 533.6169

ON ON at McCully Chinese Restaurant

Aina Haina Chop Suey East Honolulu

1110 McCully St. • 946-8833 Aina Haina Shopping Center www.ononhawaii.com 373-1303 or 373-4632

10%OFF COUPON

Dine-In & Take-Out EXCLUDES SPECIAL MENUS

EXP 6/12/12

GRADUATION

Dinner for 10 ~ $189 reg. $225 • Chinese Chicken Salad • Salt & Pepper Shrimp • Peking Duck w/Bun • Peking Style Pork Chop • Scallop Egg Soup • Minute Chicken Cake Noodle • Steamed Seabass w/Ginger Onion

GO TO WWW.ONONHAWAII.COM TO VIEW MENUS AND FIND $5 COUPON

A dream come true here’s a slightly cynical saying: If you have a wish in one hand and nothing in the other, what do you have?

That’s right, nothing.

That is, unless you’re wishing for a beautiful, breezy restaurant centrally located in Waikiki that uses farm-fresh ingredients in its exotic, elegant cuisine and nearly every dish on the menu can be made vegetarian-style — and to top it off, they’re more than happy to do it.

At Keo’s Thai Cuisine, a Waikiki favorite for 30-plus years with locals, visitors and celebrities alike, owner Keo Sananikone can make your foodie dreams come true (without emptying your wallet!). And not only that, but he

T

owns not one, but two farms on Oahu where he grows those wonderful vegetables, herbs and spices that make his cuisine stand above the rest.

For instance, Panang Curry Vegetarian ($12.95) is a best-seller, and that is thanks to Sananikone’s fastidious attention to detail.

“Thai curry is made with all fresh spices, so the paste is wet, not powder,” he explains. “In the Panang Curry, we use all the vegetables we have in the kitchen — eggplant, string beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, peas …” and much more, all cooked in coconut milk with kaffir lime leaves and lemon grass. You can order it hot or medium, so go

VO

Purchase any entrée* and receive a small bag of popcorn from Popcorn Express

veg’with nout

*Excluding breakfast. Must present coupon.

Terri Hefner

488-8898

99-082 Kauhale • Aiea Next to Trina’s Beauty

Smoked Meat & Onions

Sun. & Mon. 10:30am-3pm • Tues.-Sat. 10:30am-9pm Exp. 6/1/12

ahead and spice up your life!

Sananikone adds that Keo’s will try to accommodate any vegetarian request — all you have to do is tell your server.

“Almost anything can be made vegetarian,” he says.

Wish granted.

MEGA Plate % ❑ #2 ALL Dinner Items

10 OFF

Must present coupon. One coupon per group. May use coupon #2 for ordering additional items. Coupon #2 cannot be used on coupon #1 and alcohol purchases and is not combinable w/Senior discounts.

Both offers expire on 5/31/12

Katsu

3008 Waialae Ave. | 734-2222

Katsu & Tempura & Karaage katsu-hawaii.com

LUNCH 11am –2:30pm DINNER 5pm – 9pm | Closed Mondays MORE dinner parking at Larry’s Auto parking lot

Contact Terri Hefner at diningout@staradvertiser.com

Keo’s Thai Cuisine WHERE 2028 Kuhio Ave., Honolulu CALL 951.9355 HOURS Open daily from 5 to 9 p.m.

WEBSITE keosthaicuisine.com

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BUFFET with any Entree! $ ❑ #1 10 OFF

Left Server Hanna Martz with Vegetarian Panang Curry

Make Someone’s Day Special

Below Vegetarian Panang Curry ($12.95)

Order one to two weeks in advance.

Lawrence Tabudlo photos

Ala Moana Center • Mall Level

(Mountain side, next to Shirokiya) www.lapalmedor-usa.com 941-6161

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

Eggs Benedict, Homemade Corned Beef Hash and Kalua Hash, Loco Moco, Belgium Waffles and much more.

Lunch items featured MONDAY - FRIDAY

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

Now featuring our popular

Brunch on SATURDAY and SUNDAY

May Specials

Open

7

www.choisgarden.com

Your choice: • Crispy Gau Gee* • Chinese Chicken Salad • Oyster Sauce Chicken with Cake Noodle

Days

Lunch Specials

$7.99

starting from Served Daily 10am-3pm 1303 Rycroft Street | Honolulu | HI 96814

(808) 596-7555

4230 Waialae Ave. 737-7188 • 737-7288 Open daily 10am-9pm *Also available at King St. location

1221 S. King St. • 597-8088 Open Daily 10:30am-11pm

ONLY

599 $ 50 8 $

each

• Shrimp Canton* ONLY

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

New Hours of Operation: Breakfast Service: Daily 6:30am-1:00pm Lunch Service: Monday-Friday 11:00am-2:00pm Brunch Buffet: Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-2:00pm Dinner Buffet: Wednesday-Sunday 5:00pm-9:30pm

Inquire and book your Father’s Day reservations early

*For information/reservations call Pagoda Restaurant at 948-8356 or go to our website at: Pagodahawaii.com D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2 | 1 5

tableside

tableside @ Tony Roma’s A

s the ultimate hot spot for finger lickin’ good ribs, juicy steaks, succulent seafood and more, Tony Roma’s is at the top of its game. In fact, customers are raving about the eatery’s remarkable menu selection, which features an entire section devoted to ribs and combos. Tony Roma’s is located at 1972 Kalakaua Ave. in Waikiki and at 98-150 Kaonohi St. in Aiea. For more information and hours of operation, call 942.2121 (Waikiki) or 487.9911 (Aiea).

Right: Server Maybelle Babua with The Original Baby Back Ribs with Broccoli and Coleslaw Inset: The Original Baby Back Ribs with Broccoli and Coleslaw (half slab $18.59)

1 | Paul and Alyssa Baker 2 | Tina and Mike Lohri 3 | Gina Kang and Namham Kim 4 | George and Carol Reese

Lawrence Tabudlo photos

1

4

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2

Have it all at Shabu Shabu King

D

ecisions, decisions, decisions. One of the worst feelings at a restaurant is when you just can’t decide what to have. Luckily for any indecisive eater, you can try a taste of everything at Shabu Shabu King.

Open since last year, the restaurant offers southern Chinese-style hot pot entrees, in which customers select a broth base first, then add meats, vegetables and more to simmer away in the soup. Owner Michael Shi, who moved to Hawaii from China 13 years ago, is the culinary mastermind behind the eatery’s large selection of soup bases. “We have 15 broths — all different kinds of soup,” he says.

According to Shi, Spicy Broth ($7.95) is especially popular, thanks to its homemade quality of flavor. Other diverse options include Sake Broth ($7.95), Tonkotsu Broth ($6.95) and Seafood Broth ($7.95). If you are having trouble selecting just one, try Mixed Broth ($11.95), which

Shabu Shabu King offers 15 different broths and a variety of ingredients to personalize any shabu shabu creation.

RIGHT Owner Michael Shi Nathalie Walker photos

SHABU SHABU KING WHERE 2700 S. King St. CALL 951.7878

offers a choice of any two.

The endless possibilities continue as refrigerators lining the little spot’s back wall hold vegetables, noodles, tofu, seafood, rice cakes, fish cakes and more. No need to choose, because the more you add to your broth, the better it tastes as it boils to perfection.

Diners also may order meats to supplement each hot pot. Shi rec-

ommends beef ($4.80) and pork sticks ($3.70) for some added heartiness.

Then there are the sauces — homemade garlic, sesame, ginger onion, chili and satay, just to give you an idea. Dip away into as many flavors as your heart desires.

The restaurant also is a great spot for vegetarians, offering a variety of vegetable-based broths

HOURS (Lunch) Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., (Dinner) Sunday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-midnight, Friday-Saturday, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.

ginseng, longan, green and white onion and more.

Shabu Shabu King recently expanded its business hours, offering lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sometimes, you really can have it all.

such as Mixed Mushroom ($7.95), Vegetable ($7.95) and the ever-popular Healthy Herb Broth ($7.95), made with a secret recipe of goji berries, red date,

eatthis 1

Paesano’s flavors continue to satisfy

By Ali Resich

I

t’s always exciting to try new restaurants and meet new flavors, but at the end of the day, most of us take comfort in returning to our tried-and-true favorites — the restaurants we grew up with.

That’s why Dining Out heads to Paesano Ristorante Italiano whenever we need a fix of Italian

food. Its Manoa location has been a staple in the community for decades, while the newer Waimalu spot has quickly garnered a loyal customer base. One of the eatery’s most popular dishes is Cioppino ($30.90), a harmonious blend of mixed seafood — currently featuring local monchong — Hamakua mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, sugar peas and capers simmered in a wine,

lemongrass, saffron and fennel tomato broth.

“The sauce is light and sweet.

It has a lot of flavor, a lot of fragrance,” describes head chef and co-owner Gerry Quach. Garlic bread on the side is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the gorgeous blend.

Diners also love the cozy establishment’s creative appetizers that add layers of flavor to each dining experience. Try Cold Carpaccio ($12.90), featuring thinly sliced beef topped with onion and capers. An accompanying house-made 2 sauce mixes olive oil, Maggi sauce and a touch of Tabasco.

Or dive into Sea Asparagus and Hamakua Tomato Salad ($11.90), which presents Hamakua tomato, locally grown sea asparagus, buffalo mozzarella, onions, capers and julienned anchovies on top.

PAESANO RISTORANTE ITALIANO MANOA MARKETPLACE 2752 Woodlawn Drive, 988.5923 Lunch Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., dinner daily, 5 to 9 p.m.

WAIMALU PLAZA 98-1277 Kaahumanu St., Aiea 485.8883 Daily, lunch 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., dinner 5 to 9 p.m.

What makes this dish so irresistible, though, is its delicate balance of flavors. After the juicy, salty sea asparagus is blanched, it is dressed with a homemade ginger-infused balsamic vinaigrette, which has a touch of sweetness to perfectly complement the vegetable-like herb.

For comforting Italian eats you can always count on, take a trip to Paesano Ristorante Italiano.

1 Sea Asparagus and Hamakua Tomato Salad ($11.90) 2 Cioppino ($30.90) Nathalie Walker photos

D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2 | 17

Royal Palace lays out the red carpet for fish filet

W ROYAL PALACE RESTAURANT WHERE Stadium Mall 4510 Salt Lake Blvd.

CALL 487.6662 HOURS Open daily, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

hat a menu the management and chefs at Royal Palace have put together!

They have covered nearly every inch of Chinese cuisine from seafood to noodles, beef, duck, chop suey, vegetarian and more. A grandiose restaurant, dining at Royal Palace surrounded by its traditional tapestry and high ceilings, can harness feelings of eating within the walls of a king’s manor. An easy introduction to the Royal Palace menu is to sample Sweet and Sour Fish Filet,

Steamed Fish Fillet or Salt and Pepper Fish Filet — each priced at $9. The three dishes are prepared with sea bass, and Steamed Fish Filet is steamed gently with shoyu, ginger and onion.

“It’s one of our most popular dishes. It’s great for young people, old people and everyone in between,” says Judy Hwang, daughter of owner Cary Lee. Sweet and Sour Fish Filet, on the other hand, is deepfried first and then drizzled with Royal Palace’s sweetand-sour sauce, and pickled

Steamed Fish Filet ($9) | Chris Fleck photo

vegetables are added to the mix.

“All the fish dishes go so well with rice. Then Salt and Pepper filet is always a good pupu and goes great with beer,” adds Hwang.

Just across the street from Aloha Stadium and in the same shopping mall as Ice Palace, Royal Palace also encourages takeout orders from its buffets and lunch or dinner menus.

chewonthis

Basking in all that is Bella Mia

By Alana Folen

B

ella Mia is home to some of the Island’s most exceptional Italian delights. Sit back, relax and enjoy the openair/lanai dining environment that comprises the Moiliili restaurant, and partake in the joy of good company and premier cuisine, which owner Ted Sung describes as classic New York-style Italian.

“Bella Mia is very casual and we’re family-friendly. You’ll always find home-style Italian cooking here. You can bring your own wine and there’s no corkage fee,” he says. “We have another location in Kaimuki on 11th Avenue as well.”

Bradley Reynolds serves as chef of the South Beretania Street eatery and says new specials are featured every week. Currently, Reynolds’ Penne Pasta in Creamy

Penne Pasta in Creamy Pesto Sauce ($14.95) | Leah Friel photos

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Pesto Sauce ($14.95) has you can’t beat the large porbeen flying off the menu and tion sizes. into the hearts and stomachs of loyal patrons.

“This is a rich dish with penne pasta doused in a special creamy pesto sauce and topped with panseared chicken breast and garnished with Parmesan cheese,” Reynolds explains.

“Our pesto sauce is delicious and consists of white wine, garlic, basil and pine nuts.

Customers have really taken to it.”

Here at Bella Mia, you won’t be breaking the bank for a decent meal. According to Chef Bradley Reynolds and Sung, everything is co-owner Sara Sung reasonably priced and

BELLA MIA 1137 11th Ave., Honolulu 737.1937 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Monday-Thursdays, Sundays 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays

BELLA MIA PIZZERIA 2222 S. Beretania St., Honolulu 941.4400 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Monday-Thursday, Sundays 11 a.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays NOTES Ample parking available in municipal parking lot; street parking also available for 11th Avenue location.

Limited parking available for Beretania location.

ng i elp H a r t X

For questions related to your Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscription

CALL

538-NEWS(6397) Request a vacation stop • Make a payment Billing or delivery questions • Start a new subscription

The pulse of paradise. | www.staradvertiser.com

(File photos)

Shabu Shabu House draws in patrons with its hot pot dining concept, while also offering up delectable sukiyaki options. Located at 1221 Kapiolani Blvd., this renowned restaurant opened its doors in 2004, and caters to all tastes and palates. For example, vegetarians are loyal fans of Vegetarian Shabu Shabu ($11.95 lunch, $15.95 dinner), which features an exquisite medley of fresh vegetables. For more information and hours of operation, call 597.1655.

u b a Sh

bu a Sh

se u o H

All-Occasion Catering Lunch/Late-nite Special

BYOB

Mon – Fri Daily

11:30 am -2 pm 10:15 pm - Close

Set menus starting at

$

Perfect for Birthday Parties, Family get togethers and more!

946-2073

995

951-7878

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

(near 7-11 at King St. / University) FREE Parking at Moiliili Post Office lot

2710 South King St. www.fukuyadeli.com

2700 S. KING ST.

M-TH 4PM-MIDNIGHT • F-SUN 4PM-1AM

Afternoon Tea IN THE VERANDA

A Tradition at Halekulani...

Renewed

JAPANESE DINING AND BAR 5:30 pm - 7pm 10 pm - midnight KIRIN Draft Glass $2, Pitcher $8 Bud Light Bottle $2

Teppanyaki | Robata | Sushi Bar

10% OFF

entire order with this ad

10%OFF entire menu.

941- 6 8 9 1

Fine Tea Selection Freshly Baked Signature Scones Exquisite Tea Sandwiches Delicate Pastries

Exp. 5/31/12. Dine-in only. Must present coupon.Not combinable with other offers.

Exp 5/31/12. Not combinable with any other offers/discounts.

M – Sa 5:30p – 12a | Sun 5:30p – 11p | Tue CLOSED 1427 Makaloa St. (Makai of Walmart Keeaumoku)

~ ~ ~ ~

521-6888 1408 Liliha St. Mon-Sat 10am - 9pm • Sun 10am - 8pm

(Corner of Liliha & Vineyard Blvd.)

Service daily from 3:00pm to 5:30pm COMPLIMENTARY PARKING

2199 Kalia Rd. Honolulu www.halekulani.com /

D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2 | 1 9

WHERE TO DINE

Symbol Key Breakfast Lunch Dinner After Midnight Alcohol served Online Catering

Larry’s Bakery

Pearl City - Times Sq. SC 486-4467 Kaneohe - Windward Mall 235-4467 Hilo - Prince Kuhio Plaza 959-2600

AMERICAN Atlantis Seafood & Steak 2284 Kalakaua Avenue 922-6868

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

Tropics Bar & Grill

Napoleon’s Bakery

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

Eggs n’ Things 343 Saratoga Road 923-EGGS (3447)

Located inside of Zippy’s

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

BAKERY

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

Fendu Boulangerie 2752 Woodlawn Dr. Manoa Marketplace 988-4310

IHOP

La Palme D’or

Waikiki - 1850 Ala Moana Blvd 949-4467 Waikiki - Kuhio & Lewers 921-2400

BUFFET Camellia Buffet

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

930 McCully St. 951-0511/0611

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

Celebrating 40 years

• 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 • SIMPLE & FIT Veggie Omelette

Committed devotion to serving authentic Japanese taste & hospitality

UNDER 600 CALORIES

Fresh Seafood, Sushi, Hot Pot, Full Izakaya Menu

Hawaii’s only Gourmet Buffet

15% OFF Dinner*

*Discount valid with local or Military ID, & Seniors (ages 60+). Cannot be combined with any other offers.

808-923-7368

947-2836

Open 7 Days • 2700 So. King St.

©2012 IHOP IP, LLC

Royal Hawaiian Center, Bldg. C, Level 3 | 380-9300 Lunch 11:00a-2:00p, Happy Hour 2:00p-5:00p, Dinner 5:00p-10:00p Open Daily | Full Bar | Validated Parking

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

King’s Village Shopping Center 2400 Koa Ave.

vist us at odorikohawaii.com

Breakfast.......................6am–11am Lunch ...............................11am–5pm Dinner ........5pm–12am (Midnight)

98-150 Kaonohi St. •• Tel: 486-5100 *Valid on actual birthday w/valid ID

BEACHFRONT AT THE OUTRIGGER REEF ON THE BEACH

Receive a FREE JJ’s Bistro

(808) 922-2887

Chocolate Pyramid dessert on your birthday!

WWW.SHOREBIRDWAIKIKI.COM

Buy One, Get One 50% Off with this Ad Purchase one breakfast, lunch or dinner entree at regular price, and receive 50% off the second entree of equal or lesser value, with this ad.

THIS AD IS VALID AT THE TIME OF YOUR ORDER, ONLY. NO CASH VALUE. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER OR DISCOUNT. TAX AND GRATUITY NOT INCLUDED. GOOD FOR PARTIES UP TO 4 PEOPLE FROM 7 A.M.-10 P.M. DAILY. EXPIRES MAY 31, 2012.

2 0 | D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2

*Menu and prices subject to change.

SENIOR SPECIAL!

BIRTHDAY SPECIAL!

Not combinable with other discounts. 65 or older w/ coupon & ID. No online or photo-copied coupons. One coupon per person. Discounts off regular adult price.

Expires 6/8/12.

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 6/8/12.

5 OFF Lunch 10 OFF Dinner

$ $

FREE BIRTHDAY MEAL FOR ANY AGE With Family & Group

LUNCH & DINNER

20% OFF

WHERE TO DINE Five Star International Buffet

Kissaten

Royal Hawaiian Center, Bldg C, Level 3.

380-9300

88 Piikoi St. 593-1200

Makittii

CATERERS

2380 Kuhio Ave. 923-2260

A Catered Experience

CAFE

94-1068 Ka Uka Blvd.

677-7744

Anytime Cafe Market City Shopping Center 2919 Kapiolani Blvd 735-3888

Canton Seafood Restaurant

Hee Hing Restaurant

923 Keeaumoku St. 955-3388

449 Kapahulu Ave. 735-5544

Golden Duck

Ho Ho Chinese Cuisine 590 Farrington Hwy. 692-9880

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

Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant

111 N. King St. 521-8268

Ala Moana Center 1450 Ala Moana Blvd.

4th Floor - Ho’okipa Terrace 947-8818

Happy Day Chinese Restaurant

Little Village Noodle House

3553 Waialae Ave. 738-8666

1113 Smith St. 545-3008

Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant

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

Kapa Cafe 2810 Pa’a St, #1A 833-KAPA (5272)

14 LOCATIONS:

OAHU: 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 OTHER ISLANDS: KUKUI GROVE (808) 632-2450 MAUI MALL (808) 873-7776 LAHAINA (808) 661-0333 KONA (808) 327-6776 Proud recipient of:

something new. something classic.

Open Daily 11am - 10pm

Happy Hour

Celebrate Your Birthday

Daily in the lounge 3pm - 6pm

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

Vino Thursdays 25% Off Bottles of Wine Bring this ad in for a Complimentary Dessert* *With the purchase of two entrees.

Maximum 2 coupons per table. $8.00 Value. Expires 6/30/2012.

StarAdv

PARTY PLATTERS available for…

GRADUATION PARTIES! www.genkisushiusa.com Serving Lunch & Dinner • Take-out Available

#4

Long Rice & Pork

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

6.65

$

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

NOW OPEN at 900 N. Nimitz Hwy 536-8570

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

1627 Nuuanu Ave 585-8839 2955 E. Manoa Rd 988-0212

Queen’s MarketPlace

Reservations Recommended

Mon-Sat 10:30am-9pm; Sun 12n-8pm

Waikoloa Beach Resort

2440 Kuhio Ave.

808.443.5515

922 5555

www.macaronigrill.com

www.hyshawaii.com

Ala Moana Center Ho‘okipa Terrace

808.356.8300

Call For Take Out www.bangkokchefexpress.com

946-8206 www.mccullysc.com Must present coupon.

Exp 5/31/12 *Excludes Beverages. Not combinable with any other offers. Some restrictions apply.

Ample Parking Available in Basement off Pumehana Street 1960 Kapiolani Blvd. • Suite 209 • Honolulu • HI 96826 D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2 | 2 1

WHERE TO DINE Lung Fung Chinese Restaurant 5724 Kalanianaole Hwy. 377-5566

ROYAL PALACE R E S TA U R A N T

Ert’s Grill

JJ Bistro & French Pastry

Stadium Mall, 4510 Salt Lake Blvd. #C1 487-6662 or 486-7410

99-082 Kauhale St., Aiea 488-8898

3447 Waialae Ave.

Fat Boy’s

Kakaako Kitchen

Kailua • 263-BOYS (2697) 301(A) Hahani Street Keeaumoku • 942-2323 919 Keeaumoku Street Koko Marina • 394-2373 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy, #C 110 Waipio • 680-7520 94-1221 Ka Uka Blvd, #B106-107 Pali Golf Course Clubhouse/ Banquet Room

Ward Centre 1200 Ala Moana Blvd

Seafood Village

Mandalay (The)

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

1055 Alakea St. 525-8585

Maple Garden /Yen King 909 Isenberg St. 941-6641

FAMILY DINING Asian Mix 1234 South Beretania St. 521-1688

Nice Day Chinese Seafood Restaurant

Big City Diner

Liliha Square, 524-1628

ON ON

Royal Palace Restaurant

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

On On at McCully 1110 McCully St.

at McCully 946-8833

The Tuscan

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

596-7488

Kenny’s Restaurant 1620 N. School St. 841-0931

Kenny’s Express Hawaiian BBQ

Henry Loui’s

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, 2nd floor 922-9333

2850 Paa St. 833-3728

Voted Best Thai in Hawaii 15% OFF Take Out

GRADUATION CELEBRATIONS

Coupon required. Not combinable with other offers. Expires 6/1/12

zpizza’s premier mushroom pizza

• dough made fresh daily with 100% certified organic wheat flour • homemade garlic sauce • low fat mozzarella cheese • caramelized onions •feta cheese • mushrooms-cremini, shiitake, & button • spritzed with truffle oil • garnished with thyme

739-0993

THAI CUISINE SERVING HAWAII SINCE 1977...

Dinner 5:00pm - Closing

2028 Kuhio Avenue Walking distance from all Waikiki Hotels

tel. 951-9355 www.keosthaicuisine.com

CELEBRATE YOUR GRADUATE’S ACHIEVEMENT.

at HEE HING

2012 GRAD LUNCHEON MENU

Saturday, June 9, 2012 Complete Dinners Served 11 A.M. till Midnight Hawaiian Lu’au $ 25 Dinner

Chinese Chicken Salad • Cantonese Roast Duck • Hunan Tofu • Sweet Chili Flounder Filet Braised Boneless Beef Shortribs • Sauteed Kai Lan with Garlic • Shredded Chicken Noodle $179 per Table of Ten

16 1595 1350

2012 GRAD DINNER MENU

Teriyaki Rib $ Steak Chicken Papaya $ w/ Stuffing

Deluxe Appetizer Platter (Honey Char Siu, Shoyu Chicken, Glazed Shrimp, Shoyu Tofu and Spicy Cucumber). Wintermelon Chicken Soup, Roasted Garlic Chicken, Curry Seafood with Golden Haupia, Hunan Tofu, Braised Beef Shortribs with Taro, Prawns with Fresh Asparagus $239 per Table of Ten

Served with Baked or Mashed Potato, French Fries or Rice, Corn on the Cob, Haupia Pudding All of the above dinners include our “All you can eat” Salad Bar and Coffee • Tea or Soft Drink

Entire Food Bill

Portugese Sweet Bread Special

SPECIAL MAY MENU Peking Duck, Sumida Farm Watercress Chicken Soup, Garlic Butter Poached Maine Lobster, Western Style Beef Steak, Sweet Chili Panko Crusted Fish, Garlic Kai Lan (Chinese Broccoli), Braised E Mein w/ Duck Meat, Hunan Tofu, Steamed Rice $249 per Table of Ten (reg. $269)

9

$ 50

Monday thru Thursday. Cannot be combined with other specials/discounts. Must Present Coupon. Exp. 5/31/12

Special Graduation Menus start from $8.95 per person, OR Create Your Own Graduation Menu from $10.95 per person! (Minimum 25 guests, delivery fees may apply.)

677-7744

Call to order or visit www.acateredexperience.com for more info.

Mililani Shopping Center • Open Daily 10am-9pm

625-9999

May Specials Prices starting at…

KAPOLEI MARKETPLACE 590 Farrington Hwy

692-9880

Onlyper$person 11.95

small or large party welcome!

(200-300 Capacity)

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT

Crab Legs & Mayonnaise Shrimp Dinner Buffet Friday, Saturday & Sunday

2 2 | D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2

Red Velvet Cake & Red Velvet Cupcake

735-5544

955-1764

Open 24 Hours 1860 Ala Moana Blvd. Validated Parking

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

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, & THURSDAY ONLY

1 FREE Shrimp Tempura

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

Expires 5/31/12

Hanaki Japanese Cuisine

Serving Oahu’s Ohanas For More Than 14 Yrs. 11:30 am-2:30 pm; 5 pm-9:30 pm (Closed Tuesdays)

MANOA MARKETPLACE (Tons of FREE Parking) 988-1551

WHERE TO DINE Kit N Kitchen

Shiro’s Saimin Haven

Plaza Cafe

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

(inside Best Western - The Plaza) 3253 N. Nimitz Hwy 836-3636

3441 Waialae Ave.

626-5368

Opulicious

Rainbow Drive Inn

946 Coolidge St. 943-8885

Waikiki 1972 Kalakaua Ave. • 942-2121 Aiea 98-150 Kaonohi St. • 487-9911

580 N. Nimitz Hwy. 545-7979

Ala Moana Center, Mauka - Mall Level 946-6388

Le Cacao Bistro

Tony Roma’s

Sam Choy’s BLC

Panya Bistro • Bakery • Bar

1010 University Avenue 942-7622

Wailana Coffee House 1860 Ala Moana Blvd.

955-1764

Willoughby’s

3308 Kanaina Ave. 737-0177

Pagoda

Shore Bird Restaurant

Restaurant Epic

1525 Rycroft St. 948-8356

(inside Ohana Honolulu Hotel) 3401 N. Nimitz Hwy 837-5932

Outrigger Reef on the Beach 922-2887

1131 Nuuanu Ave. 587-7877

Zippy’s Call the one nearest you

ThePlazaCafé DRIVE-IN

Serving You For

| ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT Crab Legs! |

50 Years

Every Friday & Saturday 5pm –9pm $26.31 with coupon. 15% off all other menu items. Not valid on alcohol purchases or with other discounts/promotions. Exp: 5/31/12

Mahalo Hawaii Kapahulu 737-0177

with purchase of an entreé

Breakfast Daily 6:30 –10 am | Dinner Fri-Mon 5 –9pm

Year Of The Dragon Special For 10 People $

188

Best “Japanese Style” Shabu Shabu in Hawaii Limit 2 orders per coupon, dine-in only.

Coupon expires 5/31/12. Not combineable with other offers/discounts.

Shabu Shabu or any Sukiyaki Set featuring our special sukiyaki sauce. Exp. 5/31/12

1137 11th Ave • 737-1937 2222 S. Beretania St. • 941-4400 ~ Free Delivery - Pizza ~ 3040 Waialae Ave. • 737-7739

10% OFF Cash Sale Only

Dear Hearts,

5% OFF

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 6/30/12. Must present coupon.

Lobster $1299 with purchase of Full Price Entree Valid 5-10:30pm

Nice Day Chinese Seafood Restaurant Liliha Square by Times Supermarket

524-1628

Celebrating 10 Years!

Dim Sum Take Out Special! 8am-11:30am Lobster $1299 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

Open l Memor!ia Day

Mon-Sat 11am-2pm (last call 1:30pm) Dinner Nightly 5pm-10pm (last call 9:30pm) Validated Parking • 1221 Kapiolani Blvd. • 597-1655

Credit Card Sale Only (With Coupon) (With Coupon)

Hong Kong Dim Sum & Regular Menu Items

738-8666

The Plaza Hotel 3253 N. Nimitz Hwy | 836-8626

3308 Kanaina Avenue

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 6/30/12. Must present coupon.

Dine-in or take-out

Seafood w/ Tofu Soup 3 Lobsters w/ Ginger & Onions Whole Crispy Chicken Beef w/ Young Ginger & Pineapple Steamed Fish Fillet w/ Ginger Salt & Pepper Shrimp Choy Sum w/ Meat Sauce Garlic w/ Shrimp Fried Rice Dessert

377-5555 or 377-5566

$7.95

HONEY WALNUT SHRIMP

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

*with purchase of any regular priced entree.

Jade Dynasty

Aloha, my name is Bryce and I am Shiro’s grandson. Before he passed, Shiro encouraged me to take on writing his “Dear Hearts” poems — so that’s exactly what I plan to do. Granted I do not possess his flair or knack for words but I will do my best. Though I lack his life experience, I have accumulated lessons learned from past mistakes and working in the business for nearly a decade. From our family to yours, we want to thank all of you loyal customers. Let’s keep the tradition alive!

Seafood Restaurant Ala Moana Center 947-8818

Father’s Day Seafood & Dim Sum Brunch Over 40 items to choose from..……

Crab Legs, Shrimp, Roasted Duck, Dim Sum & more…

Adult $23.95 Senior

[65&over]

Child [3-10] $18.95 Child [under 3] Free

Mahalo, Bryce 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 D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2 | 2 3

WHERE TO DINE Hoku’s

FILIPINO Max’s Of Manila 94-300 Farrington Hwy

Waikiki Business Plaza 2270 Kalakaua Ave. 923-3877

Hy’s Steak House

801 Dillingham Blvd.

951-6297

Bali Steak & Seafood

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

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

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

1006 Kapahulu Ave 739-5000

227 Lewers St. 926-5050

The Fat Greek Kaimuki - 3040 Waialae Ave. • 734-0404 Ala Moana - Makai Market • 949-2120 Waikiki - 1831 Ala Moana Blvd • 941-3444

Stage Restaurant 1250 Kapiolani Blvd.

237-5429

FAMILY NIGHT-WEDNESDAY AT WAHOO’S KAHALA

Taormina-Sicilian Cuisine

GREEK

Restaurant Row 599-3860 Waikiki Beach Walk 440-7910

Aloha Tower Market Pl. 585-0011

1137 11th Ave. • 737-1937 2222 S. Beretania St. • 941-4400 3040 Waialae Ave. • 737-7739

Fine Dining Burgundy

Plumeria Beach House

Chai’s Island Bistro

Bella Mia

FRENCH

2440 Kuhio Ave. 922-5555

FINE DINING

ITALIAN

Top of Waikiki

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

Our Most Popular!

KIDS EAT FREE

*Free Kids Meal For Every Adult Meal Purchased.

BALLOON ANIMAL ARTIST AND TOY CHEST. HAPPY HOUR FOR MOM & DAD!!!

May Special

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

Cannot be combined with other offers or coupons. Exp 5/31/12

Military w/ID receive 10% OFF

Fresh. Delicious. Delightful.

facebook.com/phomylienhawaii

SAKURA TERRACE JAPANESE CAFE

1240 South King Street | 591-1181 | www.sakuraterrace.com

WAHOO’S KAHALA | 4614 KILAUEA AVE. | 732-9229

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

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

Cookie Leis & Lanyards

Cuisine of the Philippines

4369 Lawehana St. (across Target in Salt Lake) | OPEN Mon - Fri 6AM - 1PM Sat 6AM - 12PM www.larrysbakery.com or find us on

www.maxschicken.com

ENTER TO WIN

New Weekend Hours Dillingham Only 10:30AM-9PM

Now accepting reservations & catering for

GRADUATION PARTIES! Private Party Rooms Available

951-MAXS (6297) MAY 1-31

MIND, BODY & SEOUL! NEW! Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce

5

Fast $ .75 Food

Available from 10:30am while supplies last

GIVEAWAY

Available through June 30th

MIND > Kindle Fire (1 winner) BODY > 1 of 4 Spa Packages from Heaven on Earth SEOUL > Trip for Two to Seoul, Korea or 360,000 HawaiianMiles

Restaurant price: Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce $6.75, Kokua Pac $9.30. Offers valid May 1-31, 2012 for Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce, May 1-June 30, 2012 for Kokua Pac. Prices slightly higher at Kahului. No substitutions. Offer not valid with any other promotional offers/discount cards. Other restrictions may apply. No purchase necessary for giveaway, see stores for details.

2 4 | D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2

Royal Hawaiian Center 922-3400

Seafood Salad $4.99

Sakura Chirashi Sushi Don

*OFFER SUBJECT TO CHANGE, DINE-IN ONLY, VALID KAHALA LOCATION ONLY

Il Lupino

25¢from each Kokua Pac sold will be donated to

ONLY

8.08

$

FAST FOOD

WHERE TO DINE Paesano Ristorante Italiano Waimalu Shopping Plaza 98-1277 Kaahumanu St. (across from Safeway) 485-8883 Manoa Marketplace 2752 Woodlawn Drive 988-5923

Genki Sushi

JAPANESE

Curry King

Ward Warehouse 1050 Ala Moana Blvd. #1400 591-8855 Chinese Cultural Plaza 100 N Beretania St. 538-1151

Chinese Cultural Plaza 536-3035

Romanos Macaroni Grill

Genki Sushi

Hinone Mizunone

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

1345 South King St. 942-4848

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

2

LUNCH SPECIALS EVERYDAY 11AM TO 3PM

12.95

for

INCLUDES

/2 A LOAF OF ONION RINGS.

Nagoya Ramen Mililani Shopping Center 95-221 Kipapa Dr. #C-15 625-9999

Celebrate your first Barbecue of this summer . .

PANIOLO BARBECUE FESTIVAL 2012

Barbecue Pork Quesadilla Barbecue Rib Plate Barbecue Ribs and Brisket Combo Barbecue Ribs and Chicken Combo Barbecue Pork and Brisket Combo and much more also for lunch . . .

Only a few more days, until the end of May to take advantage of our

SUNSET DINNER SPECIAL 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

20% OFF

Open 7 Days from 11am-10pm

Lunch 11am - 4pm Dinner 5pm - 10pm at the old Waikiki III Theatres Parking available at the Pro-Park location Seaside Ave. Pay $2 at the Restaurant. www.atlantisseafoodsteak.com

of the food portion of your check

• not combinable with other offers or promotions • does not apply to menu items under the shellfish heading • orders must be placed by 6:00 p.m.

• not valid for take-out orders

580 Nimitz Hwy. 545-7979

Like us on Facebook for Special Deals & Offers

www.samchoyhawaii.com

Treat Your Father to a Special 5-Course Meal!

98-150 Kaonohi St. 808.487.9911

1972 Kalakaua Ave. 808.942.2121

www.tonyromas.com

Dine in only. Must present this coupon. Not to be combined with any other promo/discount/offer. Not valid on Father’s Day. Expires 5/31/2012.

bliss.

tender moments of

Barbecue Style Caesar Salad Barbecue Pork Sandwich

Sauteed Mahi with Lobster Sauce Steak & Shrimp Chicken Alfredo Pasta

922-6868

WAIKIKI

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

Honolulu 510 Piikoi St. 589-2299

Savor our finger lickin' barbecue specialties. . .

Call for Reservations & Information 2284 Kalakaua Ave.

PEARLRIDGE

Katsu 3008 Waialae Ave. 734-2222

Aiea 98-150 Kaonohi St. 484-2222

Monday, May 21st to Sunday, June 3rd

(Savings of $12)

BBQ CHICKEN & ST. LOUIS RIBS COMBO 1

Ichiriki

Early Bird $ Special Only

39

$

1841 Ala Moana Blvd.

941-4444

Hifumi Japanese Restaurant

Ala Moana Center Hookipa Terrace 356-8300

Z Pizza

Kobe Japanese Steak House

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

Bistro & French Pastry

1st Course: Soup or Mixed Greens 2nd Course: Appetizer Trio 3rd Course: Choice of • Baked Salmon Wellington • Opaka Fettucini 4th Course: Choice of • Pan Seared Pork Tenderloin • Grilled New York Steak Brioche 5th Course: • Dessert of Choice

28 NOW TAKING

$

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

A fine steak. A fine experience.

plus tax per person

RESERVATIONS FOR

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

FATHER’S DAY!

D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2 | 2 5

WHERE TO DINE Odoriko Japanese Restaurant 2400 Koa Ave. 923-7368

Sekiya’s Restaurant & Delicatessen

Sushi King

Choi’s Garden

2700 S. King St. • 947-2836

2746 Kaimuki Avenue 732-1656

Tanaka of Tokyo

1303 Rycroft St. Honolulu. HI 596-7555

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

1649 Kalakaua Ave. 447-4492

Makino Chaya 98-150 Kaonohi St. 486-5100

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

Sakura Terrace Japanese Cafe 1240 South King Street 591-1181

Choon Chun Chicken

Yoshi

Red House In Honolulu

1427 Makaloa St. 941-6891

835 Keeaumoku St. #I-101 B 944-0088

KOREAN Yakiniku Million

Sushi Company

808 Yong’s BBQ

1111 McCully Street 947-5411

94-216 Farrington Hwy. #B1-4 678-8058

An “air”larious dining experience with ONO FOOD and FUN balloon art!

626 Sheridan St. 596-0799

Try Our Tasty HASH TEMPURA! The Best Hash Tempura on the Island!

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 Military Appreciation Month

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

SEKIYA’S RESTAURANT & DELICATESSEN

• KALBI • BBQ HONEY WINGS • COCONUT SHRIMP & MORE!

Let Us Cater Your

946 COOLIDGE ST. (ACROSS MOILIILI LONG’S)

SPECIAL EVENT

MON-FRI: 10AM-8PM • SAT: 10AM-3PM SUN CLOSED

732-1656 ACROSS KAIMUKI H.S.

1841 Ala Moana Blvd.

941-4444

Honolulukobe.com

Between Ilikai & Hilton Hawaiian Village DINNER SERVED FROM 5:30 NIGHTLY. VALET PARKING AVAILABLE. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.

www.SekiyasRestaurant.com

Your Choice

BENTO SPECIAL

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

2752 Woodlawn Drive

98-1277 Kaahumanu St. (across from Safeway)

SEA BASS

• Steamed or Wafu Style • Rice • Miso Soup

www.paesanohawaii.com

Includes: Scoop Rice, Miso Soup,Tea,Tofu, Gyoza,Green Salad or Tsukemono.

OPEN TUE-SUN LUNCH

MANOA 988-5923

WAIMALU 485-8883

$10.95

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

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

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Happy Hour • Early Dinner Specials

536-3035

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

Contemporary Dining

Offer valid thru 5/31/12 with valid Military ID

2746 Kaimuki Ave

Call 943-8885

“Il Lupino leaves little room for anything other than the highest praise...one of the truest Italian dining experiences in town.” - Jo McGarry, MidWeek

FREE FRIED RICE

PLUS our Military Discount!

Serving Hawaii for 75 Years!

e Plat Mixde & ups! i 1 s Choice to 3

KOREAN CUISINE

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

“Malaysian Laksa” House Noodle and Panya Iced Fruit Tea

e n atur Signi Chicke r o t nto i k a Y Be os

nt ! all beesh daily fr made

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

$4.95 and up

*DISCOUNT EXCLUDES ALL BEVERAGES WITH THIS AD. EXPIRES 5/31/12.

ALA MOANA CENTER MALL LEVEL, MAUKA NEXT TO VICTORIA’S SECRET 946-6388 2 6 | D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2

930 McCully St. • 951-0511/951-0611

• PRIVATE PARTY ROOM • CONVENIENT PARKING

1234 South Beretania St

Shop A-1 (below Safeway Beretania)

$3.99

521-1688

WHERE TO DINE MEXICAN Wahoo’s Fish Taco

3660 on the Rise

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

THAI

SHABU SHABU

PACIFIC RIM

Bangkok Chef

Hanaki Restaurant

3660 Waialae Ave. 737-1177

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

Manoa Marketplace 2756 Woodlawn Drive 988-1551

Keo’s Thai Cuisine

The Ocean House Restaurant

OKAZUYA

2169 Kalia Rd., Outrigger Reef Hotel 923-2277

2028 Kuhio Ave. 951-9355

Shabu Shabu House

Thai Town Cafe

1221 Kapiolani Blvd 597-1655

Fukuya Delicatessen & Catering

1311 N. King St. #F-06 842-4049

SEAFOOD

2710 S. King St. • 946-2073

VIETNAMESE

SHOR American Seafood Grill Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach 2424 Kalakaua Ave. 923-1234 ext. 59

Nuuanu Okazuya 1351 Nuuanu Ave. 533-6169

Pho My Lien

Shabu Shabu KIng

98-150 Kaonohi St. 488-4900

2700 S. King St. 951-7878

Saigon Cuisine 1408 Liliha St. 521-6888

TRY OUR POPULAR CATERING DISHES!

ROYAL PALACE R E S TA U R A N T

Chinese Chicken Salad Korean Chicken BBQ Beef Tri-Tip Chow Mein Noodles Many other options available. Call for pricing and full menu.

841-0931

Kam Shopping Center Open 6am Daily

4510 Salt Lake Boulevard 96818 Stadium Mall, next to Ice Palace LOTS OF PARKING

Offering Buffet (25 Items to choose from) & Sit Down Menus Lunch Buffet Dinner Buffet (11:00AM-2:00PM) (5:30pM-8:30PM) Daily ..................$10.95 Weekends/Holidays..$12.95 Monday – Friday ........$11.95 Special Party Menu - $185.00 per table of 10

-Scallop Soup -Whole Peking Duck w/ Steamed Buns -Salt & Pepper Shrimp -Seafood Combination w/ Mixed Vegetables -Sweet & Sour or Steamed Fish Filet -Cold Ginger Chicken -Live Lobster with Ginger onion or Black Bean Sauce (2pc.) -House Special Cake Noodle -Steamed Rice Restaurant Hours: 10 AM - 9 PM

Call for Reservations 487-6662 or 486-7410

FATHER’S DAY Sunday, June 17, 2012 DIM SUM BRUNCH BUFFET DINNER BUFFET Sittings at 10:30am & 12:30pm

$28.99 Adults $24.99 Seniors (60 and older) $17.99 Children (3-12)

featuring a variety of Hong Kong Style Dim Sum, soups, salads, stir-fried entrees and desserts

featuring Roasted Pig, Snow Crab Legs, Prime Rib, Peking Duck, Soups, Hot Entrees, Salads, Desserts and more! www.themandalayhawaii.com

1055 Alakea St. 525-8585

$1 OFF Any Bread

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE (Reg. $9.95each) Build your own 10” pizza with unlimited toppings.

Must present coupon • exp. 5/31/12

DAILY BREAD SPECIALS

BUY ONE ITEM & GET THE NEXT ONE

50% OFF

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.

Exp. 6/30/12.

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

Mon - Sun 10:30am to 9:00pm Excluding all coupons and other discounts. Dine-in only.

Free Parking Mon- Fri after 5pm & All Day Sat & Sun

FREE PIZZA!

purchases over $4 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Sittings at 5:00pm & 7:30pm

$20.99 Adults $17.99 Seniors (60 and older) $13.99 Children (3-12)

*Take out only, w/coupon; not to be combined with any other offer. Expires 5/31/12.

Also available Pasta • Burgers • Salads • Sandwiches

OPEN TIL MIDNIGHT! 2919 Kapiolani Blvd., #218

MARKET CITY SHPG CNTR 735-3888

“All Natural no added chemicals”

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

988-4310 2752 Woodlawn Dr. • Manoa Marketplace

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

Shrimp Scampi

Won Ton Noodle

Available on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Only –––––––––––––––––Beginning–––––––––––––– Gravlax Salmon Roulade with Cream Cheese and Crab Meat with a glass of Mionetto Prosecco Gold Label

Buy one

––––––––––––––– Appetizers ––––––––––––––

dinner entree, Pork Tenderloin Sate’ with Thai Peanut Sauce and Cucumber Salad receive 2nd entree

–––––––––––––––– Salad –––––––––––––––––

50% OFF

Poached Pear Salad with Rainbow Vegetables and Raspberry Vinaigrette with a glass of Esser Chardonnay

valid Sun, Mon & Tues Expires 6/12/12.

––––––––––– Choice of Entrée ––––––––––––– • Chef Chai’s Signature Thai Style Oxtail Soup & Steamed Rice • Chicken Roulade with Roasted Leek Gravy & Mashed Potato • Seafood Tortellini with Lobster Reduction with a glass of Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir $40 per person ––––––––––––Dessert––––––––––– for Dinner Heart Shape White Chocolate Amore Truffle $15 per person for Wines Aloha Tower Marketplace FREE VALET PARKING • www.chefchai.com

Special Guest Wed: Robert Cazimero Thurs: Jerry Santos Fri: Brothers Cazimero Sat: Danny Couch

• 585-0011

SENIOR DISCOUNT 25% OFF NABE Monday - Friday 4pm-6pm.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

TWO GREAT LOCATIONS! AIEA • 484-2222 HONOLULU • 589-2299 98-150 Kaonohi St. 510 Piikoi St. D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2 | 2 7

orderoftheday

GENERAL MANAGER JEREMY APILADO NORTH SHORE STYLE SAUTE GARLIC SHRIMP ($10.99)

STORY BY KELLI SHIROMA /// PHOTOS BY NATHALIE WALKER

F

atboy’s — currently established in four locations islandwide — has been serving locals Hawaiian-style gourmet plate lunches since 1999. The business recently opened its newest location in Koko Marina Center May 15, according to Fatboy’s founder Carroll Ung. “I would say we’re the most crowded (at the Koko Marina location) between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m,” Ung says. “It’s (the turnout) been phenomenal here; we’re probably doing about 500 meals a day … just way beyond what we expected.

So we have four locations right now and we’re working on the fifth one.”

Fatboy’s began as a small business among Ung, his father and a few friends.

Ung, who was born and raised in Hawaii, worked at several upscale hotels in high school and college and

became familiar with the culinary scene. This — coupled with an accounting degree and his father, who had about 30 years of cooking experience in a hotel — proved to be invaluable.

“I’m a local boy; I understand the culture, I understand the food of Hawaii,” Ung says. “I’ve also been exposed to the fine dining scene and I’m just trying to blend both together and keep prices reasonable. We really try to promote aloha, the spirit of Hawaii and friendliness at Fatboy’s.”

When asked about the vision behind Fatboy’s, Ung elaborates on his concept of a plate lunch. The eatery’s popular plate lunch options include North Shore Style Saute Garlic Shrimp ($10.99), Surfing Turf ($14.95) and more.

“Basically everybody in Hawaii knows what a plate lunch is,” he says. “I try to give you a little bit of starch, but give you hotel restaurant-quality food (meat-wise) in a plate lunch setting. We expose people

2 8 | D I N I N G O U T | M AY 2 7- J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 2

that’s marinated, breaded, deep-fried and then we toss it in a garlic shoyu sauce,” Ung shares.

The eatery’s various Bento Box Lunches also are popular. This includes Alii Bento ($8.99) and Fatboy’s Bento ($7.99), comprising garlic chicken, teriyaki beef, fried fish, hot dog and Spam on a bed of rice with furikake.

“We probably sold close to 1 million bentos since we opened in 1999,” Ung says. “We do a lot of those (bentos) for fundraisers.”

Ung says that FATBOY’S: Fatboy’s not only proWhere: vides its customers Koko Marina Center with a diversified 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy. #C110, plate lunch menu, but Honolulu with catering menus Call: 394.2373 as well. Items on the Hours: catering menu are Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m., similar to those found Friday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., on the regular dineSunday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. in/takeout menu, including Crispy Fried Chicken ($8.25), Roast Pork or Kalua Cabbage ($7.95) and Meat Jun ($8.50).

Although the eatery just opened who don’t norin Koko Marina mally go to Center, Fatboy’s fancier restaufanatics can anticirants to that kind pate yet another locaof food. The way we tion coming up soon. keep a plate lunch aspect to it “The new location is is by keeping a small local menu the Pali Golf Course,” Ung —that has the favorites such as ALII BENTO ($8.99) says. “We just took over the katsu, garlic chicken and teriyaki concession so we will be takbeef — but every day we supplement that with about three different spe- ing over the clubhouse and turning it into a sit-down version of Fatboy’s cials.”

These specials can range from with service and a bar. We’ll also run Seared Ahi Sashimi with Lilikoi the banquet room, which seats about Butter Sauce to Coca-Cola Braised 250 people. With the banquet room, Pork Spare Ribs. The eatery’s most we’re doing a bunch of buffet menus popular dish, however, is Garlic — if people want to do weddings, birthday parties and class reunions — Chicken ($8.99 regular, $6.99 mini).

“It’s bite-sized pieces of chicken and also possibly a Sunday brunch.”

SURFING TURF ($14.95)

GARLIC ROSEMARY PAN-FRIED FREE RANGE CHICKEN ($13.99)