FEB. 5-11, 2012 Annika and Sarah Espino with two of IHOP Hawaii’s 7 for $7 specials, Bacon & Cheddar Hash Brown Stack and Veggie Omelette. Whether it’s championing IHOP Hawaii’s new 7 for $7 meal deals or extolling the virtues of hard work and perseverance, restaurant president Sarah Espino loves to talk about values. It’s the kind of talk she hopes will inspire many of Hawaii’s youth, including her own daughter, Annika. See page 4 | Leah Friel photo Going coo coo for coconuts | 2 Savor the flavors at Saigon Pearl | 14 ALSO: How sweet it is! | 8 AN EDITION OF
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F E B . 5 - 1 1 , 2 0 1 2
Annika and Sarah Espinowith two of IHOP Hawaii’s
7 for $7 specials, Bacon &Cheddar Hash Brown Stack
and Veggie Omelette.
Whether it’s championing IHOP Hawaii’snew 7 for $7 meal deals or extolling thevirtues of hard work and perseverance,restaurant president Sarah Espino lovesto talk about values. It’s the kind of talkshe hopes will inspire many of Hawaii’syouth, including her own daughter, Annika.See page 4 | Leah Friel photo
Going coo coo for coconuts | 2Savor the flavors at Saigon Pearl | 14
ALSO:How sweet it is! | 8
AN EDITION OF
Crazy about
Coo coo for coconuts? Well, giventhat coconuts are the current rage,I can honestly say that, yes, I am
coco-crazy! Let us count the ways inwhich we love coconuts, shall we? Firstoff, there’s the all-natural, super-hydratingand nutrient-packed coconut water thatI’m addicted to. Second, for those whoabstain from dairy completely, coconutproducts make a great replacement forcreams and butters. And, of course, wehave J-Lo’s absolutely adorable 3-yearold twins Max and Emme, which sherefers to as “The Coconuts.” OK, so thatlast one may have been somewhat of astretch, but come on, coconuts just makeeverything better!
With that said, this week, nuts forcoconuts, I did everything in my powerto sink my teeth into this fatty pseudo-nut — all but climb the coconut tree inmy backyard. Instead, I opted to take myappetite to the following Ono, You Knowhot spots, which provided a safe havenfor all of my coconut cravings!
Patisserie La Palme D’orEscaping into a world of sinfully sweet
delights, I fall head over heels for PatisserieLa Palme D’or time and time again, and
this time was no different.As soon as I entered thisheavenly eatery, located atAla Moana Center, I wasgreeted by the sight ofextravagant treats andrefreshingly temptingdrinks. Where was I toeven begin? La Maccha,
Kona Chocolate Cake, Framboise Fromage— the list goes on. Difficult decision, butsomeone’s got to do it. Finally, aftermuch thought, I decided to venture offinto the crazy world of coconuts.
“We have two very special itemsthat highlight coconut, TropicalFromage and Coconut Cake,” saysowner Hiromi Tanaka.
A favorite among coconut lovers,Tropical Fromage ($4.20 a piece or$40-$128 for an entire cake) wows yourpalate with a layer of coconut spongecake that features a smooth and savoryblend of coconut puree and cream cheesemousse. Head pastry chef Akiko Kimurathen completes the masterpiece with alayer of tropical fruit mousse (lilikoiflavored) and fresh, vibrant pieces ofmango or papaya. Trust me, with thefirst bite, it really is a taste to behold,encompassing the many exotic flavorsof our island home.
Then, Tanaka was thrilled to sharewith me her personal favorite: CoconutCake ($2.10 a piece). This onolicioustreat is the epitome of perfection as itshowcases the exquisite harmonizationof French flavor and Japanese craftsmanship.Individually wrapped, this miniature caketickled my taste buds, no doubt about it.The recipe, you may ask? Well, that’s
kept under wraps, but I can tell you thatthis irresistible butter cake pays tribute toall things coconut with a special mix ofcoconut liquor and shredded coconutadorned with a dash of powdered sugarto top it off.
It’s a coconut frenzy at Patisserie LaPalme D’or — even Coco Chanel wouldbe proud of these exquisitely upscalecoconut creations.
Patisserie La Palme D’orAla Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd.941.6161
Hee Hing RestaurantThere’s the saying, “never judge a
book by its cover.” Well, the same holdstrue in terms of international cuisine:Never judge a restaurant strictly based onits cultural specialties alone. Sure, HeeHing Restaurant on Kapahulu Avenueserves up the finest in Chinese fare, butbelieve it or not, this award-winningrestaurant also has a few tricks up itssleeves. For instance, on my most recentvisit, restaurant director Michael Leeintrigued my senses with Curry Seafoodwith Fried Haupia. Instantly, I thought,Thai cuisine at a Chinese restaurant?Interesting. But, of course, there was nosecond guessing once this sweet andzestful curry hit my palate.
“Craving curry?” Lee asks. “Well,you’ll be happy to know that CurrySeafood with Fried Haupia ($18) is nowbeing offered on our regular menu.Typically, we serve it only for banquets,but because of its popularity we decidedto change that. It’s a yellow curry with a
coconut milk base.”Served family style, this alluring
entree presents diners with a variety ofcritters from the sea, including shrimp,scallop, calamari and fish filet dousedin a flavorful curry sauce and mixedwith a medley of vegetables consistingof potatoes, peas, carrots, mushroomsand bell peppers. Now, only one wordcan sum up this dish: Deeelicious! Andthe pieces of fried haupia simply takethis culinary favorite to the next level.
“With the addition of the coconut milkthe curry is on the sweeter side, and ismore mild in terms of spice,” Lee says. So,don’t sweat the small stuff: If you can'thandle the heat, you won’t have to worry.
Above: The editor presents a few of JJ’s Bistro’samazing coconut delights.
Contemporary Asian American CuisineHonolulu Design Center • 2nd FloorLunch Mon-Fri 11:30a-1:30p • Dinner Mon-Sat 5:30-9pStageRestaurantHawai i . com Free covered parking
Reservations, highly recommended 808.237.5429
For an exciting look follow us on Twitter for Amuse, like us on Facebook or visit our new StageRestaurantHawaii.com website.
Picture shown may not reflect the Prix Fixe selection. Executive Chef Ron may create new selections without notice.
$75 per person, plus tax and gratuity
$35 Supplemental with Beverage Pairings, plus tax and gratuity
vationRomance your Special Valentine at StageExecutive Chef Ron de Guzman presents a “Sweetheart” 5 course menu* for your Valentine’s Day dining pleasure. Saturday, Feb.11; Monday, Feb.13 & Valentines Day, Tuesday, Feb.14
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F E B . 5 - 1 1 , 2 0 1 2
Annika and Sarah Espinowith two of IHOP Hawaii’s
7 for $7 specials, Bacon &Cheddar Hash Brown Stack
and Veggie Omelette.
Whether it’s championing IHOP Hawaii’snew 7 for $7 meal deals or extolling thevirtues of hard work and perseverance,restaurant president Sarah Espino lovesto talk about values. It’s the kind of talkshe hopes will inspire many of Hawaii’syouth, including her own daughter, Annika.See page 4 | Leah Friel photo
Going coo coo for coconuts | 2Savor the flavors at Saigon Pearl | 14
ALSO:How sweet it is! | 8
AN EDITION OF
Dining OutCover Story
Just listing Sarah Espino’s many achievements is a bitoverwhelming: She’s the president of IHOP(International House of Pancakes) Hawaii and over-
sees five booming IHOP establishments including onelocation on the Big Island, two in Waikiki, one inWindward Mall and another in Pearl City. She’s also astepmother to five and has a daughter with husbandVince, who is responsible for IHOP Hawaii’s businessdevelopment.
“Time has flown by! We took over the IHOP Hawaiifranchise in June 2006,” Espino says. “The journey hasbeen tough, it’s been a lot of work, but it’s also been veryfun. I think we opened the restaurants at the right time.When I say I have six kids, it includes the restaurants,”she says with a laugh.
As a family-friendly restaurant chain, IHOP does notdiscriminate when it comes to big appetites and evenbigger flavor. In fact, it’s safe to say that the eaterystands in a league of its own, serving up famous deli-cious entrees and hearty American classics that span waybeyond the realm of breakfast.
“We feature new specials almost every two months,and offering our patrons what they want is the secretto our success,” Espino says. “It’s really about listen-ing to our customers. We’re consistently changingwith the times.”
Most recently, IHOP Hawaii unveiled its new 7 for $7promotion, offering seven great meals all priced at $7each. During the economic downturn, Espino says,IHOP wanted to offer its guests affordable meals that areavailable all day, every day until April 1. The luckyseven value options are Bacon-Wrapped Sirloin Steak &Eggs, Chicken & Waffles, Cheesy Western Omelette,Bacon & Cheddar Hash Brown Stack, Hash BrownCrusted Chicken & Biscuit, Nutella Crepes & Eggs anda Simple & Fit Veggie Omelette (under 600 calories).
“The most popular choices are Bacon-Wrapped SirloinSteak & Eggs and Hash Brown Crusted Chicken &Biscuit. The majority of people also like Chicken &Waffles, too,” Espino states.
Bacon-Wrapped Sirloin Steak & Eggs features twopetite USDA Select sirloin steaks wrapped in crispy
IHOP HawaiiWhere: 1850 Ala Moana Blvd. (and vari-ous locations)Call: 949.4467Hours: Sunday-Thursday 6 a.m.-10 p.m.,Friday-Saturday 6 a.m.-midnight
STORY BY ALANA FOLENPHOTOS BY LEAH FRIEL
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hickory-smoked bacon, served with two eggs and goldenhash browns. Espino’s personal favorite is Hash BrownCrusted Chicken & Biscuit, a tender, juicy chickenbreast coated with IHOP’s crispy signature hash browns.The meal also is accompanied by two eggs and one but-termilk biscuit smothered with country or sausage gravy,where available.
“We’ve been receiving a very positive response fromthis promotion since it’s launched,” Espino says.“Everybody loves it and says they will come back to trythe rest of the seven items.”
Espino is the woman behind the magic at IHOP Hawaii,and it’s no wonder IHOP is flourishing in every way pos-sible. As an entrepreneur and mother, her superpowers areinfinite. On the day of our Dining Out cover shoot (wemade it an IHOP day), Espino graciously shared her busi-ness philosophy with us, but didn’t let her maternal dutiesfall to the wayside either. Vince dropped off their 13-year-old daughter Annika to the photo shoot at IHOP AlaMoana after a busy day of school at Punahou. Like all lov-ing moms, Espino greeted her daughter with a kiss andthat one famous question all children have become accus-tomed to: “How was your day?”
The interaction between mother and daughter washeartwarming, and Espino says being a mother is her No.1 priority. After observing the way Espino runs her busi-ness, and the short time we spent with her and her daugh-ter, it was quite apparent that Espino is a pro when itcomes to balancing motherhood and a demanding career.She instills the same core values of persistence, dedica-tion and hard work into her daughter and into her busi-ness. For Espino, these values are the underlying founda-tion from which success is born.
“Annika and I are very, very close. She loves golf andthrives in it. She’s also been competing and has beendoing really well. I think the values that we’ve taught herover the years have allowed her to succeed.”
Espino also uses her position as president of IHOPHawaii as a platform to give back to the community. Notonly is she committed to providing excellent customerservice and serving delicious all-American comfort food,but Espino proves that she’s just as dedicated to betteringthe future of Hawaii’s keiki as well.
“With IHOP giving back to the community, I hope I’mteaching my daughter how important it is to help others,”she says.
And IHOP Hawaii soon will be flipping pancakesgalore come Feb. 28 in honor of National Pancake Day.From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at IHOP restaurants across thenation (including all four Oahu locations), hungry dinerscan enjoy a free short stack of IHOP’s famous buttermilkpancakes, and in turn, make a monetary donation toIHOP’s national charity partner, Children’s MiracleNetwork Hospitals, which helps improve the lives ofchildren at the 170 Network hospitals nationwide.
“All of the funds raised here will stay in our state and
benefit Kapiolani Medical Center, Hawaii’s Children’sMiracle Network hospital,” Espino says. “We hope toraise at least $10,000 to support Kapiolani Children’sMiracle Network, and we’re currently accepting dona-tions and will continue to do so until Feb. 28.
“Having my daughter exposed to all we do withChildren’s Miracle Network, and having her realize howlucky she is to be healthy and not have any medicalneeds is very important to me. I’m happy to be able toshare that with her — to open her eyes and have her real-ize that you have to be thankful for what you have. Andat the same time I hope to instill in my daughter the valueof helping other kids in need,” she adds.
In addition to IHOP Hawaii’s collaborative effort withChildren’s Miracle Network, Espino has founded a pro-gram of her own, which she’s named StudentsAchievement Award Program. The goal? To work withHawaii’s public schools to acknowledge academic andpersonal achievements across the board.
“The Students Achievement Award program is myongoing project that I launched this month,” Espinoexplains, noting that the initial participating schoolsinclude Ali’Iolani, Gustav Webling, Pearl Harbor,Waialua, Laie and Maunawili elementary schools.“Schools right now have very limited budgets, so now Ipresent student achievement awards to teachers at theirdiscretion. For example, the awards can be awarded tothe student (kindergarten through eighth grade) whoscored the highest on a test or had complete attendance.The award equates to a free kid’s meal at IHOP — wehave a variety of kid’s meals, from chicken strips to anomelette, mac and cheese and more.
“Education is very, very important,” Espino adds. “Ithink it’s the only thing that I can give to my childrenthat can’t be taken away. I can buy my daughter a car, butsomeone can take that away from her. Unlike education,that’s something ingrained in her, and she'll always haveit. Education is top priority for me.”
According to Espino, Annika already has her eyes seton college and may perhaps follow in her mother’s foot-steps and pursue business one day.
“I would love for someone to take over IHOP Hawaiiwhen I retire, and there’s always hope that one of yourchildren will, but I’m not going to force Annika. Onething I always tell her is that you have to choose a careeryou absolutely love.”
As for Espino, she’s witnessed the ups and downs ofrunning a business firsthand, but through it all she’smaintained a vivacious appetite for success.
“We have 250 employees total, and knowing that I canprovide jobs to a great number of people is very reward-ing, along with providing good service and excellentfood,” she says. “However, along with the good timesalso comes the tough times, and you just have to bear itand stick with it.”
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Nutella Crepes & Eggs ($7)
(first row, from left) Llasenia Abrego, MaddyWisser, Rudy Gonzales, (second row) StaceyAcma, Annika Espino, Sarah Espino, KieranWisser, Marita Hodges, Nalani Kai Procknow andEric Procknow celebrate IHOP Hawaii’s partner-ship with Children’s Miracle Network.
Veggie Omelette ($7)
Bacon & Cheddar Hash Brown Stack ($7)
Hash Brown Crusted Chicken & Biscuit ($7)
Sarah Espino and daughter Annika share alaugh together.
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Restaurant price: Mini Chili & Chicken Plate $5.79, Mini Chili Frank Plate $5.79. Offer valid 2/6/12 - 3/4/12. Prices slightly higher at Kahului. Offer not valid with any other promotional offers/discount cards. Other restrictions may apply, see stores for details.
MINI CHILI &CHICKEN PLATE$4.99 FAST FOOD
MINI CHILI FRANK PLATE$4.99 FAST FOOD
BREAKFASTBENTO
$3.59 FAST FOOD,BREAKFAST HOURS
ONLY
MINI CHILI &CHICKEN PLATE$4.99 FAST FOOD
MINI CHILI FRANK PLATE$4.99 FAST FOOD
BREAKFASTBENTO
$3.59 FAST FOOD,BREAKFAST HOURS
ONLY2 NIGHT STAY AT ASTONAT THE WAIKIKI BANYAN
GERMAINE’S LUAU2 NIGHT STAY AT ASTONAT THE WAIKIKI BANYAN
LUAU FOR 4 ATGERMAINE’S LUAU
Starts Monday! Enter To Win A February 6 - March 4One Winner Per Week!
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Blossoming
Describing the appetizers atBangkok Chef is not easy. It’sdifficult to dawdle over slight
flavor profiles when you are inhalingfood at a rate that would make JoeyChestnut proud. Call it an occupationalhazard. But if you’ve tried them youknow what I mean.
Chicken Sateh ($7.90) is served withlettuce, sliced cucumbers and one of thegreatest dips in culinary history, a creamyand very slightly spicy peanut sauce. Bythe time the bowl of brown heaven wasempty, I had eaten every barbecued skew-er, the veggies and two or three napkins.
Spring Rolls ($6.90), made withground chicken, bean threads, carrot,black fungus, onion and taro, are thecrispy pupu standards that you can’t seemto do without. Wrapped in lettuce with asprig of mint and dipped into a light dip-ping sauce, they’re exactly what appetiz-ers are supposed to be: Tasty, easy to han-dle with enough to share.
If you like your wraps deconstructed,try Chicken Larb ($7.90). Watch it, itdoes have a kick, but boy is it tasty.Made with minced chicken, herbs, onionand a special lemon sauce, this saladbursts with flavor and presents the kick
that just seems necessary in any goodThai restaurant, and Bangkok Chef is avery good restaurant.
This family-run eatery has many menuitems that let you mix sweet with salty orsour with spicy — combine all four andyou have Mango Salad ($8.20). Madewith shredded mango, carrots, shallot,Chinese parsley, chili peppers andcashews in the eatery’s house-specialsauce, the dish is both satisfying andrefreshing. It’s listed as “spicy” on themenu, but the fresh ingredients reduce thekick and allow the flavors to blossom.
1 Chicken Sateh ($7.90)2 Chicken Larb ($7.90)3 Spring Rolls ($6.90)
4 Mango Salad ($8.20)
Nathalie Walker photos
Bangkok Chef Where:1627 Nuuanu Ave. 2955 E. Manoa Road 900 N. Nimitz Hwy.
1 Short Rib & Foie Gras Tortellini withApple Smoked Bacon Mushroom Jus2 Crispy Garlic Scallion Shrimp with
Honey Chili Aioli
Photos courtesy of 3660 on the Rise
3660 on the Rise Where:3660 Waialae Ave., Honolulu
Call:737.1177
Website:3660.com
Hours:Tuesday-Sunday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.(last seating)Closed on Mondays
A 3660 Valentine’s meal to remember
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It’s almost Valentine’s Day ... Where togo? What to do? What to buy?Decisions, decisions, decisions ...
Well, at 3660 on the Rise in Kaimuki,there’s a special Valentine’s Day menu all setfor you featuring some of the restaurant’ssignature dishes by executive chef and co-owner Russell Siu.
The four-course prix fixe menu beginswith an appetizer, which is a choice of theflavorful Crispy Garlic Scallion Shrimpwith Honey Chili Aioli or the mouth-watering Short Rib & Foie Gras Tortelliniwith Apple Smoke Bacon Mushroom Jus.Next is a Spinach Salad with GrapeTomatoes, Mandarin Orange and PoppySeed Dressing.
For the main course, you can choosebetween Fresh Catch of the Day topped
with blue crab, Kahuku corn, vine-ripened tomatoes and shiitake mushroomrelish or Fire Roasted Tenderloin of Beefwith an exotic truffled mushroom sauce.Dessert is a Raspberry and DarkChocolate Truffle Tart.
“The food is excellent, that’s guaranteed,”says co-owner Gale Ogawa. “(On this spe-cial night) we’re not offering our regularmenu, only the special Valentine’s Daymenu, which features a lot of the favoritesfrom our regular dinner menu. However, ifthey’re not able to celebrate Valentine’s Dayon a weekday (Feb. 14 is a Tuesday), theycan come on the weekend and we will beoffering our regular a la carte menu.”
In addition, 3660 on the Rise is offeringits signature Ahi Katsu ($14.50) andChilled Oysters on the Half Shell with a
ginger vinaigrette topped with tobiko (twofor $5.75) to enhance your dinner. Therealso will be drink specials, and seating willbe open throughout the restaurant and pri-vate dining rooms.
“We are a neighborhood restaurant that’sbeen here for 19 years,” adds Ogawa. “Thefood is Euro-Island cuisine and our settingis upscale casual. The food is fine-diningquality but in a more relaxed setting.”
The establishment also is available forprivate parties and can accommodate 20 to200 people for lunch or dinner. The award-winning restaurant is a popular choice forspecial occasions, such as Easter Sundayand Mother’s Day brunch buffet, as well aseveryday dining.
The Valentine’s Day menu is $75 per per-son, and reservations are required.
One coupon per order. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 2/15/12
Kahala Mall738-5696
(KOZO)
Moiliili 951-5696
(KOZO)
Keeaumokuby Wal-Mart946-5696
(KOZO)
Pearlridge483-6805
Pearl Cityby Wal-Mart455-680548 pcs.
Valentine’s Day Special!APPETIZER SELECTIONS
Fresh Bruschetta • Calamari Soup du Jour • Choice of Salad
ENTRÉE SELECTIONSStuffed Pesto Chicken Breast
Italian Brisket • Herb Crusted SalmonShellfish White w/Pasta
CHOICE OF HOMEMADE DESSERT
3Course Meal for 2
Available at Beretania location only. Reservations recommended.
2222 S. Beretania St. | 941-4400
$50
featuring entrées from our new Chef Kris
BYOB
By Alana Folen
The simple momentsin life are some-times the sweetest,
and that definitely holdstrue when devouring someof Larry’s Bakery’s sugarydelights. This one-stopbakery on LawehanaStreet has everything youneed to satisfy your sweettooth. Brother-and-sisterteam of Lance and IrisYafuso oversee this fami-ly-run business and workday in and day out to whipup favorites such asdoughnuts, cookies,brownies, cakes and more.
“We’ve been really busy,but we can’t complain,”Iris says with a smile.“Right now we’re readyfor the Super Bowl. Ourbaked goods even pay trib-ute to the different teams!”
Yet, she took time out ofher hectic schedule toshare with Dining Out afew of Larry’s classics thatseem to fly off the shelveson a daily basis: ChocolateFudge Cake ($12.50),Apple Stick ($1.40) andCoconut Stick ($1.40).
Chocolate Fudge Cakeis simply divine and fea-tures an original choco-late cake smothered withan old-fashioned fudgefrosting. Chocolatelovers rejoice!
“This cake is actuallyderived from my dad’srecipe,” Iris recalls. “It’s anon-refrigerated cake andit has a little crust over theedge — it’s just really deli-cious! The cake also isavailable in different sizes.Just call beforehand toplace an order.”
On the go? Apple andCoconut Sticks are theanswer when time is of theessence, but you still needthat quick sugar rush.
“Apple and Coconutsticks are very popular.
They’re similar to aturnover and alwaysbaked fresh,” Iris says.“Both sticks have a puff-pastry exterior, and one isfilled with a sweet Fujiapple filling and has a hintof cinnamon, while theother is filled withcoconut and sprinkledwith sugar,” she adds.
This Salt Lake bakery isover f lowingwith sweetn o t h i n g s ,always amaz-ing its patrons— old andnew — withits top-of-the-line customerservice anddedication toexcellence.
btwbythewayOh, by the way, last week Dining Out listed
the wrong addresses for Ocean House and Ert’sGrill. The correct address for Ocean House is2169 Kalia Road (located in Outrigger Reef onthe Beach hotel), and Ert’s Grill is located at 99-082 Kauhale St. in Aiea.
Apple and Coconut Sticks ($1.40 each) | Leah Friel photos
923 KEEAUMOKU ST.955-3388
Deep FriedFlounder
CrispyChicken
Best Cantonese Cuisine
OPEN DAILY:10am — midnight
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR SPECIALHAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR SPECIAL
With purchase of an entrée. Not to be combined with any other offer or special. Limited Time.$9.99 $4.99
1841 Ala Moana Blvd.Between Ilikai & Hilton Hawaiian Village
Dinner served from 5:30 nightly. Valet parkingavailable. Not valid with any other offer.
Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikikipresents
Reservations: 944.4494
February 14 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Award Winning Restaurants
PRINCE COURT RESTAURANT
HAKONE RESTAURANTChef Shimoyama’s
Valentine’s Day Specials
Snow Crab Legs * Sushi StationPacific Oysters and New Zealand Mussels
Vietnamese Pho Station * Veal Osso BuccoBaked Scallop Florentine * Thai Evil JunglePrince Beef * Half Lobster Tail Black BeanRack of Lamb * Alae Crusted Prime Rib
to include: Prime Rib of Beef * Rack of LambBeef Shabu Shabu * Tempura * SashimiSnow Crab Legs * Sushi Made To Order
www.PrinceResortsHawaii.com100 Holomoana Street Honolulu, HI 96815
$62.00 per adultplus tax and gratuity
menu and price subject to change without notice
D I N I N G O U T | F E B . 5 - 1 1 , 2 0 1 2 | 9
There are a number things to consider as a vegetari-an when dining out, but when it comes to HappyValley Pasta and Pizza, you just have to remember
one: You can’t go wrong with pasta and vegetables.Happy Valley’s owner Yuki Saito has that figured out.He knows that not everyone eats meat or seafood, andhas flagged his menu with a vegetarian option: FiveVeggies Pasta.
“A lot of people order it,” he says. “Everything withtomato sauce is popular here.”
Happy Valley isn’t your everyday Italian-Americanplace, however. There’s a distinctive Japanese accent to the
food. The menu offersJapanese-style dishesalongside Italianfavorites, and often-times the two are com-bined. That isn’t sur-prising, since Saitoalso owns a number ofrestaurants in the Landof the Rising Sun.
Five Veggies Pasta($9.98) comes withyour choice ofspaghetti or penne,which is tossed in
Happy Valley’s homemade tomato sauce and combinedwith broccoli, onions, peppers, mushrooms, corn andfresh tomatoes (I know, I know, that’s more than five,but who’s counting when it’s more of a good thing?)It’s a heaping plate of pasta cooked al dente, as itshould be, and the flavors of the tender vegetablesmeld together nicely.
So grab a fork — or chopsticks – and dig right in.No matter how you add it up, you can count on FiveVeggies Pasta for appetite satisfaction.
Happy ValleyPasta and PizzaWhere: 3106 Monsarrat Ave.,Honolullu
Call: 737.0080
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.-2:30p.m. for lunch, 5-9:30 p.m. fordinner
Five Veggies Pasta ($9.98) | Lawrence Tabudlo photos
Happy Valley Pastaand Pizza ownerYuki Saito with FiveVeggies Pasta.
Ho Ho Chinese Cuisine Where: 590 Farrington Highway,Kapolei
Call: 692.9880
Hours: Lunch buffet availablefrom 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.daily, with dinner from 5 to 9p.m., and 10 p.m. Friday andSaturday. Manapua servedMonday through Saturday start-ing at 6 a.m., and 8 a.m. onSundays at the front counter.
In his 26 years working in theHawaii restaurant industry,Armando Bauzon has done it all.
From fast food to fine dining, the51-year-old has accumulated a wealthof experience that he brings to thetable as manager of Ho Ho ChineseCuisine, a buffet-style eatery inKapolei. Bauzon’s presence can be feltimmediately as one enters the diningroom, as he and his friendly staff greetand assist diners. Customer service iskey, and is one of the major factorsbehind the restaurant’s strong follow-ing of loyal customers.
In addition to its popular buffet, HoHo also offers a vast Party Tray menufor those planning a special event orget together and can accommodateparties of up to 200 in the diningroom. Bauzon encourages customers
to call ahead for large party reserva-tions as special group discounts areavailable for the buffet and individualdishes. Ho Ho’s buffet makes it easyfor groups, as the food stays hot andfresh as diners arrive.
“We can do anything,” says Bauzonwhen describing the options affordedcustomers when planning a privateparty or special event. “Customers cancall and ask for me, and I can help themthrough the process. We’re very flexi-ble, and can accommodate a wide vari-ety of budgets and customer needs.”
When catering a party, customerscan choose from Ho Ho’s vast selec-tion of party trays that serve anywherefrom eight to 10 people with a smalltray up to 50-75 via the jumbo sizedish. Gon Lo Mein ($18.95 for a smalltray) is a very popular noodle dish
while Beef with Broccoli ($27.95 for asmall tray) has customers clamoringfor more. Ho Ho also is offering freedelivery for catering orders of $125 ormore to those residing in Kapolei, Ewaand Waipahu (those in other areas willbe charged a nominal delivery fee).
At Ho Ho’s Chinese Cuisine inKapolei, authentic Chinese food ismerged with local-style preparation,and customers can choose from numer-ous selections served up on the all-you-can-eat buffet, or order specificfavorites a la carte. The eatery, whichgets its name from the Cantonesephrase for “very good” or “nice,” iswell known for its Salt and PepperShrimp. According to owner CrystalChan, the recipe consists of a signatureblend of spices and seasonings that areinfused with the succulent seafood as it
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Ho Ho’s Chinese Cuisine: Full ofHappeningFlavors
STORY BY KYLE GALDEIRAPHOTOS BY LEAH FRIEL
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is deep-fried to crispy perfection.“It’s been the most popular since
we opened in 2004,” says Chan of thesalt-and-pepper style that also incor-porates garlic and other flavorfulaccents surrounding the deep-frieddelicacies. “The customers like it verymuch. They don’t want us to change!”
Shrimp and snow crab headline HoHo’s dinner buffet, which gets underway nightly at 5 p.m. The spread fea-tures a wide range of selectionsincluding the extremely popular FriedChicken Wings, Honey WalnutShrimp and Stir Fry Steak, and ispriced at an economical $15.95Monday through Thursday nights,and $17.95 Friday through Sundayevenings. Additionally, selected itemsare available on Ho Ho’s lunch buffetserved from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
daily. The buffet is heavy on taste andlight on the wallet at just $9.50Monday through Friday, and $10.95on weekends.
“The price is a very good deal,”says Chan, who notes that the recenteconomic downturn has been hard onthe local community. Despite theincreases in food cost due to a host ofuncontrollable factors, Ho Ho’sprices have remained constant, andChan’s loyal customers keep comingback for more. “We combine localtouches with traditional Hong Kong-style cooking to keep a unique touchon our recipes.”
When asked about the popularity ofthe all-you-can-eat spread, Bauzonadds: “We want customers to comeand attack the buffet!”
Ho Ho’s also offers a full a la carte
menu, with favorites from the buffetas well as a host of other dishesincluding everything from RoastedDuck ($9.95 for half, $19.95 whole)to an assortment of noodle plates suchas Mixed Seafood Chow Min withVegetables ($8.95) and Oyster SauceChicken Chow Mein ($7.50).
And, for those looking for a quickbite in the morning, Ho Ho’s opens at6 Monday through Saturday, and 8Sundays, and offers an assortment offreshly-made Manapua. The eateryserves up both Baked ($1.35) andSteamed ($1.25) Manapua, and alsooffers local favorites includingshrimp dumplings, pork hash and halfmoons. Call 692-9880 to order cus-tom manapua packages, or to inquireabout reservations for upcoming spe-cial events.
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Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Manager Armando Bauzon with
shrimp and snow crab.
Beef with Broccoli ($27.95, catering)
Gon Lo Mein ($18.95 small, catering)
Snow Crab
Teriyaki Chicken $7.95Teriyaki Combo (Steak & Chicken) $10.95Fish of the Day $7.95North Shore Garlic Shrimp $9.95
NEW MENU & SUSHI BAR!
Includes Miso Soup,Salad, Rice and Japanese hot teaNot valid with other offers or promotions.Gift Cards Available
BLUE HAWAII SUSHI BAR & RESTAURANT
Early Bird Special 4-6pm
1140 Kuala St. (Next to Babies R Us) Pearl City | 456-2128Sun-Thurs 10:30am-9:00pm | Fri-Sat 11:00am-10:00pm
Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paiten Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paiten Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paiten Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!Home of the “Milky-White” Paitan Ramen!
Available Fri & Sat UNI BOWL……$15.95
www.paesanohawai i .com
WAIMALU 485-8883
98-1277 Kaahumanu St.(across from
Safeway)
MANOA988-5923
2752 Woodlawn Drive
Valentine’s Dinner SpecialValentine’s Dinner Special
Seafood Dori
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ono,youknow
1 La Palme D’or’s TropicalFromage ($4.20)
2 La Palme D’or’s Coconut Cake($2.10 a piece)
3 Hee Hing’s Michael Lee withCurry Seafood with Fried Haupia($18)
4 JJ’s Double ChocolateMacaroon ($4.75)
5 JJ’s Macaroon Tarte ($4.95)
6 Hee Hing’s Coconut Jin Dui ($2.60)
7 JJ’s Banana Haupia ($4.75)
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“Coconut is pretty influential in Chinesecuisine, but I wouldn’t say it’s a mainingredient — it’s typically used as a typeof garnish,” he adds. “Here in Hawaii weuse the addition of coconut to incorporatean island flair into Chinese cuisine.”
Now, if you choose to end your mealon a sweet note, I would recommendopting for a traditional Chinese dessert ofCoconut Jin Dui. ($2.60 for three pieces).Coconut Jin Dui can best be described asa deep-fried sesame ball doughnut, and isa longtime favorite of mine.
“When it comes to jin dui, the exterioris crispy and garnished with sesameseeds, while the interior is soft, airy andhollow,” Lee says. “The coconut is foundin the skin itself, and we make thisdessert fresh every day.”
Want more? Visit heehinghawaii.comfor coupons and daily specials.
Hee Hing Restaurant 449 Kapahulu Ave. Ste. 101
735.5544JJ’s Bistro & French Pastry
With a strong craving for coconut, Ihad the urge to dive straight intodecadence at JJ’s Bistro & French Pastry.Executive chef and owner JJ Luangkhot’saward-winning cuisine, decked out in asweet Euro-Asian flair, is enough tomake any heart melt. Luangkhot ishighly regarded for his famous ChocolatePyramid creation along with other alluringsweet nothings such as Chocolate BananaConfit, Chocolate Lilikoi and more. Butwhat about the coconut?
“I use a good amount of coconut inmany of my desserts,” says Luangkhot, anative of Laos. “Coconut gives a uniqueand special taste to desserts, but it’s notoverwhelmingly rich in flavor. There’s a
nice balance to it.”In a dire need to taste for myself,
Luangkhot quickly presented me with aplateful of coconut goodness. The pres-entation was second to none, but that wasjust icing on the cake considering thetaste was simply heaven sent. Salutationsgo to Double Chocolate Macaroon ($4.75),Macaroon Tarte ($4.95) and BananaHaupia ($4.75).
“Banana Haupia is one of our top-selling desserts,” Luangkhot says. “Coconutcake is the base, and it’s topped with acreamy coconut and banana mousse, thenfinally finished off with fresh bananas,strawberries and hints of chocolate.Toasted coconut flakes sit on the exteriorof the cake.” Simply to die for!
Now, for those who can’t get enoughof coconut, take a big bite into Luangkhot’sMacaroon Tarte ($4.95), comprised of acookie-like shell filled with a sweet
coconut filling, and topped off with freshslices of banana and bits of chocolate.And if you’re a chocoholic/coconut con-noisseur, Double Chocolate Macaroon($4.75) is your best bet! Imagine a com-bination of chocolate and coconut cakeinfused with coconut syrup and doublechocolate mousse, complete with chocolateganache. Let’s just say that doublechocolate is definitely double trouble!
And just when you thought thingscouldn’t get any better than this, thinkagain — they do! Ask Luangkhot to rec-ommend the perfect gelato or sherbet topair with your dessert of choice. Iguarantee a smile will be plastered onyour face for days.
JJ’s Bistro & French Pastry3447 Waialae Ave.
739.0993
– From page 2
• 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.
www.choisgarden.com
7 days open! (808) 596-75551303 Rycroft street • Honolulu • HI 96814
1111 McCully St.OPEN DAILY 9:30am-10pm
955-8889955-8889
www.123wok.com • order online • HEALTHY CHINESE CUISINE • HAWAIIAN BBQ • HOT POT
FREE Deliverymin. $15
within 4 miles
10% OFFwith Ad
10% OFFfor SeniorCitizens
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By Ali Resich
Though Genki Sushimade Kapahulu its originalhome in 1992, the franchise wasactually founded by a Japanese com-pany, Genroku Sushi, which hadopened the first kaiten-style shop.
Genki’s director of purchasing,David Moon, says the initial con-cept grew from the desire to pro-vide affordable sushi to everybody,in a convenient and fun way. Withhundreds of international locations,it’s safe to saythe chain hasdone just that.
With so manylocales, Moonand the staffmake sure to puta local twist onHawaii’s stores— nine on Oahu,two on Maui,one on Kauaiand one on theBig Island.
Every month,they createinventive sushi specials. “It’s justus experimenting,” says Moon. “Alot of our guys have been here fora long time and we always comeup with something different.”
This month’s special is so mouth-watering, you’ll wish it was alwayson the menu. Mushroom TrioSpecial ($4.80) consists of tempu-ra-battered mushrooms individuallytopped with spicy tuna, seafoodsalad and tuna salad. Unagi sauce
and
green onion make the flavors burst. A number of best-sellers always
cruise down the conveyor belt,including Spicy Tempura Roll($4.80), complete with shrimp tem-pura, spicy tuna, green onion andunagi, and chili sauces.
Don’t miss out on a special bitethis month at Hawaii’s premier kait-
en-sushi desti-nation.
eatthis
1 Seafood Paella ($23.95)2 Lumpiang Ubod ($5.95,
two pieces)
Nathalie Walker photos
Melange
When it comes toFilipino cuisine, it’sall about mixing
diverse cultural influences intoone delicious plate. And localswould agree that Max’s ofManila is Hawaii’s favorite placefor a taste of the Philippines.
The restaurant’s newest cre-ation, Seafood Paella ($23.95,serves four), debuts Feb. 7 (lim-ited time only), and offers apiece of the past. “Filipinocooking is a melange betweenSpanish, Chinese and Malayinfluences. Paella comes fromthe Spanish side, due to a histo-ry of (the Philippines) being a
S p a n i s h
colony at one point,” says gen-eral manager Maly San Luis.
The dish — perfect for shar-ing on Valentine’s Day — iscomplete with seasoned jas-mine rice, mussels, squid,shrimp, vegetables and eggs.San Luis recommends scrap-ping the socarrat, or covetedcrispy rice, from the bottom ofthe paella pan.
Both Waipahu andDillingham locations also willintroduce a new seasonal fruitshake, Pineapple Lychee Shake($3.95). Meanwhile, classicssuch as Lumpiang Ubod($5.95, two pieces), featuringjulienned heart of palm, vegeta-bles, pork, shrimp and crab-meat in a crepe-like lumpiawrapper and served withpeanut sauce, continue to flyoff the menu.
Find your favorite Filipinoflavor among the “motley slue”of traditional dishes offered atMax’s of Manila.
of FlavorsMax’s
Max’s of Manila Where:801 Dillingham Blvd.,Honolulu
94-300 Farrington Hwy.,Suite F-1, Waipahu
Call:951.6297
Hours:DillinghamOpen daily11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Waipahu11 a.m.–9 p.m.Monday–Thursday,11 a.m.–10 p.m.Fridays and Saturdays,9 a.m.–9 p.m.Sundays
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Savoringsushispecials
Genki Sushi Where: Ward Centers1200 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu(and various locations)
For those of you who are wonderingwhat ever happened to Vietnameseeatery Annam House, your search is
over. The same folks who ran the oldplace — owner Mai McDowell and herbrothers — have opened up shop again ata new location and under a new name. Thenew Saigon Pearl can be found near AlaMoana Center on Kona Street. Fans ofAnnam, don’t worry — Saigon Pearl stilloffers the same quality traditional home-style Vietnamese cuisine.
McDowell says popular dishes includeWon Ton Mein ($8.95), Green PapayaSalad ($.8.95) and BBQ Combo ($12.95),which is a rice plate served with barbecuechicken, pork chop and lemongrass shortribs.
Summer Roll ($5.75), which featuresshrimp, lettuce, basil, mint leaves, beansprouts and rice noodles all wrapped up in
fresh rice paper, is another cus-tomer favorite. “Our Spring Rolls($7.95) are very good, too,”McDowell says. She explains thatSaigon Pearl puts a little spin onthe dish by using minced chickeninstead of pork. For a tasty meal,try Spring Rolls & BBQ ChickenNoodle Salad ($9.50).
Foodies who can’t get enoughpho have to try Saigon Pearl’s. Phois beef noodle soup that comeswith a variety of meat and vegeta-bles. All of the establishment’spho dishes are served with whiterice noodles with beef broth,sliced onions, green onions,cilantro, bean sprouts, basil, lemonwedges and green chili peppers.Options include Chicken Breast($7.50 for a medium, $8.50 for alarge) and Combination ($7.95 fora medium, $8.95 for a large),which comes with beef, meatballbrisket, tendon and tripe.
“Pho is very popular right now,”McDowell says, “and people love ourpho dishes.”
While former customers of AnnamHouse certainly can find all of their pastfavorites at Saigon Pearl, the new locationalso brings some new dishes with it.
“We have created some new dishes forSaigon Pearl,” McDowell says. “Wenoticed that local people like oxtail a lot.So we created Spicy Oxtail Noodle Soup($11.95). It has become very popular.”
Vietnamese Crepe ($10.95), an appetiz-er, is another new dish.
“It’s really good,” McDowell says.“It’s a thin layer of flour, and it’s crispy.Inside is pork, shrimp, bean sprouts andmushrooms.”
Other new offerings include a selectionof sandwiches such as Chicken Sandwich($5.75) and Combination Sandwich
($5.95), with liverwurst, Vietnamese hamand steamed pork cake.
The chefs at Saigon Pearl are currentlyworking on more new dishes, including aVietnamese stew, which should beunveiled later this month.
For Valentine’s Day, guests can enjoyDinner For Two for $32.95, which comes
with Summer Rolls, Asparagus CrabSoup, Shaken Beef, Garlic Shrimp andRice. As a Valentine’s Day special, SaigonPearl also will include Fried Bananas withIce Cream for dessert.
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with Christina O’Connor
Saigon Pearl may have just opened at itsKona Street location in August, but thisplace certainly has a long history.
When owner Mai McDowell and her brothers, whoare the chefs, opened Annam House in 1982, it was one of the firstVietnamese restaurants on the island.
Operating under the name Annam House for years, the restaurateursearned quite a following of loyal customers. McDowell decided torename the restaurant Saigon Pearl when the restaurant changed loca-tions last year.
“Saigon is the place in Vietnam where people love to eat out atrestaurants,” McDowell explains. “There is so much different food there.And people call Saigon ‘The Pearl of East Asia.’”
Offering homestyle cooking, Saigon Pearl chefs learned their craftfrom their family'shome cooking.
“My grandmother isthe one who taught usto cook,” McDowellsays. “My brotherlearned all the recipesand everything fromher.”
McDowell adds thatmany customers who usedto frequent Annam might notknow about Saigon Pearl.
“We have a lot of follow-ers. When people come inhere just by chance and theyremember us from Annam,they get so excited. They areso happy that we havereopened in a new location.”
TH
ES
IDE
ON
Owner Mai McDowellwith a couple of SaigonPearl’s appetizingentrees.
1 BBQ Combo ($12.95)2 Spring Rolls & BBQ Chicken NoodleSalad ($9.50)3 Green Papaya Salad ($8.95)
Leah Friel photos
New Location,Same OldGood Eats
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2 3
$75ala carte menu not available.
3660 Waialae Ave. • 737-1177www.3660.com
O N T H E R I S E
VALENTINE’S DAYFebruary 14 5:30 – 8:30
Garlic Scallion Shrimp ORShort Rib Tortellini
Spinach Salad
Fire Roasted Beef Tenderloin,Truffled Mushroom Sauce OR
Grilled Fresh Catch,Blue Crab & Kahuku Corn
Chocolate Raspberry Torte
1345 S. King Street
Corner of S. King St.
& Sheridan St.
Close to Ala Moana
Shpg Cntr & Wal Mart
TEL.942-4848www.fujio-food.com
Bento and Assorted Musubi Available daily
Japanese Home Style Restaurant“Hinone Mizunone”
Please enjoy the KAMADAKIGOHAN
cooked completely by “Ogama”.
*DAILY SPECIAL TEISHOKU*
Open Daily 11am - 9 pmLunch 11 am - 4 pm • Dinner 4 pm - 9 pm
• Duck Salad w/ Oriental Dressing• Shrimp & Scallop Wrapped in Bacon• Live Dungeness Crab - Country Style• Honey Glazed Walnut Shrimp• Roasted Peking Duck• Sautéed Seasonal Vegetable• Chef So’s House Fried Rice• DESSERT- Mango Pudding
DINNER $24.95per person (10 people min)
LUNCH $10.95
Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa • Street Level • 2424 Kalakaua Ave., Ewa Tower • 971-1818www.seafoodvillagehawaii.com • Ask About Our Kama‘Aina Special Discount * $3 Self Park Validation
SPECIALS NOT VALID ON HOLIDAYS. ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIREDSPECIALS NOT VALID ON HOLIDAYS. ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with a special 3-course menu for $95. First Glance: Ginger Cured Salmon, Asian Pear Salad, Foie Gras Mousse and Duck Confi t, or Seared Diver ScallopsTrue Romance: Bone-in Filet Mignon, Pistachio Dijon Lamb Loin, Kona Kampachi, Hamakua Tomato Risotto, or King & Queen LobsterSweet Endings: Kona Chocolate and Raspberry Mousse
An oceanfront view to savor with steaks and seafood grilled to order.
Special price is per person. Coupons or additional offers may not be included. Maximum of 6 persons per reservation. Evening and aloha attire. Dress shorts acceptable. No t-shirts, casual, swim shorts, tank tops or slippers. Information subject to change without notice.
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Sushi Izakaya Shinn offers amodern ambiance.
Sushi Deluxe ($38)
Leah Friel photos
Sushi
As you gaze the expansive menu at SushiIzakaya Shinn, take a moment to look up andyou’ll notice just how plush this restaurant is,
with complementary décor surrounding you from allangles. It has a mood fitting for a cozy date or a fam-ily celebration. And for either occasion or anything inbetween, Sushi Deluxe ($38), by owner YukiYamamoto’s own admission, is the eatery’s mostpopular and delicious dish.
Sushi Deluxe platter has a variety of pieces thatspan the sushi rainbow. Some of the sushi pieces arespear squid, a seasonal Japanese mackerel, egg rolltomago, scallop, sea urchin, akami tuna roll and anoriginal tuna roll.
Although known for its sushi preparation and qual-ity, Sushi Izakaya Shinn also offers a large selectionof sashimi, salads and skewers that may all be sharedamong your table.
Sushi Izakaya Shinn Where:2065 S. Beretania St.,Honolulu
Call:946.7466
Hours:Monday-Saturday5-11:15 p.m.
ın style
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New Hours of Operation:Breakfast Service: Monday-Friday 6:30am-10:00am
Saturday and Sunday 6:30am-9:30amLunch Service: Monday-Friday 11:00am-2:00pmBrunch Buffet: Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-2:00pmDinner Buffet: Wednesday-Sunday 5:00pm-9:30pm
A new twist on an old favorite
*For information/reservations callPagoda Restaurant at 948-8356
or go to our website at:Pagodahawaii.com
Adults: $41.95 | Children (5-8): $18.95
Enjoy some refreshing Valentine’s Day Drink Specials
❤❤
❤❤❤
SOUP OF THE DAYNew England Clam Chowder
SALAD BARTofu Watercress Salad | Asian Chicken Salad |Caesar Salad
POKE BARBlackened Sashimi | Shrimp Cocktail |Variety of Poke’sACTION STATIONRoasted Garlic & Herb Prime Ribw/Homemade Horseradish & Au JusSushi Station Featuring: Spicy Tuna &California Hand-Rolls
Pasta Station: Penne Pasta w/GrilledChicken & Macadamia Nut Pesto CreamFEATURED HOT ENTREESSteamed Alaskan Snow Crab Legs | Shrimp& Vegetable Tempura | Steamed Whole RedSnapper w/Asian Pesto Sauce | Baked OysterRockefeller | Seafood Medley w/Black BeanSauceDESSERT BarChocolate Dipped Strawberries | Soft ServeIce Cream w/Assorted Toppings | Red VelvetCupcakes | White Chocolate Bread Pudding| Pecan Pie and Much More!!!
Sauteed Mahi withLobster Sauce
Steak & ShrimpChicken Alfredo Pasta
Call 922-6868for Reservations & Information
2284 Kalakaua Ave.Open 7 Days from 11am-10pm
Lunch 11am - 4pmDinner 5pm - 10pm
at the old Waikiki III TheatresParking available at the Pro-Park locationSeaside Ave. Pay $2 at the Restaurant.
www.atlantisseafoodsteak.com
$12.95Early BirdSpecial Only
OPEN TUE-SUN LUNCH 11AM-2PM, DINNER 5-8:30PM • Closed Monday Lunch & Dinner100 N. Beretania Street #113 (Parking inside Chinese Cultural Plaza) 536-3035
Includes: Scoop Rice, Miso Soup,Tea,Tofu,Gyoza,Green Salad or Tsukemono
with any Pizza, Pasta, orRisotto menu itemStarting from
$8.98
Good for any item of equal or lesser value. OriginalCoupon required. Not valid on retail items or bottledbeverages. One discounted item per coupon.Not combinable with any other offer. No cash value.Exp. 2/29/12.
Kobe Japanese Steak House1841 Ala Moana Blvd.941-4444
Hinone Mizunone1345 South King St.942-4848
Hifumi Japanese RestaurantChinese Cultural Plaza536-3035
JAPANESE
Z PizzaWard Centre Auahi St. Shops596-0066
Kailua 151 Hekili St.230-8400
G SushiMarket City Shopping Center2919 Kapiolani Blvd. #23732-9661
IchirikiAiea 98-150 Kaonohi St.484-2222
Honolulu 510 Piikoi St.589-2299
ITALIANBella Mia ItalianRestaurant & Pizzeria1137 11th Ave. 737-19372222 S. Beretania St. 941-4400
Curry KingWard Warehouse1050 Ala Moana Blvd. #1400591-8855
Romanos Macaroni GrillAla Moana CenterHookipa Terrace356-8300
Happy Valley Pasta & Pizza3106 Monsarrat Ave.737-0080
Genki SushiStadium Market Place 488-9202Aina Haina 373-4033Ala Moana 942-9102Ewa Town Center 683-1003Kaneohe 247-9595Kapahulu 735-7700Kapolei Commons 674-4227Waikele Center 678-3180Waiau 485-0227Ward Center 591-5600Kukui Grove 808-632-2450Maui Mall 808-873-7776Lahaina 808-661-0333Kona 808-327-6776
Blue Hawaii Sushi1140 Kuala St., Pearl CityAcross Wal-Mart456-2128
D I N I N G O U T | F E B . 5 - 1 1 , 2 0 1 2 | 2 1
Valid at Participating Locations:Waikiki (Ala Moana), Hilo, Pearl City, and Windward Mall
Valid at Participating LocationsWindward Mall 235-4467
Pearl City 486-4467 • Hilo 959-2600Waikiki (Ala Moana Blvd) 949-4467
www.ihophawaii.com
Nice Day Chinese Seafood RestaurantLiliha Square by Times Supermarket
524-1628
Excludes Set Menus; Roast Pork, Roast Duck, Char Siu& other specials. 5%, 10% and lobster special not tobe combined with any other offer/discounts/specials.Expires 2/29/12. Must present coupon.
Credit Card Sale Only(With Coupon)
Hong Kong Dim Sum & Regular Menu Items
Dim Sum Take Out Special! 8am-11:30am
10% OFF(Charge) • 15% OFF(Cash)
Dim Sum & Reg. Menu Dine In Special!
5% OFF(Charge) •10% OFF(Cash)
10% OFF
Celebrating 10 Years!
Cash Sale Only (With Coupon)
5% OFF
Happy Day Chinese Restaurant3553 Waialae Avenue
738-8666Excludes Set Menu; Roast Pork, Roast Duck, Char Siu & other specials.
5%, 10% and lobster special are not to be combined with any otheroffer/discounts/specials. Expires 2/29/12. Must present coupon.
Lobster $999
with purchase of Full Price EntreeValid 5-10:30pm
Lobster $999
with purchase of Full Price EntreeValid 5-10:30pm
$15.95 Complete Dinner
$11.45 Complete Lunch& after 10:30 p.m.
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
947-2836Open 7 Days • 2700 So. King St.
Sapporo & Kirin (large) $5.75after 10:30pm
New Hours 5:30 - 6:45pm
YAKINIKUMILLION
626 SHERIDAN ST. (behind Walmart) 596-0799SUN-THUR 11AM-MIDNIGHT/ FRI-SAT 11AM-2AM Since 1989
Kalbi Seaweed Soup Kim Chee Chi-Ke Stone Pot Bi Bim Bap
Take $500 OFFyour purchase of $35 or more.
exp. 2/9/12. cannot be combined with other offers/specials. must present coupon. Limit one coupon per party.
• 14 broths • 6 meats • 100 different ingredients
BYOB
951-78782700 S. King St. (near 7-11 at King St./University) M-Th 4pm-12am | F-Sun 4pm-1am
WAIMALU98-020 Kam Hwy.488-8824
WAIPAHU94-256 Waipahu Depot St.
676-2088
EWA BEACH SHOP. CTR.91-919 Fort Weaver Rd.
689-0999www.shirossaimin.com
Dear Hearts and to people in business,
Saimin Havenly Yours,
Shiro ‘the desire to improve is a must’ Matsuo
“When you’ve reached the pinnacle of successBe happy but don’t gloat over itCause that’s when the real battle beginsCompetitors would like to knock your block offThat’s when you have to show what you’re made ofThe guts, the fortitude to endure come what mayTo be complacent is a cardinal sinSomeday you’ll be bypassed and considered ancientDefinitely a has been.”
Makino Chaya98-150 Kaonohi St. 486-5100 Sushi Izakaya
2065 S. Beretania St946-7466
Sakura Terrace Japanese Cafe1240 South King Street 591-1181
Choon Chun Chicken1649 Kalakaua Ave.447-4492
Kozo SushiKahala Mall 738-KOZOKeeaumoku 946-KOZOMoiliili 951-KOZOPearlridge 483-6805Pearl City 455-6805
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Maple Garden /Yen King909 Isenberg Street • 941-6641www.MapleGardenHawaii.com
Lunch $11.95Kids $7.50 (Ages 5–12)
Dinner $15.95Kids $9.00 (Ages 5–12)
Reservations Recommended*Free parking available at First Hawaiian Bank
BuffetSpecialsBuffet
Specials
Celebrate Your Valentine’s Dinner with Hawaii’s Best EntertainerMelveen Leed, Singing Romantic Love Songs
Special Four-Course Dinner • First Seating: 5pm • Second Seating: 8pmTuesday, February 14th
Starter Grilled Pork Tenderloin Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce and Cucumber Salad
Compliment with a glass of Sparkling Chandon “Riche”
Choice of Appetizer Combination Appetizers Platter (Minimum Two People) Fresh Oyster On Ice with Lemongrass Garlic Mignonette Smoked Salmon Pate Terrine with Rainbow Vegetables
Roasted Butternut Squash and Lobster Bisque Smoked Duck Breast Carpaccio Salad with Tangerine Vinaigrette
Japanese Eggplant & Zucchini Soufflé (For Vegetarian) Compliment with a glass of Pinot Gris Heger Or Pinot Noir Au Bon Climat
Choice of Entrée Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass with Lobster Reduction
Steamed Chinese Style Fresh Onaga with Ginger & Shiitake MushroomGrilled Mongolian Style Colorado Lamb Chops with Merlot Demiglaze
Asian Style Braised Kurabuta Pork Osso Bucco and Baby Vegetables Deconstructed Grilled Beef Tenderloin Wellington
(add $25 for Kobe Beef)
Grilled Vegetable Wellington with Spicy Tomato Basil SauceCompliment with a glass of Chardonnay Trefethen
Or Meritage Sterling Vineyards “VC”
DessertChef Chai’s Signature Dessert Sampler
FREE VALET PARKING • www.chefchai.com • 585-0011Aloha Tower Marketplace
Buy onedinner entree,
receive 2nd entree
50% OFFvalid Sun, Mon & Tues
Expires 2/14/12.
Special GuestJake
ShimabukuroFeb. 5 & 27
MELVEEN LEED
$69.95 Per Person
$24.95 Additionalwith Wine Pairings
3579 Waialae Avenue737-8820
Also Available Curry & SteakMonday-Sunday 10:30am-2:30pm, 5pm–10pm
High Qualityat Affordable Prices!
CHIRASHISPECIAL14.95CHIRASHISPECIAL14.95
Outrigger Reef on the Beach • 2169 Kalia Road •
923–2277Valet parking available
BEACH FRONT DINING
Celebrate Valentine’s Week
at the Ocean House
call for reservations today!
98-150 Kaonohi St. • Tel: 486-5100
*Menu and prices subject to change.
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. Excluding Valentine’s Day. Expires 2/17/12
KAMA‘AINA SPECIAL!
20% OFFLUNCH & DINNER
BIRTHDAY SPECIAL!FREE BIRTHDAY MEAL FOR ANY AGEWith Family & Group LUNCH & DINNER 20% OFFMust have minimum party of 4. One Birthday coupon per party of 4. Coupon validon actual birthday, ID required. Not combinable with other discounts. Discounts offregular adult price. No online or photo-copied coupons. Must purchase beverage. Expires 2/17/12
*Menu and prices subject to change.
WHERE TO DINE
Pho My Lien98-150 Kaonohi St.488-4900
VIETNAMESE
Bangkok Chef1627 Nuuanu Ave. • 585-88392955 E. Manoa Rd. • 988-0212900 N. Nimitz Hwy. • 536-8570
Fukuya Delicatessen & Catering2710 S. King St.946-2073
OKAZUYA
Shabu Shabu King2700 S King St.951-7878
The Ocean House Restaurant2169 Kalia Rd., Outrigger Reef Hotel923-2277
Saigon Pearl1430 Kona St., #101955-7888
MEXICAN
Yakiniku Million626 Sheridan St.596-0799
El Charro Mexicano Aiea Restaurant99-115 Aiea Heights Drive 488-9727
Nuuanu Okazuya1351 Nuuanu Ave.533-6169
D I N I N G O U T | F E B . 5 - 1 1 , 2 0 1 2 | 2 3
2 4 | D I N I N G O U T | F E B . 5 - 1 1 , 2 0 1 2
hen asked what makesNuuanu Okazuya unique
from other localokazuyas, owner Mark
Kitagawa mentions thefood … along with other characteris-tics of the homey eatery.
“We’re open seven days a week andwe take plastic — Visa, Mastercardand debit cards,” Kitagawa says. “Wealso specialize in fishcakes.”
Established by the Nagamine fam-ily about 30 years ago, NuuanuOkazuya is well known for its localand Japanese “comfort food,” accord-ing to Kitagawa, who was born andraised in Hawaii and has been in thefood and beverage industry for morethan 20 years.
“I noticed a decline in okazuyas(Japanese delicatessens) in Honoluluthat I grew up with and I wanted tokeep that tradition going,” he says ofhis motivation to partner with theNagamines in 2007. “We feature foodthat I grew up with.”
Nuuanu Okazuya provides cus-tomers with a wide-ranging menu,which can be found on the eatery’swebsite, nuuanuokazuya.com.However, manager Johnathan Mosleynotes that not all items listed aremade daily.
“Our menu gives you an idea of theextent of what we cook,” he says.“On any given day, you’ll see some ofthat, but it’s not necessarily the same
day after day.”In addition to its variety of fish-
cakes — available with ingredientssuch as salmon ($1.25), shrimp andonion ($1.25) and vegetable ($1) —Nuuanu Okazuya also is known forits Furikake Chicken Katsu ($3.50),Kobu Maki ($2.15) and Andagi(prices vary).
“I have 80-plus flavors of andagithat I make,” says Mosley, referringto choices such as GermanChocolate, Macadamia Nut and LiHing Mui.
“Johnathan constantly makes newflavors of andagi,” adds Kitagawa.
Andadog ($1) — similar to a corndog — is another customer favorite.
“Andadog comes in three options:spicy, sweet mustard or traditional,”Mosley says.
Musubis also are ordered fre-quently at the eatery, which pro-vides traditional Spam ($1.50) andnori (80 cents) musubis, as well asmore unique creations, includingthe ever-popular Shrimp TempuraMusubi ($2.15) and Fried RiceMusubi ($1.25).
“Right now, we have three flavors(for our Shrimp Tempura Musubis)— sweet chili, sweet mustard andteri miso,” Kitagawa says.
Other customer favorites are theeatery’s saimin — available in small($4) and large ($4.75) sizes — as wellas Kimpira Gobo ($2.50).
The majority of items on NuuanuOkazuya’s menu are a la carte, withthe exception of Daily Bento ($6),which comes with rice, an omelet,Spam, Big Island Portuguesesausage, fish, furikake chicken andKabocha pumpkin slice or KimpiraGobo. Kitagawa says that individualsalso have the option of ordering cus-tom bentos. Plate specials ($7.85) —featuring mac salad, two scoops ofrice and a choice of entrées such asCurry Chicken Katsu, HamburgerSteak and Teriyaki Beef — are avail-able as well.
No meal is complete withoutdessert, and Kitagawa notes that theeatery provides unique choices forits customers.
“We have Lilikoi Bars, LemonBars, Carrot Cupcakes, Energy Barsand Assorted Cookies,” he states.“They all come from my cousin onthe Big Island, so you won’t be ableto find these here in Honolulu.Energy Bars are extremely popular.”
These desserts, which aren’t listedon the eatery’s menu, cost about $5.
Most of the orders at NuuanuOkazuya are takeout, according toKitagawa, who says that cateringorders are available.
“We have a small catering menulisted on our website, but if customerswant to do a small catering function,we work with them, as far as whatthey want on the menu,” he says.