Hawaii Dining Out 01 Aug 2010

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O OA AH HU U ’’ S S A AN NS SW WE R T O YO U R A P P E T I T E

ono, you know

Trippin’ on the finest pasta in Honolulu Byy Alana a Folen Left: A forkful of pasta is what the author is craving at Angelo Pietro, where the restaurant’s Eggplant and Spicy Ground Beef Pasta plate goes for $12.75.

ange... mange, bella!” which translated means, “Eat, eat, beautiful!” is a phrase I’ve heard all my life.

Born into a family with southern Italy roots, I often made trips to New Jersey to visit my father’s family and enjoy lots and lots of homemade pasta! My grandmother would never skip a beat in preparing it for every dinner — and let me tell you, when it comes to dinners with a loud Italian famiglia like mine — that’s enough pasta to last all evening long.

Pasta is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

It’s healthy and delicious, and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer your pasta light and delicate with an Asian flair or rich and hearty with a garlic cream sauce, you’ll never be disappointed with this versatile staple.

On my most recent trip to Rome last summer I was fortunate enough to experience some of the best pasta in the world!

With this in mind, my expectations were

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high as I set forth on this week’s mission in search of some of the best “Ono, You Know” pasta in town. But, oh, for the love of pasta, my expectations were exceeded each time. With every bite, it felt as if I was back in Italy or enjoying a meal at my grandmother’s kitchen table and getting ready to shout, “pasta buonissima!”

AngeloPietro A unique blend of Japanese and Italian flavors is found at this Eurasian restaurant on Kapiolani Boulevard. Specializing in salads, pizza and most importantly pastas, Angelo Pietro puts a flavorful twist on your traditional Italian dish. Pietro’s, as it’s called by its loyal customers, originated in Fukuoka, Japan, in 1980. Today, there are close to 100 Pietro Spaghetti Restaurants throughout Japan, and we’re lucky to have one right here in the Islands.

The spaghetti is made fresh daily and all recipes come straight from the original source (Japan). My favorite is the Eggplant and Spicy Ground Beef Pasta ($12.75), cooked al dente and paired with a light tomato and garlic oil sauce. The eggplant provides a rich texture to the dish and the spice from the ground beef gives off just the right seasoning to quickly make this

dish one to add to your “must have” list.

General manager Tomohiko Shiomi agrees, saying that it’s one of the most popular items on the menu. For diners who are indecisive in their choice or may just want a little bit of everything, Pietro’s allows you to create your own masterpiece by combining different ingredients, ranging from an array of vegetables like asparagus and mushrooms, to meats and seafood like bacon, sausage, chicken, tuna, shrimp, squid and scallops, to name a few. Pick your choice of sauce from tomato, shoyu, cream or garlic oil, or mix it up for something original. Add on extra toppings for an additional charge. At the top of the list is the pasta with Chicken & Mushroom ($10.25), Shrimp & Broccoli ($10.75) and for the adventurous diner try the Natto and Bacon Pasta ($9.25) for a bit of Japanese flair. The pasta is cooked to perfection, so why not add on more to your meal for $3 more? Pietro’s is the perfect example of the Italian influence found throughout the world.

Angelo Pietro 1585 Kapiolani Blvd. #110 941.0555 AtlantisSeafood&Steak Located in the heart of Waikiki is this steak and seafood lover’s paradise. Perfect for young couples out on a first date, honeymooners in love or the entire family, this eatery allows patrons to dine under a

o s i M c i l Gar te a l P n e k Chic

ust 1st!

Starts Aug

$

5.75

d, daily Fast foo :30pm 9 m a 11:00

Right: Frank Bennett, manager of Atlantis Seafood & Steak. Below: Atlantis’ Whole Maine Lobster Pasta consists of a fresh lobster placed atop spaghetti and smothered in butter cream sauce.

ship’s majestic frame. If it’s steaks, live crab or island-caught fish you’re after, you’ll find it here.

Yet, I guarantee you, it’s the pasta you’ll be begging for. “The Ocean Seafood Pasta ($24.95) is the No. 1-seller out of everything on our menu,” says manager Frank Bennett. “It’s a universal dish that every– See page 16

sage u a S e s tugue r o P r o Spam /Rice w e t t e l ome $

4.99

urs only kfast ho d, brea 10:30am o fo st a F m11:00p

Restaurant price $6.75 for Ga Garlic arlic Miso Chicken, $5.99 for Portuguese Sausage or Spam Omelette during breakfast hours only. Offers good August 1 - 31, 2010. Offer not valid with any other promotional pr offers, coupons, cou ou upons, and discount cards. While supplies last. Other restrictions may apply. |

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cover story

Makino’s Solution to a A

?

Go Bento

t Makino Chaya these days, it’s all about the bento — the home-packed meal with aesthetically pleasing arrangements that’s long been a staple in Japanese cuisine.

Although better known for its unique concept in buffet dining, the restaurant has turned its attention to mass-producing these convenient lunch-sized boxes — all of which are deliciously packed with multiple sides such as yakisoba noodles, gyoza, tamago, mac salad and, yes, white rice. Even better, the bentos are sold at basement-low prices.

The reason? Customers have absolutely fallen hard for Makino’s value-packed meals, flocking daily to the restaurant’s two locations at Westridge Shopping Center in Aiea and at Aloha Tower Marketplace in downtown Honolulu. Many are walking into the restaurant at lunchtime and choosing among nine bentos, including Crab Meat Omelette, Grilled Salmon and the ever-popular Miso Butterfish. Meanwhile, others looking to feed a large gathering are placing special orders with the restaurant, which is more than willing to accommodate any request provided the orders are placed one day in advance.

Standing at the forefront of this movement is Makino’s general manager, Chris Mitchell, a New York native who’s been with the Japanese food eatery for nearly 11 years. Mitchell insists that Makino’s buffet formula, built on Japanese dishes, seafood and beef, continues to be the driving force behind the restaurant’s ongoing popularity.

Still, he readily acknowledges

Tough

Economy

the impact his bentos have had on locals’ diets lately — an attractive option for many struggling to feed the family in tough economic times.

Dining Out caught up with Mitchell at the Aiea location recently, and got him to shed fur-

DO: Why do you think the bentos have been in such demand?

ther light on this surge in lunchbox sales and why his customers have — dare we say it? — gone mento for bento.

fordable. We have three sizes and they cost $2.97, $3.97 and $4.97.

So, for a lot of the people, they feel that if they can’t afford to do the buffet with us, then they can at least have the bento — which allows them to get at least a few pieces of what’s on our buffet.

What we’ve noticed since we started the bentos is that we

Dining Out: Your bentos appear to fly off your shelves, so to speak, at an amazingly high rate.

How many of these boxed lunches do you sell on a given day or in a week?

Chris Mitchell: The maximum I’ve done at this store in one day was a special order of about 800.

In a week, it’s been well over 2,000. Over at Aloha Tower, it’s gotten as high as 1,500 in a week.

CM: Well, for one thing, we offer a lot with our bentos, as all our bentos have about 12 or 13 sides in them. They’re also af-

Top: Cook David Valiente holds the Crab Meat Omelette with Crab Shumai, Garlic Ahi and Lemon Chicken bentos, all of which are priced at $3.97. Above Left Crab Meat Omelette with Crab Shumai bento Bottom: Bentos for $4.97 include the Miso Butterfish and Grilled Salmon.

Photos including cover shot by Nathalie Walker

– See page 4 D I N I N G

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cover story

Bentos that satisfy customers’ appetites, wallets Makino Chaya Where:

Makino’s Bentos

• 1 Aloha Tower Drive Call: 585.6360

Where:

TOKYO CHICKEN comes with white rice, yakisoba, crab shumai, broccoli, tomato, gyoza and tamago.

• Westridge Shopping Center 98-150 Kaonohi Place Call: 486.5100

$2.97

Lunch Hours:

GARLIC AHI, LEMON CHICKEN, CRAB MEAT OMELETTE and SABA BENTO come with white rice, yakisoba, mac salad, gyoza, chicken, broccoli, tamago, seaweed salad and crab shumai.

CRAB MEAT SALAD has all of the above sides, plus four California rolls and Inari. $3.97

Monday-Friday, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dinner Hours:

Monday-Thursday, 6-9 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 5:30-9 p.m.

BARBECUE PORK RIBS, GRILLED SALMON and MISO BUTTERFISH comes with white rice, yakisoba, mac salad, shrimp shumai, gyoza, shrimp tempura (1), lemon shrimp (1), broccoli, chicken, seaweed salad, tamago and tomato.

– From page 3

have a lot of repeat customers. There’s a woman, Carol, for example, who comes to this store three times a week just to order the same bento. She orders 12 for some of the senior citizens at the home where her mother stays. I even have one of the guys on the Board of Education who keeps coming in twice a week to place his order. I asked him what the deal was and he said that they were in the process of interviewing principals for the new school year, and needed a reliable place to order food from. He said, “Yours is the best deal in town, so we’re going with you.” I asked him if it was because the bentos were cheaper, or if was it because they were good.

“Both,” he said.

DO: How often do you change your bentos?

CM: I’ve been in the restaurant business close to 20 years, and I’ve

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$4.97

*Please place orders one day in advance

worked a la carte and buffet. With our bentos and buffet, you have to constantly change things up.

With us, today there may be octopus salad; tomorrow, however, it won’t be there. With the bentos, we try to change them once every other month, just to keep people interested.

DO: You appear to have enough bentos to satisfy your meat-loving customers. What about a bento for vegetarians?

CM: We actually do accommodate some vegetarians. What I’ll do is put my chef on the phone with the customer and he’ll come up with a vegetarian bento based on the customer’s recommendations. We don’t get too many of those

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type of orders, maybe a couple every other week.

But when they come, we do our best to fill the order.

DO: What’s your most sought-after bento? And how do you continue offering your bento boxes at such low prices?

take it off the plate and microwave it.”

CM: My Miso Butterfish is my No. 1 item. I’ve never taken that item off my menu and don’t plan to do so anytime soon. I see what customers like and I’m always trying to get the best deals so that I don’t have to raise my prices.

For example, I could bring Bento chef Tony Shigihara with some of in King Crab, the buffet line items customers enjoy at but then I’d Makino Chaya: mixed sushi (at top right), snow crab legs (above) and sushi inari (at have to push right). the cost on to the customer.

In these tough economic Right now, the times, that’s what the ben- economy is not tos are for. We have people good and jobs are who take them home for hard. So we’re dinner. I just tell them, “Put just trying to it in the refrigerator and keep people when you’re ready to eat, happy and their bellies full.

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

EDITOR Jo McGarry JMcGarry@ staradvertiser.com

SALES MANAGER Sandi Sakaguchi Phone: 342.8802 Fax: 529.4898 SSakiguchi@ staradvertiser.com

Breakfast

7 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Dinner

5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Free e Parking Subject to Availability For Reservations:

923-2277

Breaking Surf, Breathtaking Sunsets, and Unbelievable Ocean Front Dining at Reasonable Prices.

Locally Operated in the Outrigger Reef Hotel

2169 Kalia Road

W W W . H O N O L U L U D E S I G N C E N T E R . C O M

Wine, Appetizers, Music and a lot of Fun

Asian-American Cuisine, Stage continues to delight

Wine Lovers, it’s your night every night at Amuse, Honolulu’s most unique self-serve wine bar.

Come discover why Amuse has become the gathering place before a hot night on the town.

Prix Fixe tasting menu is a smash hit with Stage’s dinner audiences six days a week.

Stage Restaurant’s Executive Chef Ron de Guzman has listened to many of his regular Stage diners and have created a 6 course tasting menu that reflects the “Stars” on Stage’s dinner menu. A delectable tasting of seafood, beef, lamb and delightful dessets. It’s a “box office smash” that will enjoy a long run to the pleasure of Honolulu’s “foodies-in-the-know”.

Come experience, first hand, Stage’s eclectic atmosphere, impressive 400+ wine selection, discrete dining service, Contemporary Asian-American Cuisine, and decadent desserts. Discover why Stage is THE restaurant to enjoy six days of the week… honest!

Whether its lunch or dinner, we invite you and guests you’d love to impress to savor a Stage experience for yourselves.

Call 808.237.5429 for reservations.

We look forward to serving you soon.

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inside feature

A Korean Eatery that’s

About

JoMcGarry

one in a Million

Dining Out editor Jo McGarry has been writing about food, wine and whisky for nearly 25 years. She grew up in Scotland and spent many summers visiting France, Spain and Italy, learning about the culture of food and wine. After settling in Hawaii, she later began working as a restaurant specialist for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and writing a food column for MidWeek. Since then, she’s hosted a radio show — devoted to the pursuit of excellent food and wine restaurants and chefs — authored the Hawaii Tailgate Cookbook and served as a contributor to international wine and food magazines. As a result, her opinions are highly sought-after by restaurant owners, chefs and diners looking for great deals.

Discounted Prices!

Mon - Fri Lunch Saturday Lunch Sunday Brunch Daily Dinner

Y

akiniku Million has been a favorite spot of chefs for years. Partly due to the latenight hours (the restaurant used to open until 5 a.m.) and largely because of the excellent Korean food, Million has earned a reputation as the kind of place to head to after a long shift at work, when an ice-cold beer and a hot plate of bi bim bap sound perfect.

But the family-run restaurant does a brisk trade during lunchtime and early evening hours as well — especially when the weather is hot and the noodle soups are chilled.

The restaurant opened in 1989 and since then has been known for yakiniku, Korean-style plate lunches, great value soups, dozens of tasty side dishes and possibly the best meat jun in Honolulu.

But don’t expect to learn the secrets of the restaurant’s divine

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$19.95 . . $14.95 $24.95 . . $19.95 $34.95 . . $29.95 $34.95 . . $29.95

Please present coupon. Not valid in banquet rooms. One coupon per table.

Cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts or be used on

Hawaii’s Original Garden Restaurant

952-9200 www.willowshawaii.com

potato salad or spicy chap chae, no matter how frequently you dine. The cucumber kim chee might be for sharing, but the recipes are not. Ask Angela Park, one of the sisters who run Million, about the meat jun and she’ll give you a big smile when you inquire what makes the meat so tender.

“It’s secret sauce,” she says, 2 0 1 0

Above: Bi Bim Gook Soo comes with numerous sides. Right: Angela Park is one of the co-owners of Yakiniku Million.

laughing. The sauce might be secret, but the fact that Million’s meat jun is a contender for the best in Honolulu is not. “Lots of people tell us we have the best meat jun,” says Angela.

Trips to Korea ensure the staff – See page 8

LUNCH SPECIAL

Complete Japanese Set Lunch

8.95

$

*Not to be combined with any other specials.

Must present coupon to recieve discount.

Excludes beverages. Expires Aug. 15, 2010.

Also Available Curry, Steak & Pasta

Monday-Sunday LUNCH 10:30AM-2:30PM DINNER 5PM-11PM

3579 Waialae Avenue • 737-8820

lite bites

Feasting on Saturday Night Suppers at Vino Byy Jo o McGarry

W

hat makes a restaurant stand out from the crowd is a desire to create great food served in an interesting environment.

Certainly both of those goals are achieved at Vino, where the menu changes often and the staff is committed to a complete dining experience.

Of course, you can just go for dinner (the restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday evenings), but there are so many opportunities at Vino to take your food and wine pairing experiences just a little further.

Blind tastings are one way.

Master Sommelier Chuck Furuya loves to encourage guests to bring bottles of their own favorite wines to dinner and then solicits comments

from them on which wines are the best. Oftentimes, the leastexpensive wines win popular approval. Monthly tastings and wine dinners afford ample opportunity for oenophiles to

an opportunity to take part in one of the newest concepts at Vino: a Saturday Night Supper.

Here, guests are offered a threecourse dinner in which each course comprises a newly created dish paired with wine.

“We’ve done four of these dinners so far,” says Furuya, “and each one of them was terrific.”

Above: Executive chef Keith Endo The creation of a shares original dishes during Saturday Saturday night Night Suppers. Left: Fresh Island Moi menu appeals on served Tuscan-style over white beans. come to many levels. Off-thethe table in like-minded compamenu dishes and unique wine ny, and they are a great way for pairings are just a few, and it’s novice wine drinkers to start no wonder that guests are lineducating their palates. ing up to be included.

On Saturday, Aug. 7, there’s

The meals offer a chance to witness the creativity of executive chef Keith Endo. At the same time, however, they are offered at an extremely reasonable price.

The Aug. 7 menu will feature crispy shrimp with homemade squid pasta, Nalo Farms arugula pesto and a lemon butter sauce. This course will be paired with a 2008 Primaterra Pinot Grigio. Saturday night’s entrée is Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with homemade gnocchi and wild mushroom gremolata, paired with 2008 Tormaresca Neprica.

Just for the record, Endo’s hand-cut pasta, homemade gnocchi and braised short ribs, paired with one of Furuya’s wine selections, are worth the price of admission alone.

what we’re eating

Cool treats are plentiful at Milano’s two locations

A

t Milano Freezer in Manoa Marketplace, we asked Aniko Abrigo and her daughters, Mia and Zoe, what they’d recommend from the colorful, delicious menu of icy treats:

Aniko: “We come here about once or twice a month. We had gelato when we were in France and it reminds us of our trip there. It’s good and I like that everything is very fresh. My favorite is the green tea gelato — and today I’m trying this shave ice that I was given to sample. There’s so much fruit on top and it’s filled with frozen yogurt and azuki beans on the bottom.”

Milano Freezer Where: • Manoa Marketplace 2752 Woodlawn Drive • 8-150 Kaonohi St. Aiea

Call: 988.7744 | 488.7976 Above: Aniko Abrigo, with daughters Mia, at center, and Zoe.

Mia: “I love the chocolate gelato with rainbow sprinkles. Of all the flavors that they have, this one is my favorite. I don’t really know why; I just know that it’s so good. I like to usually have some different toppings, too.”

Website: milanofreezer.com

Zoe: “I love frozen yogurt.

Today I’m having the blueber r y frozen yogurt with cherries. I’d describe it as a ver y sweet and fresh, and I’d recommend any of the frozen yogurts to anybody coming here for the first time. We love them.”

Featuring

BO IRVINE & FRIENDS 8:00PM

$15 TICKETS For tickets and information

CALL 955-0555 W W W. H A L E K O A . C O M

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR HEROES THE HALE KOA WELCOMES ALL ACTIVE DUTY & RETIRED MILITARY, RESERVE/NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS & DEPENDENTS, CURRENT OR RETIRED DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CIVILIANS & SPONSORED GUESTS. D I N I N G

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foodie fare

Eclectic dishes on Ichiban’s menu

By Sarah Pacheco

Sushi Ichiban

New to the Oahu dining scene is Sushi Ichiban, which opened July 4 in the space formerly occupied by 4 King’s Restaurant on Waialae Avenue.

The locally owned restaurant offers an eclectic mix of both local and Japaneseinspired dishes, from pasta and steaks to two sushi bars fully stocked with fresh toro, negi-toro, hamachi and maguro, to name a few.

Right now there is a lunch plate special, where for $8.95 hungry patrons can choose from one of seven entrees to feast on. The

selection includes Chicken Katsu, Ton (Pork) Katsu, Teriyaki Chicken, Teriyaki Beef, Tempura Set (three pieces of shrimp and vegetable tempura), Mochiko Garlic Chicken and Grilled Saba. All entrees come with rice, miso soup, tsukimono, salad with house dressing and a vanilla ice cream dessert.

The atmosphere is casual and family friendly, with plenty of seating all around. Takeout also is available.

Sushi Ichiban 3579 Waialae Ave. 737.8820 Metered and street parking available Open 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-11 p.m. daily

Left: The Tempura Set features both shrimp and vegetable tempura. Above: The sushi bars are stocked with fresh toro and hamachi, to name just a few of the items.

inside feature – From page 6

keeps up with current culinary trends, and this month, a new lunch special showcases soups made with dozens of ingredients and served with a variety of noodles, hot or cold.

Bi Bim Gook Soo is one of the most popular soups on the Yakiniku Million menu. The dish, as colorful as an abstract painting, is splashed with red, topped with boiled egg and beef and has kim chee and vegetables threaded between the cold somen noodles. A firm swish of chopsticks from the middle of the noodles to the outside of the stainless steel bowl is enough to loosen the somen and disperse the ingredients. There’s little soup base in the Bi Bim Gook Soo as the highly seasoned noodles are the main attraction.

Chicken Breast Bi Bim NaengMyun ($8.50) is another cold noodle dish, where buckwheat noodles (black noodle) are served with the restaurant’s special soup base then topped with shredded, tender chicken

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breast.

Love the summer heat and still want your noodles steaming hot? Then try the Hot Noodle Soup with somen, and toppings of beef, kimchee or assorted

$7.50 (tax is included in the price).

Exceptions are Buckwheat Noodles served with skate wing ($8.50), and Mixed Rice with vegetables and beef served in a hot stone pot

make sure to check out the barbecue chicken plates, short ribs and miso butterfish as well as lunch specials that include Bi Bim Bap ($7.50) and Soft Tofu Soup ($7.50) served spicy if you like, with Spam, kimchee, clams or beef.

With tender beef, spicy sauces and cold buckwheat noodles among the dozens of specialties, it’s easy to see why Yakiniku Million is a favorite spot for late night chefs and daytime foodies.

Yakiniku Million Where: 626 Sheridan St. (backside of Walmart)

Hours: Above: Cold Somen Noodles served with beef and kimchi. The soups are part of a lunchtime special in which most dishes are priced at just $7.50.

vegetables.

At lunch, these and a dozen other dishes are offered for just

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($8.50).

If you go with a group — or take along a hearty appetite —

Monday-Sunday 11 a.m.-midnight

Celebrate Your Birthday

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

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

Call: 596.0799

Reservations Recommended

2440 Kuhio Ave.

922 5555

www.hyshawaii.com

eat this

Huli Huli Chicken

at The Ranch House

Place for

Kihoalu & Pupus

By Susan Sunderland Grammy Great. We’re privileged to feature the “great of the greats” at Kani Ka Pila Grille. On Sunday, Aug. 1, beginning a special engagement, we proudly present guitarist Jeff Peterson. Maui-born Peterson, son of a part-Hawaiian paniolo, is one of Hawaii’s most indemand musicians. His versatility and mastery of Hawaiian slack key, classical and jazz guitar are remarkable. He is stellar both as a soloist and accompanist.

Peterson was a featured artist on Hawaii's first Grammy awardwinning CD, Slack Key Guitar Vol. 2 in 1995. His latest Maui on My Mind CD won Slack Key Album of the Year at the 2010 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

Make Sunday sunnier with Peterson’s music and magic. Mark your calendars for Aug. 1, 8, 15, 6 to 9 pm…

S

erved in a shiny stainless steel bowl with plenty rice and fresh, local corn off the cob, the huli huli chicken at The Ranch House has become one of the top-selling dishes on a menu filled with local favorites.

When The Ranch House first opened, the mission was to re-create some of the favorite dishes served more than 20 years ago at the original Ranch House in Aina Haina. And while the prime rib is certainly a big seller, dishes like chicken fried steak (see below) and huli huli chicken have encouraged a whole new generation of devotees.

Best of all, the prices are low. With a menu that lets you add soup and salad for just $2.95 and with many of the meals priced under $14, it’s no surprise that The Ranch House is fast becoming a new family favorite. Take your pick from plates of chili, bowls of spaghetti heaped with meat sauce, or try a taste of Tutu’s Meat Loaf ($13.95).

And if you go as a group, try the special Ohana Dinner for four that features a house salad and a choice of two entrées (included are the huli huli chicken and Mongolian braised short ribs), white rice, mashed potatoes and corn off the cob. Dessert is a platter to share that includes signature ice cream dish “Da Mauna Kea” along with bread pudding.

Jeff Peterson

Faces in the Crowd.

Alex, Nick, Lloyd Kawakami with Donna Angevine and mom Claudette

The Ranch House Where: 449 Kapahulu Ave.

Call: 737.4461

Notes: Dinner nightly: 5-9:30 p.m.

Above: Huli Huli Chicken at the Ranch House. Left: Chicken Fried Steak is another highly recommended signature item.

Jeff Ah Hoy, Chino Montero, Peter Moon Jr.

Kanoaokalani Switzer, Cyril Pahinui, Keolamaikalani Connor

Located poolside at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach 2169 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815 ph. 808.924.4990 Kamaaina rates from $139 per night.

Free valet parking 11am-3pm with purchase.

1.800.OUTRIGGER www.outriggerreef.com

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tableside

tableside @ Tanaka of Tokyo Japanese Steak & Seafood

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ocated on the fourth floor of Ala Moana Center, Tanaka of TokyoWest offers some of the best Japanese seafood and steak platters in the state, and serves them all with flair. Master teppan-yaki chefs, equipped with tabletop grills, dazzle patrons by preparing such entrees as the Shogun Special (see photo at left) and the Daimyo — a combination of choice tenderloin, lobster tail and scallops. Call 945-3443.

Above: Chef Jose Albis gets fired up over a dish that includes bell peppers and mushrooms. Inset: Tanaka of Tokyo’s Shogun Special dinner entree comprises a center-cut filet, Caribbean lobster with scallops and shrimp, Teppan vegetables, miso soup, salad, rice, green tea and ice cream for dessert.

1 | Jennifer, Tazuko, Kinya, Michael and Lynn Narita. 2 | Amanda Higa, with Leonard Jr., Debra and Leonard Chong 3 | Stacie Kamitaki, Ashley Poling and Rachael Reynon 4 | Executive chef Brandon Naval 5 | Luke Dahlquist, Larsen Ibhara and Hiroshi Lamansky 6 | Toni Delos Santos and Frank Davenport 7 | Paul Scriven, Hilmir Drake and Sigrun Johannsdottir 8 | Samuel Kargbo, with Cindy and Dennis Wiles Photos by Leah Friel & Nathalie Walker

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WHERE TO DINE AMERICAN

Symbol Key

Shorebird Restaurant & Beach Bar Outrigger Reef Hotel 2169 Kalia Street 922-2887

Atlantis Seafood & Steak

Breakfast

2284 Kalakaua Avenue 922-6868

Napoleon’s Bakery Located inside of Zippy’s

BUFFET Camellia Buffet

Lunch d.k Steakhouse

Dinner

901 Hausten St. 952-9200

2552 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki Marriott Beach Hotel 931-6280

After Midnight Alcohol served

Makino Chaya

Ala Moana - Ho‘okipa Terrace 943-2525 Moanalua Center 422-8585 Town Center Mililani 623-4949 Windward Mall 235-5800

Catering

Aloha Tower Mkt place 585-6360 Westridge Mall 486-5100

BAKERY

Ruby Tuesday

Online

La Palme D’or

$9.95 Complete Lunch

Early Bird Special

Sapporo & Kirin (large) $5.25 after 10:30pm

Only

Choose two half-portion appetizers: Spinach Dip, Kickin’ Shrimp, Buffalo/Carolina Wings, Bruschetta, Mozzarella Sticks.

And then enjoy a Cup of Soup of the Day.

12.95

$

Add $3.00 for Complete Meal which includes soup or salad, ice cream

11 am - 7 pm

All Day for Locals with ID Specials not valid on Holidays Lunch 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. • Dinner 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

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

Come hungry. Leave happy.

ALA MOANA BLVD. • KUHIO AVE PEARL CITY • KANEOHE • HILO Other discounts not valid.

Dine in Only

15% OFF

Cash Sale Only (With Coupon)

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

Four reasons to put dinner at Tony Roma’s® on the top of your list!

New Hours 5:30 - 7:00pm

With purchase of an entree and a Despicable Me movie ticket stub.

Expires 8/31/10.

Plumeria Beach House

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

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL $14.95 Complete Dinner & after 10:30 p.m.

930 McCully St. 951-0511/0611

Willows, The

947-2836

Open 7 Days • 2700 So. King St.

10% OFF Credit Card Sale Only (With Coupon)

Hong Kong Dim Sum & Regular Menu Items Excludes set menus; Roast Pork, Roast Duck, Char Siu & other specials. Not to be combined with any other offer. Expires 7/31/10.

Nice Day Chinese Seafood Restaurant Liliha Square by Times Supermarket

524-1628

Celebrating 10 Years!

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

15% OFF(Charge) • 25% OFF(Cash) Dim Sum & Reg. Menu Dine In Special!

10% OFF(Charge) • 15% OFF(Cash) 15% OFF Roast Pork, Roast Duck & Char Siu Happy Day Chinese Restaurant

Must present coupon 3553 Waialae Avenue Expires 7/31/10 Excludes set menu; Not to combined with any other offers.

738-8666

922-6868

Choose one half-portion entrees: Chicken Alfredo, Shrimp Scampi Pasta, Chicken Tuscany Pasta, Grilled, Fried or Coconut Shrimp, St. Louis Ribs, Asian or Caesar Salad with your choice of Grilled Shrimp, Grilled Salmon or Chicken.

Choose mini desserts: Apple Cranberry Tart, Raspberry Brownie Royale, Mini Cookie Sundae, or Red Velvet Cake

A 4-course meal for

$23.95

Waikiki Aiea/Pearlridge 98-150 Kaonohi St. • 487-9911 1972 Kalakaua Ave. • 942-2121 Must present this coupon. Not to be combined with any other promo/discount/offer. Expires 8/31/10

Dinner Menu

2 Choice Teishoku Combo

16.75

$

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

Now taking reservations for Lunch & Dinner

Choose from • Broiled Sanma • Broiled Saba • Fried Oyster • Ebi Fry • Saba Nitsuke • Chicken Katsu • Aji Fry • Karaage • Pork Ginger • Sizzling Hamburger Steak • Tempura • Tonkatsu and many more!

1-Choice Teishoku & Ala Carte menu also available Lunch 11 am - 5 pm; Dinner 5 pm - 9 pm Closed Sundays Ready made Bentos available daily

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

Japanese Home Style Restaurant “Hinone Mizunone” Please enjoy the TEL. KAMADAKIGOHAN www.fujio-food.com cooked completely by “Ogama”.

942-4848

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WHERE TO DINE CHINESE

CAFE

909 Isenberg Street 941-6641

Happy Day Chinese Restuarant

Koko Cafe

1585 Kapiolani Blvd. #10 941-0555

Nice Day Chinese Seafood Restaurant 449 Kapahulu Ave. 735-5544

CATERERS A Catered Experience

228

$

T Tropical

Special Price for Table of 10 Chicken Salad with Jelly Fish Imperial Scallop Soup Peking Duck with Bun Salt & Pepper Shrimp Seafood w/Vegetables in Taro Basket Steamed Fish Fillets w/Ginger Scallion Black Mushroom with Baby Pak Choy Steamed Rice, Dessert

Guava Chiffon Cake Lilikoi Chiffon Pie Mango Walnut Bread Tropical Gourmet Cupcake Fresh Pineapple Ultimate Donut Lilikoi Bar Guava Danish Lilikoi Mahina Pie

Guava Chiffon Cake

1055 Alakea St.

525-8585

Bird of Paradise

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

1055 Alakea St. 525-8585

lavor of the Month Starts August 1st! Flavor

Hale Koa Hotel, 2055 Kalia Road.

955-0555 Call for eligibility details.

Seafood Village Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa

Mandalay (The)

94-1068 Ka Uka Blvd.

677-7744

Bibas

Liliha Square 524-1628

Hee Hing Restaurant

N

Angelo Pietro Honolulu

3553 Waialae Ave. 738-8666

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

949-4321

ew!

FAMILY DINING

Maple Garden /Yen King

www.themandalayhawaii.com 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

91-1200 Fort Weaver Rd. 689-2270

Most Delicious Thai Food in Town!

Immensely Popular Plate Lunch For $5.70

Coming Soon to 900 N. Nimtz Hwy 2955 E. Manoa Rd 988-0212 1627 Nuuanu Ave 585-8839 Mon-Sat 10:30am-9pm; Sun 12n-8pm

Call for take out

www.bangkokchefexpress.com

04 PROTEINS. 10 CHEESES. 28 TOPPINGS.

18 SAUCES. 03 BUNS. 09 SPECIALTY DRINKS. 06 DRAFT BEERS. O N E R E S TA U R A N T “BEST BURGER”

– OPRAH WINFREY SHOW

SENIOR SPECIAL

BIRTHDAY SPECIAL FREE BIRTHDAY MEAL FOR ANY AGE With Family Group 20%

Lunch Dinner

OFF

Must have minimum party of 4.

1 Birthday coupon per party of 4.

Coupon valid on actual birthday, ID required.

Not Combinable with other discounts.

Discounts off regular adult price.

No online or photo-copied coupons.

One coupon per group. Expires 8/22/10

30% OFF 50% OFF

Not Combinable with other discounts.

65 or older w/Coupon & ID. No online or photo-copied coupons.

One coupon per person.

Expires 8/22/10

Aloha Tower 585-6360 1 Aloha Tower Dr. 2nd Fl., 3 Hours Parking $1 Pearlridge 486-5100 98-150 Kaonohi St.

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NEW TO HAWAII MENU: # PAPAYA SEED CHICKEN BURGER # CINNAMON MALASADA SHAKE!

KAHALA MALL 739-5100

thecounterburger.com

WHERE TO DINE FAMILY DINING

Kit N Kitchen 1010 University Avenue 942-7622

Don Ho’s Island Grill Aloha Tower Marketplace 528-0807

Wailana Coffee House

FINE DINING

1860 Ala Moana Blvd.

955-1764

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

Kani Ka Pila Grille 2169 Kalia Rd, Outrigger Reef on the Beach 924-4990

Eggs ’N Things

Zippy’s

343 Saratoga Rd. Waikiki 923-3447

Panya Bistro • Bakery • Bar

IHOP Waikiki - 1850 Ala Moana Blvd • 949-4467 Waikiki - Kuhio & Lewers • 921-2400 Pearl City - Times Sq. SC • 486-4467 Kaneohe - Windward Mall • 235-4467 Hilo - Prince Kuhio Plaza • 959-2600

Sam Choy’s BLC

Call the one nearest you.

580 N. Nimitz Hwy. 545-7979

Chai’s Island Bistro

Stage Restaurant

Aloha Tower Market Pl. 585-0011

1250 Kapiolani Blvd.

237-5429

Ala Moana Center Mauka - Mall Level 946-6388

Ranch House, The 449 Kapahulu Avenue, 2nd Floor 737-4461

Planning A Graduation Party?

11AM-3PM |

7.50 include tax

$

WWW.HEEHINGHAWAII.COM

SUMMER MENU

Honeydew Melon Duck Salad Wintermelon Soup with Eight Treasures Roast Chicken with Chinese Miso Roasted Garlic Dungeness Crab Steamed White Fish Fillet with Lemon Shoyu Mongolian Beef with Sweet Onions Wok Grilled Garlic Shrimp Steamed Rice • Mango Tapioca Dessert $219 Table of Ten (Reg. $259)

Hot Noodle Soup w/beef or Kimchee & vegetables L Bi Bim Gook Soo Since 1989 L

YAKINIKU

Let Us Do the Cooking Chinese ChickenRib SaladBuffet Seafood Prime Slow roastedChinamen’s prime rib, roast Hat suckling pig, char siu pork Wrap tenderloin, sashimi, snow crablegs, fresh Shrimp fish poke, tako Roast Duck • Pepper Salt poke, over 25 salads and appetizers, Hawaiian luau Mongolian PorkandChop buffet, delicious Chinese entees much, much more!

Garlic Broccoli • Steamed Rice3 to 12 $27 adults $26 seniors $14 keikis Servedforfrom 9 pm $49 four4 pm (regto$69)

MILLION 596-0799 626 SHERIDAN ST. (backside of Walmart)

NEW HOURS: MON-SUN 11AM-12 MIDNIGHT

Call us for more info on our special “Create Your Own” Graduation Menu, starting at only $10.50/person! (minimum 25 people)

Phone: 677-7744 www.acateredexperience.com

Available daily until 6:30 pm This coupon required. Expires August 8, 2010

One Free Dim Sum Selection with the Purchase of Four Selections

is Oahu’s Answer to Your Appetite Look for it in the Star-Advertiser

Pianist Terry Tom

-Every Friday in tgif -Pull-out section every Sunday Call Sandi Sakaguchi to advertise: 342-8802

One FREE Selection per coupon.

This coupon required. Expires August 8, 2010

presents a special Wine Dinner featuring 1860 Ala Moana Blvd.

Validated Parking Open 24 Hours 955-1764

Performs Every Thursday 6pm to 9pm 449 KAPAHULU AVE., STE. 101

735-5544

808-529-4700 • staradvertiser.com

Wednesday, August 4, 2010 • 7 p.m. $125 inclusive • Limited to first 24 reservations.

Featuring a full-course gourmet meal to complement the following wines from McIntyre Vineyards.

Meet Steve • 2008 ESTATE CHARDONNAY McIntyre, SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS and let him • 2006 MISSION RANCH PINOT NOIR guide you ARROYO SECO through • 2007 MCINTYRE ESTATE PINOT NOIR some of his SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS home estate’s • 2008 KIMBERLEY VINEYARDS MERLOT limited release wines during this exclusive dinner.

3 HOURS FREE VALIDATED PARKING @ ROYAL HAWAIIAN CENTER. R O YA L H AWA I I A N C E N T E R , B U I L D I N G C, L E V E L 3 R E S E R VAT I O N S : 808.922.3600

KOREAN CUISINE

• LUNCH $14.9510:30 AM - 2:30 PM • DINNER $21.953PM-10PM Including: Kal Bi, Sirloin, Chicken, Spicy Pork, Sashimi

*DISCOUNT EXCLUDES ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITH THIS AD. EXP. 8/31/10.

• PRIVATE PARTY ROOM

930 McCully St. • 951-0511 / 951-0611 • CONVENIENT PARKING D I N I N G

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FINE DINING

JAPANESE 100 Holomoana St., Hawaii Prince Hotel 944-4494

Waikiki Business Plaza 2270 Kalakaua Ave. 923-3877

Sansei Seafood Restaurant Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort 2552 Kalakaua Ave, 931-6286

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

Hakone Top of Waikiki

WHERE TO DINE

Kozo Sushi

Sushi Ichiban Hifumi Japanese Restaurant

ITALIAN

3579 Waialae Ave. 737-8820

Makino Chaya

Chinese Cultural Plaza 536-3035

1 Aloha Tower Dr. 2nd Flr. 585-6360 98-150 Kaonohi St. 486-5100

Sushi Company

Hinone Mizunone

1111 McCully Street 947-5411

1345 South King St. 942-4848

Sarento's Top of the "I"

Restaurant Suntory

1777 Ala Moana Blvd.

955-5559

Kobe Japanese Steak House

Sushi King

Royal Hawaiian Shpg Cntr 3rd Flr. 922-5511

1841 Ala Moana Blvd.

941-4444

2700 South King St. 947-2836

NIGHTLY 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

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

Now Selling Udon-Noodles!

is Oahu’s Answer to Your Appetite

Keeaumoku

by Wal-Mart 946-5696 (KOZO)

Call Sandi Sakaguchi to advertise | 342-8802

One coupon per order.

Not valid with other offers. * Offer valid only at Kozo Sushi Keeaumoku Expires 8/10/10

1841 Ala Moana Blvd.

Between Ilikai & Hilton Hawaiian Village

941-4444

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

Japanese Restaurant

SERVING THE BIGGEST AND BEST SHRIMP TEMPURA IN TOWN!

• Dine-In or Take-Out • Gift Certificates 808-529-4700 • staradvertiser.com

• Catering Available

AUGUST SPECIAL Wafu Style

MAHI MAHI OPAKAPAKA $

9.95 $ 13.95 Includes: Rice, Miso Soup, Tsukemono & Tea Not to be combined with any other coupons.

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

100 N. Beretania Street #113

SAUTEED MUSHROOM BURGERS

(Parking inside Chinese Cultural Plaza)

536-3035

Served with French Fries

$12.95

or Sweet Potato Fries with extra $1.00 (reg 5.50 or $3.95-add on order) As a Dessert Sweet Potatoes served with Cinn sugar & Vanilla gelato (Single Scoop $5.95 & Double Scoops $7.50) We are also offering Sweet Potato Fries

Bistro • Bakery • Bar Breakfast • Lunch • Happy Hour • Dinner Ala Moana Center • Mall Level / Mauka (Next to Victoria's Secret)

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• Oriental Chicken Salad • 4 types of Dim Sum (Siu Mai, Half Moon, Seaweed Spring Roll, Manapua) • Szechuan Style Pork w/Garlic Sauce • General Tso's Favorite Chicken • Beef and Broccoli • Seafood Fried Noodle • Dessert - Almond Float per person $ (10 people minimum)

10.95

• Chicken Salad with Oriental Dressing • Crispy Bacon Seafood Combo Wrap • Dungeness Crab - Country Style • Honey Glazed Walnut Shrimp • General Tso’s Favorite Chicken • Seasonal Chinese Green Vegetable • House Fried Rice • Dessert: Mango Pudding

$

24.95

per person (4 people minimum)

Specials not valid on Holidays. Advance Reservations required, please call 971-1818.Valet Parking Only.

SeafoodvillageHyatt.com Ask about our Kama’aina Discount

Hyatt Regency Resort& Spa-Street Level•2424 Kalakaua Ave., #102

Reach for the Star subscribe today 538-NEWS

WHERE TO DINE JAPANESE

Yakiniku Million

Tanaka of Tokyo

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

THAI

PF CHANG'S

626 Sheridan St. 596-0799

1288 Ala Moana Blvd.

596-4710

Bangkok Chef

PACIFIC RIM

Ton Ton Ramen 95-050 Farrington Hwy, Waipahu 677-5388

KOREAN

Frog House Restaurant 1604 Kalakaua Ave. 951-9370

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

Prince Court 100 Holomoana St., Hawaii Prince Hotel 944-4494

3660 on the Rise 3660 Waialae Ave.

Hoku’s

The Ocean House Restaurant

The Kahala Hotel & Resort Hawaii, Hotel 739-8779

2169 Kalia Rd., Outrigger Reef Hotel 923-2277

Souvaly Thai Cuisine 803 Kam Hwy. 455-5888

Slow Roasted, Succulent

$19.95 Prime Rib Mondays

Bringing you the finest in Japanese influenced French pastries. Over 35 different varieties of delicious, ultra fine pastries in Hawaii.

Moana celebrates Mangoes.

This August, join us at our restaurants and bars for special mango-inspired recipes.

Taste our unique dishes and refreshing drinks alongside live entertainment.

Watch cooking demonstrations by expert chefs and gain valuable insights from guest speakers and local farmers. Welcome to Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, where you can truly relish the sweet taste of mangoes.

2nd Annual Mangoes at the Moana Saturday, August 7 9am-4pm Live Entertainment 10am-10pm For more information, call 921-4600 or visit moana-surfrider.com

Ala Moana Center-Mall Level, Mountain side, next to Shirokiya www.lapalmedor-usa.com

941-6161

PORK CHOP FRENCH FRIES PLATTER SPECIAL

This Tuesday and Every Tuesday 5 pm to 8pm *with purchase of regular entrée

SENIOR WEDNESDAYS 15% Discount

on Entrees for Seniors 62+

FAMILY SUNDAY DINNER

BIG ALOHA SUNDAY BRUNCH

Every Sunday

9 am to 2 pm Adults $19.95 Keikis 4 to 12 $8.95

47-388 Hui Iwa St. • Kaneohe, Hawaii $2.00 Off Pupu Menu M-F 4-7pm

One coupon per person per day. Must present coupon. Not combinable with other offers.

EXPIRES 8/31/10 • WWW.KOOLAUCENTER.COM

239-4747

ton ton FREE GYOZA ramen

5-Year Anniversary Special!

SUNTORY

Fresh Brewed Beer Specials – Cooking with Beer August 9 to August 22

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, 3rd Floor

580 Nimitz 580 NimitzHwy. Hwy 545-7979 545-7979

restaurantsuntory.com

922-5511

AUTHENTIC KOREAN DISHES Featuring

(3 pieces) with purchase of any regular orders.

HOUSE

Black Goat Pot Stew & Monk Fish Lunch Specials & Plates starting at $5.99

The Best Soft Rib Ramen in Hawaii!

“NO MSG” Ribs are slowly cooked over 8 hours until tender and juicy, original Japanese Style. Ramen is served in garlic shoyu base with traditional half cooked egg. You must try it!

677-5388

RESTAURANT

ALOHA BEER FESTIVAL

Ohana Karaoke II • Koolau Center

RAMEN

FREE KEIKI MEAL* Chris da Clown Balloon Sculpturing Games – Drawing Contests

Island Salad Three Entrée Courses Dessert $19.95 per person (for four to twelve people)

$8.00

FINE

5 pm until all gone

KEIKI TUESDAYS

1604 Kalakaua Ave • 951-9370 Mon–Sat: 11 am - 2 am • Sun: 11 am - 10 pm

94-050 Farrington Hwy. • Waipahu, HI 96797 D I N I N G

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recipe

Fresh Manila Clams with Black Bean Sauce Serves two

by Chef Chai Chaowaseree Ingredients: • 1.5 pounds fresh Manila clams • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic • 2 tablespoons diced onion • 1 tablespoon red jalapeno pepper • 1 tablespoon salted Chinese black beans • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce • 1.5 cups chicken stock • 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch mix with 2 tablespoons water • 1 tablespoon chopped green onion • Salt and pepper, to taste (Some black beans are very salty, so salt may not be necessary.)

Preparation: • Clean the clams by rinsing in water until all mud and sand are removed.

• In a sauté pan on medium heat, add vegetable oil, onions and garlic. Sauté for a few seconds, add clams and cook for a minute then add chicken stock, chili pepper black beans and oyster sauce.

• Keep cooking until all the clams are open.

Stir in cornstarch mixture and bring to a boil. Finish by adding the green onion and season with salt and pepper if needed. Turn off heat.

ono, you know

fantastic accompaniment to your main dish, and will help you soak up every last bit of the savory sauce.

– From page 2

one who loves seafood will enjoy.”

It consists of pasta mixed with caramelized onions, garlic, oregano, basil, burgundy wine and Roma tomatoes simmered for two to three hours to create a special sauce. Then a cluster of fresh Manila clams, shrimp, scallop and mahi mahi is added to the dish to make for the ultimate cuisine Italiano straight from the sea.

On a quest for something extravagant, I opted for the Whole Maine Lobster Pasta ($49.95). And just as the name of this dish suggests, you are served a whole lobster in all its glory. The fresh lobster sits atop a bountiful amount of spaghetti cooked al dente in a garlic butter cream sauce. It’s a match made in heaven when paired with your wine of choice.

Kamaaina receive a special 10-percent discount with an ID. Also, ask about the Early Bird Special.

Atlantis Seafood& Steak 2284 Kalakaua Ave. Suite 201 922.6868

Kit n Kitchen Owner Kit Yiu combined the best of both worlds when opening this Euro-Asian eatery back in 2001. Being a Eurasian pasta enthusiast myself, I really couldn’t ask for more when I came across this eatery.

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Above: Kit n Kitchen’s pasta dishes include, clockwise from left, Sloppy Eggplant, Chef’s Signature Spicy Ground Beef with Shrimp, and Spicy Italian Sausage Manicotti. Right: The Lobster Carbonara at Ruby Tuesday goes for $19.95.

“We use a lot of eggplant and enoki mushrooms, which help to bring out the flavor found in many Asian foods,” Yiu explains. “But what’s unique to us is our Tarako Spaghetti, which also is among the chef’s specials. It’s Japanese salted cod fish with egg. You can add shrimp for $3.95 or squid for $2.95.”

There are more than 50 pasta dishes to choose from — all of which left me overwhelmed with options. You can even choose a sauce to suit your fancy, be it Garlic Oil, Tomato Sauce, Tomato and Cream Mix, Cream Sauce, Black Pepper Sauce or Creamy Pesto.

Yiu suggested I try the chef’s signature dish, a blend of ground beef with light garlic tomato sauce over spaghettini with

2 0 1 0

shrimp ($11.95). The sauce is what most definitely makes this dish special. Mixed well with the pasta, rather than poured directly over, it reminded me of the authentic, light tomato sauce found in Italy.

The portions are filling, but won’t leave you stuffed, therefore, I highly recommend the Spicy Italian Sausage Manicotti ($6.95) for starters. The sausage in a manicotti shell is baked with Jambalaya sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Oh, my mouth is watering yet again!

Here’s a tip: When ordering pasta, be sure to ask for Garlic Pillow Toast ($2.95) on the side. The unique homemade bread, crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and baked with a warm garlic butter, is a

RubyTuesday This family-favorite restaurant is a forsure bet when it comes to classic American cuisine. It has a vast selection of choices for the pasta lover and now has a new dish on the menu that has customers wanting more. For only $19.95, how can you resist the Lobster Carbonara? Tossed with linguine, fresh lobster chunks, peas and bacon, mixed together with a Parmesan cream sauce and a hint of butter, it’s slowing making its way to the top.

However, my go-to choice for pasta here is the Senora Chicken Pasta ($16.49).

Regarded as one of the classics, the pasta is tossed in a spicy Southwestern cheese sauce with baked chicken and black beans.

Cilantro and tomatoes are added to kick it up a notch. The Italian Shrimp Pasta ($16.99), Chicken & Broccoli Pasta ($16.49) and the Parmesan Chicken Pasta ($16.49) also had me going oodles for noodles.

Ruby Tuesday Ala Moana Center Fourth Floor – Hookipa Terrace 943.2510