| What's New With Oahu's Restaurants for the Spring and Summer of 2008Restaurants & CuisineOahu is known for having a very diverse culture, which is exhibited by the islands' assortments of foods. With wonderful choices and an array of cuisine options, there's sure to be a restaurant for everyone.
- Bringing the flavors and flare of South Beach to Waikiki, Doraku Sushi introduces Pan-Asian haute cuisine with a hint of Miami sound to Royal Hawaiian Center. Created and owned by Kevin Aoki, son of the famed restaurateur Rocky Aoki of Benihana Inc., Aoki infuses Doraku Sushi with the sake authority of Adrian Najara, one of a select few sake sommeliers in the state.
- Gourmet Cooking Hawaii recently introduced a Thursday evening culinary party hosted by local chef Elmer Guzman. Held the second Thursday of each month, or on any evening with advance reservations, Chef Guzman guides a small group in cooking a gourmet three-course meal at the Servco Home and Appliance Showroom in Mapunapuna.
- Ichiriki, located across from Ala Moana Center, specializes in nabe, a Japanese one-pot dish that diners cook themselves. Guests can choose from a variety of flavored broths and vegetable and meat ingredients, and health-conscious diners can have their broth boiled in Ichiriki's specially designed kami (paper) nabe that absorbs fat and oil. (808) 589-2299
- Ingredients (some assembly required), located at the Sheraton Waikiki, combines quick service with fresh, gourmet menu combinations. The casual eatery offers made-to-order breakfast items, brick oven pizzas, sandwiches, salads, soup, and smoothies, as well as pastries, gelato, drinks, and snacks.
- OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber announced plans to open Hawai'i's first Jimmy Buffett restaurant, Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber in late 2008. Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber will be a festive celebration of Jimmy's adventurous lifestyle and the natural wonders of Hawai'i. Unique technology will allow for beautiful sunsets, crashing waves and majestic mountains to blend seamlessly with the "Hot Spot Bar" (dramatically honoring the molten lava formation of the islands), the Ocean Waves Dining Booths (inspired by the towering waves found on Oahu's North Shore) and the music of Jimmy Buffett and the Islands. The restaurant also will be an ideal venue for up-and-coming entertainers to showcase their talents.
- Makaha Resort and Golf Club welcomes its new surf-themed restaurant, Nalu Grill, to its Waianae Coast property. Nalu Grill offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, a full bar, and live entertainment on weekend evenings. The restaurant's décor features memorabilia, photos and surfboards of Makaha surfing legends, including Buffalo, Rusty, and Brian Keaulana, and Desiree and Bruce Desoto.
- P.F. Chang's China Bistro opened its second Oahu location in the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki. The 11,000- square-foot restaurant specializing in contemporary Chinese cuisine is located on two floors with seating for 375.
- Tango, located at The Hokua in Kaka'ako, is famed local chef Goran Streng's new contemporary café. Streng, a member of the elite Hawaiian Island Chefs, is committed to using local ingredients in his dishes that incorporate flavors from Scandinavia, Asia and the Pacific Rim.
- Tenkaippin Ramen, a popular Japan-based eatery specializing in ramen, relocated to Kapahulu Avenue. Tenkaippin Ramen sets itself apart from other local ramen restaurants by importing its soup stock and soy sauce from Japan to offer authentic ramen.
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