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| Yudetate Irodori Onyasai |
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| Tofu & Mochi Agedashi |
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| Homemade Shumai |
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| Chawanmushi |
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| Yuzu Daikon Hakusai |
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| New Zealand Spinach & Shimeji Mushroom Ohitashi |
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| Dashimaki Tamago |
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| Torotaku |
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| Tori Karaage |
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| Jaga Butter Mentaiko |
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| Gaku's T.N.T. |
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| Seared Braised Pork Belly Kakuni |
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| Creamy Crab & Pumpkin Croquettes |
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| Yuzu Cheesecake & Vanilla Ice Cream |
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| Warabi Mochi & Matcha Ice Cream |
I recently met up with a couple of friends for dinner at Pepper Lunch, a Japanese chain that recently opened on Oahu. It was all of our first time, so we were excited to see what it was all about.
Ordering is done at a kiosk, and once your food is ready, the employees bring it right to your table. Each table comes equipped with two sauces—a garlic soy sauce and a sweet honey sauce—so you can flavor your meal to your liking.
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We decided to try a few different dishes: the Cream Shrimp Pasta, Beef Pepper Rice, and Angus Rib Eye. Each dish arrived sizzling hot in a stone pot, and the aroma alone was irresistible! You can hear the sizzle and smell everything cooking as soon as it hits the table.
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| Cream Shrimp Pasta |
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| Ribeye Steak |
I ordered the Beef Pepper Rice and added garlic chips because, well, why not? It was VERY garlicky, but in the best way possible. The garlic chips added a nice crunch and even more flavor to an already delicious dish.
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We also ordered a side of onion rings just for fun. They were crispy and a nice addition to the meal.
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As someone who loves teppanyaki, I really enjoyed the Pepper Lunch experience. I like that you get the fun of a sizzling teppanyaki-style meal without the formal sit-down experience. Everything was flavorful, interactive, and satisfying.
This was my first visit, but definitely not my last. I'm already thinking about bringing the family next time!
Open daily: 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM.
PEPPER LUNCH
930 VALKENBURGH STREET (MOANALUA SHOPPING CENER)
808-458-5237
Gem and I recently met for lunch, as a birthday do-over. I suggested Marujuu because I'd been wanting to try their Japanese-style Hamburg steak and there is parking and it's located near the freeway.
The funny part? Marujuu specializes in hamburg, but Gem (the birthday girl) doesn't actually eat hamburg!
Fortunately, the menu has other options. She ordered the fried chicken and French fries, while I went with the restaurant's signature hamburg steak with the signature onion sauce.
Shortly after we ordered, our server brought out soup and let us know that both the soup and rice come with unlimited refills - bonus!
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When my hamburg arrived on its sizzling platter, it smelled incredible.
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The onion sauce paired perfectly with the juicy hamburger steak, and I can definitely see why it's their signature dish. Gem also enjoyed her crispy fried chicken and fries, so we both left happy despite ordering completely different meals.
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The service was warm and attentive throughout our meal
I'd happily return—especially with my boys, who I know would love the sizzling Hamburg steaks, fried chicken, and unlimited rice.
1145 12TH AVENUE
(808) 260-4967
One of my husband's friends invited us to dinner at Sushi Que, and we happily accepted. The reservation was for 6:30 p.m., and when we asked if the time could be adjusted, he explained why it couldn't. Sushi Que is a cozy, intimate restaurant with just a sushi counter and a handful of tables. The tables have only one seating each night at 6:30 p.m., while the sushi counter turns over twice.
As it turned out, the single seating was one of the best parts of the evening. There was no pressure to rush through the meal or make way for the next guests. We were able to relax, enjoy good company, and savor each course at a leisurely pace.
The sushi itself was outstanding—fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared.
The intimate setting, unhurried atmosphere, and exceptional sushi made for a memorable evening. We're grateful for the invitation and left with full stomachs and an evening to remember!
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