Gyotaku - Niu Valley

We recently took my mom out for an early dinner at Gyotaku's Niu Valley location. It was the first visit to this location for the five of us, and it is now going to be on our rotation of restaurants to go to as a family. 

For now, reservations are required to dine in at this location. I was able to get a same-day reservation for five people at 5 pm on a Friday night. 

The adults shared the Ahi Poke Roll and Agedashi Tofu appetizer.

Ahi Poke Roll

Agedashi Tofu

Since it was Friday, we were able to order the Early Bird Special which is an amazing deal. Each meal comes with your choice of one of seven entrees, three pieces of shrimp and vegetable tempura, California  Roll and Miso Soup - all for $17.95!

Early Bird Special - chicken teriyaki

Early Bird Special - karaage chicken

The Keiki Menu is great for kids - it comes with a beverage, and your choice of ice cream or shave ice for dessert. 

Keiki Meal - udon

Keiki Meals come with shave ice for dessert!

Since we only ordered one Keiki meal, we had to order an additional regular-size shave ice. He didn't mind at all.  

Gyotaku Shave Ice

My mom and I shared a slice of Key Lime Pie. 

Key Lime Pie

 

The Early Bird Special is only available Wednesday - Friday, from 4 pm - 6 pm (dine in only; must be present by 6 pm).

On Monday & Tuesday nights: For each adult who buys a complete meal at the regular price, one child 10 years of age or under may order one item from our Keiki Menu free! Dine in only.

For more information on Gyotaku, visit their website.

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GYOTAKU - NIU VALLEY
5728 Kalanianaole Hwy
808-373-2731

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Birthday Party Ideas: Gyotaku by Naoki

Gyotaku by Naoki

My introduction to Gyotaku by Naoki was when a friend of ours gifted us a print of an arowana after our own arowana (known affectionately as Aji - short for Ajinomoto) passed away.  The print was a real beauty and we displayed it proudly in our home.  According to Naoki, gyotaku is a time honored, traditional Japanese art, that is captured on a piece of shoji paper for the keepsake of the family, and friends, and fishers to come.

Fast forward some years and two kids later:  I am searching the internet for vendors for my son's first birthday party.  I had already booked tattoos, a balloon artist, a Japanese candy maker, and the Lego Man.  I came upon Gyotaku by Naoki's website because he offers a birthday party service where Gyotaku prints can be made on tshirts.  It didn't come cheap, but it would make for a wonderful parting gift for the children.

His staff did a wonderful job at my son's party, patiently listening to all the children's requests for fish colors and placement on the shirt.  I've been to two more parties that have used Gyotaku by Naoki and at the most recent, Naoki was printing the shirts himself.  It was very cool because we could request for our tshirts to be signed.

The only con in having Gyotaku by Naoki at a party is the very long line you will have to wait in for your tshirt prints.  I think it'd be wise for the company or the host to develop some sort of number system so guests can secure a place in line, but wait for their turn while enjoying the party.  Perhaps, some sort of discreet sign to let guests know what number they are working on.  Or maybe, assign order by table.  Trust me on this, party planners. 

For more information about Gyotaku by Naoki's birthday party, click here.  

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