LIHU‘E — The Oki pancakes are still alive and well. Richie Ogata, the son of Barbie Oki of Oki Diner, said the Oki pancakes are on the breakfast menu of Restaurant 2978 which opened its doors last week in Lihu‘e.
LIHU‘E — The Oki pancakes are still alive and well.
Richie Ogata, the son of Barbie Oki of Oki Diner, said the Oki pancakes are on the breakfast menu of Restaurant 2978 which opened its doors last week in Lihu‘e.
Oki Diner, located at the corner of Rice and Haleko streets in Lihu‘e, has closed. A new restaurant, Tiano’s Island Cuisine, recently opened in its place.
“I didn’t realize how famous those ‘Oki pancakes’ are,” said Ogata. “We have people who come from the Mainland and just have to have a serving to complete their stay here. I met a couple who said they were searching all over the island for the pancakes. Oki pancakes are definitely well known.”
Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and is punctuated with the addition of the lunch menu.
In addition to the Oki pancakes, Ogata said he caters to local men who love to have large portions. This is demonstrated in the offering of its Bambucha Plate which is served on a platter larger than any restaurant plate, Ogata noting that in the week since the opening, there actually have been people who have finished it in one sitting.
“Restaurant 2978 is a place where you can either enjoy sit-down dining in a nice atmosphere, or enjoy the game on a large screen television set at the sushi bar,” Ogata said. “Plus, for more informality, there is a lounge area with couches where you can enjoy sushi, a drink and the game.”
Ogata, who is known for his Richie’s Bar and Grill, said the creation of Restaurant 2978, named after its address at 2978 Umi Street, was just something that happened because the area it occupies used to be used only for special parties or gatherings.
“With the new upgrades, which includes environment-friendly Light Emitting Diode candles, people can now enjoy sit-down dining in an atmosphere conducive to fine dining,” Ogata said. “Diners can even request items from the sushi bar and enjoy it in the sit-down area because the sushi bar is right next door.”
Dinner service and the sushi bar is open from 5 to 9:30 p.m., or whenever, Richie said, noting that sometimes people stay later than the 9:30 p.m. designated closing.
Offerings in the sit-down area include the specialty prime rib, steaks, and rack of lamb as well as Stuffed Cornish Game Hens, a selection of pasta and a Seafood Catch of the Day.
For lunchtime diners, Ogata said they are known for their quick service and he intends to continue this tradition, drawing from the success of Richie’s.
“We also have box lunches from 7 a.m. that people can stop by and pick up to go,” Ogata said. “We’ll even deliver in the Lihu‘e area if a customer orders five or more box lunches. If they can’t make the five orders, they can even include some of the plate lunch offerings to take advantage of the delivery.”
Headlining the culinary staff, Yoshi Yonemura is the sushi chef, bringing his experience from the Mainland to Umi Street. He is assisted by Dustin Pihana.
Yonemura, who has been visiting Kaua‘i regularly since 1989, said the sushi bar offers a fusion style which means that once you have a piece, you enjoy a flavor experience.
“We have the traditional offering, but also feature a nightly special,” Yonemura said.
Brandi Oshiro anchors the kitchen for the sit-down dining restaurant.
