Discovering More at Sekiya’s

On a never-ending quest for vegetarian options at Island eateries, sometimes non-meat eaters have to be downright sleuths.

Even though a restaurant may offer meatand fish-free dishes, the manager may not think of the establishment as a so-called “vegetarian” restaurant, and may dismiss callers when asked if there is anything vegetarian on the menu.

But here’s a clue: You’d be surprised at what a little digging can do. You just may discover a new fave.

“We’re not really a vegetarian restaurant,” Sekiya’s Restaurant and Delicatessen owner Joy Morihara replies warily when asked if she would like to feature a meat-free dish in Dining Out. But, when we investigate a bit, she realizes that non-meat eaters actually can find what they’re looking for on Sekiya’s menu.

“Actually, we take the meat out if people ask,” she says. “They seem to be happy with that.”

So there you go. It can be that easy. Sekiya’s menu has a wide selection of Japanese dishes with a dash of local flair, and tucked in the midst of them you’ll find Vegetable Stir-fry with tofu ($11.95), a healthy combination of tofu, Chinese peas, zucchini and shiitake mushrooms served with rice, miso soup, tsukemono and Japanese tea. Light yet satisfying, it’s a full meal, so you won’t go away hungry.

So the next time you set out on a foodie adventure, be sure to keep an open mind and a keen eye, Sherlock. You never know what tasty treasures you’ll find.

Sekiya’s Restaurant and Delicatessen