Enjoy a Mega Deal on a Mega Plate

Restaurateur Masaru Hashiguchi strives to offer customers great Japanese cuisine while also providing extraordinary value.

Hashiguchi recently opened his first Hawaii eatery, Katsu, at 3008 Waialae Ave., and customers have reaped the benefits. The owner gained experience by heading multiple ramen restaurants and bars in Japan, and brought a simple yet effective concept to Katsu: Provide great food in large portions at affordable prices.

As Hashiguchi explains, this recipe for success is accomplished by not overspending on labor costs, but instead committing those funds to the food. “There’s nothing more frustrating than going to a restaurant,and seeing servers just stand around,” he says. “The philosophy at Katsu is to cut unnecessary labor costs and pass the savings on to the customers.”

Speaking of value, one must look no further than Katsu’s flag-ship feast.

The Mega Plate ($24.98 lunch, $29.98 dinner) is just as it sounds — a behemoth assortment of delicious offerings. The plate includes Chicken Katsu, Pork Katsu, Karaage, assorted Tempura, Roast Beef, and also Zucchini Katsu and Tomato Rice Katsu on the dinner plate. If that wasn’t enough, the Mega Plate also includes access to Katsu’s food buffet that features everything from salads to miso soup, the popular curry and udon as well as dessert selections. The experience also includes a bottomless drink (add $1.99 for the drink during lunch), and beer, wine and sake also are available for purchase.

Dining Out readers are encouraged to take advantage of the coupon on Page 12 that is good for $10 off the Mega Plate. With the offer, diners can enjoy the spread for just $14.98 at lunch, and $19.98 at dinner. Or present the coupon to receive 10 percent off all dinner items.

“The variety and value of the food combined with the coupon make for a great deal,” Hashiguchi says. “It’s a combination of the quality and quantity of the food that creates value for our customers.”

Hashiguchi also recommends Assorted Tempura ($12.98 lunch, $17.98 dinner) and Chicken Karaage ($9.75 lunch mini, $12.98 lunch, $14.95 dinner mini, $17.98 dinner). These choices, as well as the other entree offerings, also include the food bar, and are perfect for dining alone or with a group.

“When people come in as a group, they often order one of each entree and share it family-style,” Hashiguchi says.

Katsu is a family favorite, as children under age 4 eat for free (two children per paying adult), and seniors age 65 and older receive a 10 percent discount.

Katsu