Bring The Willows Home This New Year

Ready or not, 2012 is coming to an end. It can be a stressful time of year, but there are many wonderful things about the holiday season, such as family, food, friends and more food.

But if you’re like me, cooking (along with the prepping and cleaning) is the last thing you want to do.

This year, The Willows in Moiliili is offering a special take-out menu on New Year’s Day.

“It’s the first time we’re doing this,” explains Garret Kamei, administrative director, noting that the restaurant is open on New Year’s Day for those who prefer to dine out. “I think a lot of local families want to spend time at home resting after New Year’s Eve. We’re hoping to allow customers to bring The Willows into their home instead of getting out of the house to come here.”

There are nearly 20 items available on the special New Year’s Day takeout menu, consisting of the most popular items from The Willows buffet, plus Karai Chicken Wings from The Willows’ sister restaurant Karai Crab. Each dish is ordered by half-pans with a serving size to feed 10 to 12 people.

Karai Chicken Wings ($46) are made with a cajun butter seasoning that has a medium level of spicyness, or you can ask for it to be mild or spicy hot. “A lot of customers say it’s the best chicken wings they’ve ever had,” notes Kamei.

Also popular are Chicken Karaage ($38), which has at least 40 pieces of deep-fried tender chicken nuggets with black sesame seeds tossed in a teriyaki sauce; and Fried Noodles ($38) cooked with char-siu chicken, vegetables, carrots, onions, green onions and The Willows homemade sauce. Also offered are Ahi Poke (2 pounds for $26), Tako Poke (2 pounds for $26) and Pea Salad (2 pounds for $15).

Orders can be made in advance by Dec. 26, and can be picked up Jan. 1, 2013 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Parking is free for takeout orders.

The Willows also will be offering a special holiday menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Cost is $42.95 for adults, half price for children age 4 to 10, and free for children under four years.

For special gatherings, private rooms are available for parties of five to 150 people.

For more information or to view menus, visit willowshawaii.com.

The Willows

901 Hausten St.
952.9200
Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (lunch) and 5:30-9 p.m. (dinner)
Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (lunch) and 5-9 p.m. (dinner)
*Open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (lunch) and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. (dinner), and on Christmas Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (lunch) and 4 to 9 p.m. (dinner)
willowshawaii.com