Mitsu-Ken Okazu and Catering

Digest Step Up to the Plate

September 22, 2013

Story By: Alana Folen | Photos by: Leah Friel

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A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: BRAISED BBQ SHORT RIBS ($8.75)

Here in the Islands, Mitsu-Ken Okazu & Catering is the go-to hot spot for bentos, combination plates and catering platters. The magic began in December 1992 in a small hole-in-the-wall eatery on North School Street. Today, the restaurant has expanded to a new establishment on North King Street in Kalihi, where new and loyal patrons are lined up outside the door, all wanting to get a bite out of Mitsu-Ken’s renowned Garlic Chicken.

Yet, owner Brad Kaneshiro wants his customers to delve into dishes beyond their comfort zone. In fact, he highly recommends a beloved Mitsu-Ken special, Braised BBQ Short Ribs. Kaneshiro is certain that this plate lunch will quickly make its way to the top of your favorites list.

In signature Mitsu-Ken style, this plate lunch is served with two scoops of rice and macaroni/potato salad. For those who prefer tossed green salad, it’s available for an additional cost. “Our macaroni/potato salad is made with a macaroni potato mix, carrots and cabbage, and some salt and pepper. It’s very good!”

“This is a dish that we served back in the day as a special at Mitsu-Ken’s former location on North School Street. However, we were so busy there that we didn’t have the chance to make it too often — it was one of those things that would come and go,” says owner Brad Kaneshiro. “Only now that we’re at our new location have we finally decided to reintroduce it here.”

“This is one of my favorite dishes and I hope our customers will give it a try,” Kaneshiro exclaims.

“These ribs were always so popular. We’re happy to offer it again as a lunchtime special every Wednesday and Saturday.”

Morsels of short ribs are marinated overnight and baked to perfection for four hours. Although the preparation takes a while, the meat becomes so tender, it falls off the bone and practically melts in your mouth. Free of excess fat, these short ribs are almost too good to be true.