Who wants to be a Millionaire?

There is such a fascination these days with amassing money and wealth. Think about it, from TV shows to workshop how-to’s, the burning quest on everyone’s mind seems to fixate around one sole mission: attaining millions.

Although it may seem like an unreachable goal to most, what if I told you that having millions was well within your reach? Well prepare yourself patrons, because this week, Dining Out is going to make your wildest dreams come true. I’ll ask you now, “Who wants to be a Millionaire?”

Situated on Sheridan Street in the heart of Honolulu, the minute that Million Restaurant opens its doors, richness abounds. Flush with flavor, stocked in spices and plentiful in portions, this Oahu eatery is definitely worth investing some time in.

Tuck yourself into a cozy, corner booth, and if you’d like to sport some dark sunglasses or hide beneath a designer hoodie all the better, (as millionaires must operate incognito). Eschew the autographs and put off the paparazzi, as you prepare yourself for a parade of palate-pleasing fare.

Mike Lee, server and third generation member of the restaurant’s owner family, fits right into our Millionaire club, as his well known break dancing skills and winning personality shine brighter than any star. With a megawatt smile and his effervescent charm, Lee looks after every customer who orders — and you guessed it — makes each one feel like a million bucks.

“It’s a family business,” explains Lee. “We all pitch in here — my mother, my grandmother, everyone. And we have a lot of the same customers who come in every day to eat because we recognize them, and they know us and know that they belong.” So, relax millionaires, you can even take off those silly sunglasses now, because being recognized here is actually a good thing.

And although Million Restaurant may not fill your coffers with actual currency, this Korean yakiniku spot most definitely will fill your plate — and that’s priceless. Here are just a few of the delicious dishes on Million’s menu this week.

Cold Tofu ($5) presents a side of raw, protein-rich tofu accompanied by a bright green garnish of refreshing cucumber and green onion. A cool, simple staple, this dish is perfect as a healthy sidekick to any vegetarian meal, or even on its own as a light lunch option.

Vegetarian Style Hot Stone Pot ($12.95) features white rice made with sesame seed oil alongside a vegetable variety of carrots, soybean sprouts, zucchini, cabbage and mushroom, finished off with a single egg on top. If you’re lucky, Lee just might serve it to you upside down (the server, not the dish!)

With ample vegetarian options and a wealth of entertainment, good food and family heritage, the only real question left becomes, “Who doesn’t want to be a Millionaire?”

Contact Andy Beth Miller at diningout@staradvertiser.com

Million Restaurant

626 Sheridan St., Honolulu
596-0799
Open daily, 11 a.m-11 p.m.