Sakura Terrace

A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: Deluxe Sakura Chirashi Don ($27)

It’s no secret that the Japanese are experts when it comes to fine details, whether it be the intricate patterns of a silk kimono or always perfectly packaged omiyage, or gifts. So it’s no surprise that Japanese cuisine is just as elaborate, especially at Sakura Terrace Japanese Cafe on S. King Street.

The restaurant’s food, mastered and prepared by executive chef Takayuki Sekine, comes to your table like a work of art — sometimes so beautiful that you don’t want to eat it, but you will, because it’s that good. With the plate as his canvas, Sekine creates masterpieces with various types of sashimi offerings and dishes such as Mac Nut Tofu, Beef Sukiyaki, Unagi Hitsumabushi and Deluxe Sakura Chirashi Don.

With New Year’s just around the corner, Sekine and his team are gearing up to offer Osechi sets for takeout and dine-in orders. The traditional Japanese New Year specialty comes packaged in jubako, or boxes, each section holding a food item representing well wishes for the new year, such as health, prosperity and joy. Only 50 Osechi sets will be available for takeout ($250 each), so place your orders now (pickup on Dec. 31 at the restaurant, from 3 to 5 p.m.). Dine-in Osechi will be available from Jan. 2 to 6 (two orders minimum).

And don’t forget to take advantage of Sakura Terrace’s December Special ($32), which includes a gozen set of delicious offerings, including homemade kamaboko, grilled miso duck, hot pot with tofu and much more. If you miss it, however, don’t fret, as there is a delicious special available every month.

With Christmas in sight and 2017 a stone’s throw away, why not treat yourself to a little refinement and learn a thing or two from the Japanese. After all, it’s during the holidays, and at the cusp of a new year, that people begin to think about the minute and otherwise overlooked facets of their lives that make life so precious and wonderful.

Sakura Terrace Japanese Cafe

1240 S. King St., Honolulu
591-1181
Tuesday-Sunday, lunch: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner: 5-9:30 p.m.; open Monday, Jan. 2