You’ll say ‘yay’ when you sample this buffet

If the word yakiniku makes you smile and think about the mouthwatering fragrance of marinated meat cooking on a tabletop grill, you’ll be delighted to hear about McCully Buffet, the new seafood and yakiniku restaurant opening on Wednesday this week (Dec. 18) in the space formerly occupied by Camellia Buffet.

And if you’re also an enthusiastic fish and seafood lover, you’ll be even happier to learn that the new Korean eatery is being opened by restaurateur (and legendary ahi expert) Sam Seo, owner of Honolulu’s acclaimed Ahi & Vegetable.

Originally from Korea, Seo got his first job in Hawaii 25 years ago, delivering fish to local Korean restaurants. As an ahi wholesaler with both local and mainland clients, Seo is at Hawaii Fish Auction Pier 38 each morning at dawn, seeking the best in fresh local fish for his customers and his own restaurants.

That means you’ll find a variety of sushi, sashimi, and seafood here — plus an assortment of delicious meats for Korean barbecue, and a delectable array of banchan, the pickled vegetables that make these meals so special.

“We offer the freshness and good quality you’ll find at Ahi & Vegetable,” promises Seo, describing McCully Buffet’s offerings. The mouthwatering assortment features bulgogi, chicken, fresh shrimp, mussels, kalbi, pork ribs, spicy pork, and pork belly. Chilled dishes include a rainbow of salads, including spicy cucumbers, fishcake salad, and cold spinach salad. Poke lovers will be thrilled to hear that shoyu ahi poke, spicy ahi poke, and mussels poke will all be available.

Hot items include loaded fried rice, fried gyoza, and crispy, tender, fried chicken. Don’t forget to grab some raw mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, and garlic cloves to throw on the grill. And make sure you get plenty of house-made kimchi!

McCully Buffet, in its renovated space, will now feature a small party room with space for about 20 guests. The restaurant also has a liquor license and will sell beer, soju, wine, and other spirits. The cost for adults for lunch is $24.95, and for dinner, $38.95. Kids 10 and under will be charged $18.95. Seniors and members of the military will receive a 10 percent discount.

Located in the space occupied for many years by Camellia Buffet, the new restaurant has recently undergone a massive renovation. “It’s very simple and clean, in a modern style,” Seo reports. “We have new yakiniku tables, and they make less smoke, so they’re better for your health!”

FEAST FOR THE EYES

McCully Buffet features artfully prepared food that tastes fabulous, too!

POKE POWER

This new eatery will provide an array of poke, such as shoyu ahi, spicy ahi and mussels.

MEAT IS NEAT

The restaurant will offer customers an assortment of delectable meats, veggies and more.

FISH THAT’S DELISH

Restaurateur Sam Seo finds the best local fish for his customers.

TASTY SUSHI

McCully Buffet has a variety of fresh, delicious sushi and sashimi items.