An Appetizingly Noteworthy Show

What could be better than enjoying award-winning food and top-notch Hawaiian music while also helping raise money for the recovery efforts stemming from the recent devastating earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan?

The Willows Restaurant gives diners the aforementioned experience as part of its “Pakele Live! With Tony Solis” show every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. The event, which is streamed live worldwide over the Internet, features a special pupu menu, live music from some of Hawaii’s talented musicians and, on April 7 and 14, The Willows will accept donations to the American Red Cross and the organization’s continuing relief efforts in Japan.

“The support shown by all these Hawaiian artists is amazing,” says Garret Kamei, administrative director at The Willows. According to Kamei, the April 7 show will feature the music of ManoaDNA and Kaiaulu while Eric Lee, Heart and Soul and Waipuna are expected to perform April 14. During these special benefit performances, the concerts are free and diners may order from the unique “Pakele Live!” pupu menu, or enjoy the award-winning Hawaiian-American buffet ($34.95) featuring prime rib, crab legs and ono Hawaiian food.

According to Kamei, customers are raving about the Chicken Katsu ($12) that is available as an appetizer during “Pakele Live!” Some customers have told Kamei that it’s “the best chicken katsu they’ve ever had,” and that the chicken breast meat used in the dish is “super juicy.” Other popular items include the Braised Kim Chee Beef Short Ribs ($16), Chinese Chicken Salad ($10), Salt & Pepper Pork Chops ($14) and Fried Rice ($11).

The Willows Restaurant