Keeping The Legacy Alive

When the shopping center where their parents’ longstanding restaurant was located was going to be shut down for redevelopment, brother and sister Hiro Takei and Rie Takei Akita couldn’t bear to see it close. So they relaunched the eatery with the same name, Odoriko, at a new location on Kapiolani Boulevard in October.

The original restaurant had been in Waikiki since 1978, and a few years ago, when the family needed help, Takei and Akita were eager to jump in.

“We enjoyed it, and we’ve always worked in the restaurant since we were kids,” Takei says. “We wanted to see the restaurant keep going.”

Like their parents’ original restaurant, Odori-ko serves authentic Japanese cuisine, and has a menu that features sushi, sashimi, rice and noodle soups and more.

Plus, there are some new features that you can expect, and Odori-ko hosts live music Friday and Saturday nights.

Community engagement is a big part of Takei and Akita’s mission. They’ve started a “dine and donate” program in which 10 percent of the price of certain dishes will go toward three local organizations: Junior Achievement, Touch A Heart Hawaii and YWCA of Oahu.

CUISINE THAT GIVES BACK

With the “dine and donate” program, ordering the Wafu Steak ($18.95) benefits Touch A Heart Hawaii, which provides vocational training in the food service industry to houseless individuals.

The Wafu Steak is an 8-ounce New York sirloin cut that’s marinated for hours in a miso-based sauce, ginger, garlic and onions. After it’s been marinated, the steak is garnished with daikon, green onions and garlic.

Another popular item is Miso-marinated Butterfish ($13.95). Half a fillet of Alaskan black cod is marinated overnight, then broiled in an Odori-ko signature miso sauce. Takei says, “Of course butterfish is a local favorite, so we really try to keep the cost down … so it can be enjoyed by anybody.”

Odori-ko

1680 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu
955-6555
Monday-Saturday, lunch: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner: 4:30 p.m.-midnight