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Less is more at Waimalu saimin eatery

A La Carte Columns

December 11, 2016

Story By: Kelli Shiroma | Photos by: ANTHONY CONSILLIO

Shiro's is located in Waimalu Shopping Center. FILE PHOTO

Shiro’s is located in Waimalu Shopping Center. FILE PHOTO

For those looking for smaller portions, Shiro’s Saimin Haven has the perfect solution: The long-time Waimalu eatery just started to offer mini plates at the beginning of this month.

According to general manager Bryce Fujimoto, mini plates were on Shiro’s menu before, but they were discontinued.

“Now that a lot of our regular customers are aging, we thought it was a good time to bring the mini plates back,” he explains. “Mini plates will also eventually be available for our takeout menu.

“We noticed that a lot of our seniors are not finishing their food, and they’re either packing half of it away or they’re splitting it with their significant other,” Fujimoto continues. “Mini plates are a way we can keep our prices down and our seniors can save a little money, (too).”

Mini Roast Pork with Gravy ($7.70) ANTHONY CONSILLIO PHOTO

Mini Roast Pork with Gravy ($7.70) ANTHONY CONSILLIO PHOTO

About 75 percent of the entrees Shiro’s offers is available in mini portions, including Roast Pork with Gravy ($10.20 regular, $7.70 mini), one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.

Furthermore, according to Fujimoto, each mini plate is $2.50 less than the price of the regular-sized entree.

“Each regular entree has two scoops of rice, one scoop of corn and the protein of choice,” he says. “The mini plate has one scoop of rice, one scoop of corn and whatever protein is involved. We cut back a little on the rice and protein portion.”

With the holidays coming up, Fujimoto encourages Shiro’s customers to plan ahead for their parties. “Put in your Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve catering orders as soon as possible,” he advises. “Those are our two busiest catering days of the year.”

Shiro’s Saimin Haven

Waimalu Shopping Center
98-020 Kamehameha Hwy., Aiea
488-8824
Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-11:30 p.m.;
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Aiea, HI 96701

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