A Thanksgiving Feast To Be Grateful For

Malia Vincent with Makino Chaya’s prime rib (part of the Thanksgiving feast, priced at $29.98 for lunch and $39.98 for dinner, available Nov. 23)

While it is known for offering an expansive buffet featuring local favorites and surf-‘n-turf selections daily, Makino Chaya is preparing to roll out a bountiful Thanksgiving experience for the entire family to enjoy.

“While other restaurants are serving turkey, we have so many options available — and you don’t have to worry about cooking!” says general manager Chris Mitchell. “We encourage guests to call and make reservations now because we are already starting to see a great response from those looking to enjoy our Thanksgiving meal.”

Corned Beef from the Thanksgiving buffet

On Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 23), Makino Chaya will prepare a holiday feast available for both lunch (10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.) and dinner (5:30-9 p.m.). The lunch ($29.98 per adult) will feature a variety of options including whole roasted pig, corned beef, steamed crab, garlic shrimp, fresh poke, assorted desserts and many more. Thanksgiving dinner ($39.98) features an array of local favorites including prime rib, corned beef, whole roasted pig, ahi poke, steamed clams and mussels and various desserts — just to name a few.

Makino Chaya continues to build on its reputation as a goto locale to satisfy any appetite for all occasions. Mitchell notes that the popular buffet “has it all,” and there is no exaggeration on his part. From ahi poke to sushi and shrimp tempura, as well as a full dessert bar, kamaaina diners of all ages feel at home when enjoying everything from a casual meal to a birthday party or large-scale celebration.

The holiday spread also will include island-style ahi poke.

Makino Chaya was once again named first-place winner in the 2017 edition of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser‘s Hawaii’s Best People’s Choice Award for “Best Buffet,” a tell-tale sign that diners can’t get enough of the endless options at the restaurant. Situated in Aiea’s Westridge Shopping Center (across from Pearl-ridge Center), which is flanked by ample free parking, Makino Chaya features a spacious dining room capable of hosting 300 guests, and its friendly staff makes dining amid the inviting atmosphere fun for all.

“We’re a local family restaurant, and it’s all-youcan-eat, so you can’t go wrong,” Mitchell says. “I guarantee when you come here to eat, after you walk out the door you’ll be full — maybe until the next day!”

Customers also enjoy extraordinary value when dining at Makino Chaya, as the regular lunch buffet is just $15.98, Monday through Friday, and $20.98 on Saturday and Sunday. The dinner buffet is served Monday through Thursday for $33.98 and Friday through Sunday for $35.98.

Roast pig is another highlight from the Thanksgiving meal.

Diners are treated to stellar seafood choices and succulent steak for both lunch and dinner, as a skilled chef cooks the tender meat to order on a sizzling teppan flat-iron grill. At the sushi station, diners may select from tasty California roll pieces, spicy ahi creations and other popular selections.

“We have a lot of options and cater to the local customers,” Mitchell explains. “Here, you pay one price and you get all the steak, seafood and other favorites you can eat. Where else can you find a deal like that?”

SAVINGS, DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR DINERS

In addition to the coupons available within Dining Out (see page 15), Makino Chaya also offers popular discounts for members of the military, seniors and kids. Senior citizens age 65 and older, as well as those in the military, can enjoy 5 percent off the lunch menu and 10 percent off dinner (with valid ID). Children under the age of 12 also receive price breaks according to height: Those measuring 4-5 feet tall receive 50 percent off, keiki 3-4 feet get 75 percent off and those shorter than 3 feet eat for free. (As a reminder, discounts and other special offers do not apply to the Thanksgiving offerings.)

PLAN AHEAD FOR LARGE GROUPS

Makino Chaya is accustomed to creating a memorable dining experience for guests, including those visiting as part of a large group. The restaurant team reminds diners that for groups of 30 people or more, a reservation is required along with a contract and deposit to ensure availability for the party. Additionally, a 90-minute time limit is in place during busy dining periods to ensure all guests are able to enjoy the diverse buffet at Makino Chaya.