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Get fired up with goods from the grill

Inside Feature

October 27, 2019

Story By: Caroline Wright | Photos by: ANTHONY CONSILLIO

For the uninitiated, a teppanyaki grill offers some of the most spectacular dinnertime entertainment ever seen in the Western world.

And there might be no better place on the planet to experience it than at the restaurant named for Rocky Aoki, the man known as the Father of Teppanyaki.

Located at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Rocky Japanese Steak Teppan Restaurant (also known playfully as “Rocky Teppanyaki”) will celebrate its first anniversary in November with a month-long schedule of clever contests, deep discounts, dessert giveaways, live music and hula, and more. “We decided to make it a month-long event that would attract kamaaina,” says general manager Adrian De Silva. “We hope to welcome a lot of locals throughout November!”

One year ago this month, the popular restaurant, formerly Benihana, was renamed to honor founder Rocky Aoki. Larger than life, Aoki was a hot air balloonist, cigarette boat racer, Cannonball Run winner, world backgammon champion and Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee.

With one of the best Happy Hours on the island, Rocky’s offers 50 percent off all drinks from 5 to 7 p.m. on the lanai. And in addition to a menu of delectable teppan meals with proteins like Japanese Wagyu beef, chateaubriand, filet mignon, Chilean sea bass, Atlantic salmon, Hawaiian tuna, and more, Rocky Teppanyaki also offers new dishes prepared teppan-style, including Japanese burritos, okonomiyaki and teppan sushi. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options, a keiki menu, craft cocktails, and delicious interpretations of local-kine and American cuisine, including a pair of Loco Mocos.

Throughout the month, November birthday celebrants with valid photo ID can enjoy a free dessert with any entree purchase. On Friday, Nov. 1, the restaurant will host a Fun Teppan Chef Guest Challenge. On Saturday, Nov. 9 — Rocky Teppanyaki’s actual anniversary date — the first 30 people seated for lunch on Rocky’s lanai will enjoy the New York Cut Steak, regularly $25.75, for just $11.09. The restaurant will also have Bottomless Beer Day on Saturday, Nov. 23, with all-you-can-drink beer for one hour for $10 per person.

And The Big Rocky 1st Anniversary Giveaway ties it all together. Visit Rocky Teppanyaki for lunch,happy hour, or dinner Nov. 1-30, and enter to win a $300 gift certificate for your next dinner at Hawaii’s favorite teppanyaki grill. Entrants must be 21 or over, and only one entry per check, per visit is permitted. The winner will be announced on Dec. 1.

“Visit often, and increase your chances of winning!” says De Silva. “And remember, Rocky Teppanyaki offers four hours of free parking every day, making us the perfect lunch, happy hour and dinner destination for kamaaina.”

A WINNING COMBO

It’s a substantial and delicious interpretation of a local classic, named for the Father of Teppanyaki himself, Rocky Aoki. For guests with big appetites, the Rocky Ramen Loco Moco ($18.25) is a new twist on Hawaii’s favorite local plate lunch. Rocky’s version is made with Sun Noodles, an Angus beef patty, a fried egg and kimchi.

NOVEMBER SPECIAL

Starting on Saturday, Nov. 9, and on each Saturday for the remainder of the month, the first 30 people seated for lunch at Rocky Teppanyaki will be invited to enjoy the New York Cut Steak, regularly $25.75, for just $11.09. The delectable Angus strip loin is served with salad, your choice of shrimp appetizer or three pieces of California Roll, grilled vegetables and rice.

BODACIOUS BURGER

Simple, classic, and completely satisfying, the Kamaaina Burger at Rocky Teppanyaki is a favorite new addition to the teppanyaki menu. Priced at just $9.95, this delicious burger is served on a toasted bun, topped with cheddar cheese, pineapple, lettuce, tomato, and Rocky’s special sauce, and accompanied by dill pickles and potato wedges.

Honolulu, HI 96815

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