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Keeping a delicious legacy alive

A La Carte

January 14, 2020

Story By: Brandon Bosworth | Photos by: ANTHONY CONSILLIO

Fresh Ahi Poke ($12.75)

A little more than a year ago, Benihana at the Hilton Hawaiian Village was renamed Rocky Japanese Steak Teppan Restaurant in honor of founder Rocky Aoki. He passed away in 2008, but is remembered not only as a restaurateur but also as a hot air balloonist, cigarette boat racer, Cannonball Run winner, musician, martial artist, world backgammon champion and Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee.

Often referred to as Rocky’s Teppanyaki by its legions of loyal customers, Rocky Japanese Steak Teppan Restaurant continues to offer delicious food prepared in an entertaining way, as chefs put on a fiery, cooking show for guests on an iron griddle right at the dining table.

Tofu Steak Onyasai ($23)

Start your meal off with one of Rocky’s signature Martinis. The Ninjatini ($11.50) mixes Grand Marnier with sparkling wine, cranberry juice and fresh blueberries for a fruity, festive tipple.

And what better to accompany a cocktail than a delicious appetizer, such as Fresh Ahi Poke ($12.75)? In this dish, Hawaiian tuna is tossed with soy sauce, green onion, sweet onion, seaweed, sesame oil and sea salt for a treat sure to please the pickiest of poke eaters.

Among a teppan dinner option at Rocky’s is Chilean Sea Bass ($45). In this combination, chunks of sea bass are seasoned with butter, oyster sauce, ginger, green onion and shiitake mushroom. Or opt for another nighttime special of Tofu Steak and Onyasai ($23). Onyasai means “hot vegetables” in Japanese, and this dinner comes with an assortment of seasonal vegetables as well as a firm tofu steak.

Both of these teppan dinners are served with miso soup, salad, grilled vegetables, steamed rice and hot green tea.

Chilean Sea Bass ($45)

Rocky’s also has daily specials, such as happy hour where diners can enjoy 50 percent off drinks from 5 to 7 p.m. on the patio. Enjoy happy hour pupu such as Garlic Edamame ($6), Vegetable Tempura ($7.75) or Poke Roll ($9.50).

Kamaaina will appreciate the fact that Rocky’s, unlike many spots in Waikiki, offers four hours of free validated parking. Even better news for local folks: all kamaaina receive 10 percent off their meal at Rocky Japanese Steak House. This offer is valid all year round for lunch and dinner. The discount does not apply to beverages and cannot be combined with other offers. Just present your Hawaii driver’s license to receive your discount.

Honolulu, HI 96815

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