A taste of Tanaka’s tempting takeout

Birthday Steak and Chicken Bento (free with purchase of two entrée takeout bentos)

The tableside performance at Tanaka of Tokyo is always fun and exciting, but the real reason diners flock to the captivating restaurant is for its downright good eats.

“We can’t wait to serve you at our teppan tables again in the future, but for now, we are grateful to be serving quality, affordable bentos to the community,” says Alison “Bo” Tanaka, vice president of Tanaka of Tokyo Restaurants Ltd.

From large family packs to individual bentos, the restaurant is still making sure it’s catering to all cravings for every occasion. There’s even still time to snag festive meals for Mother’s Day. (Call for the restaurant’s holiday special, which runs through today, May 10.)

Poke and Ahi Bowls (prices vary)

“Tanaka of Tokyo would like to thank all the mothers out there for all that they do and wish all our moms a happy Mother’s Day,” shares Tanaka.

“We hope to serve you soon and we are sending lots of aloha to you on this special day.”

Throughout the rest of the month, Tanaka of Tokyo is continuing the celebrations with a special Birthday Steak and Chicken Bento offer for May babies. The dish combines a generous portion of certified Angus beef sirloin with a chicken thigh prepared with housemade teriyaki sauce. It all comes with steamed white rice, tsukemono and a Tanaka house salad and homemade sauces. The celebratory meal, available May 11-31, is free with the purchase of any two entrée bentos on the takeout menu and a valid ID.

Family Meal ($147)

“We wanted to acknowledge and do something special for the individuals that are not able to have parties or celebrate at the moment,” says Tanaka. “It is our way of helping to make their birthdays special.”

Meanwhile, the Family Meal ($147) feeds four to six people and promises something for everyone, including 16 ounces each of sirloin steak and teriyaki chicken, 20 pieces of garlic shrimp, four servings of teppan veggies and fried rice, white rice, salad, tsukemono and Tanaka of Tokyo’s famous signature house sauces.

“We wanted an assortment of items that will have something for everyone,” says Tanaka. “We also couldn’t forget about our famous garlic fried rice, and the generous portion will make sure everyone gets their fix!

“Not having to cook or do any dishes is also a bonus,” she adds with a laugh.

For any takeout orders placed through Tanaka of Tokyo Central in Waikiki Shopping Plaza — the only one open at this time — curbside pickup is available along Royal Hawaiian Avenue. Call 922-4702 to order!

“We want to thank everyone for their support and for supporting other local businesses,” Tanaka concludes. “Thank you for helping us get through this difficult time.”