ANNE LEE speaks with Shingen Soba Izakaya at Heart Moon president and owner SHOICHI NAKITANI
I had the chance to visit with our friend Shoichi Nakitani, president and owner of Shingen Soba Izakaya at Heart Moon, at his location on South King Street. Moving from Waikiki to this location really enhanced the amount of kamaaina awareness. This restaurant has really become a local favorite, and there will be more for locals to enjoy with the launch of its happy hour.
AL: You have a new and exciting happy hour option that will be starting soon. Tell me more about that.
Gyu-Don (pictured with ube soba for $1 more)
SN: We have a new happy hour starting Oct. 18 (Monday). It is every day from 5 to 6 p.m., and then 7:45-8:30 p.m. This is a great way to try our dishes for an inexpensive price (dine-in only).
There are two options. Choi-no-mi means little things. You pick one beverage — Asahi draft beer, red or white house wine, a high ball (our house whiskey and soda), soju or masu sake — and one appetizer off of our happy hour menu for $9.80. Appetizer options range from edamame, beef tataki, chicken kaarage, ginger tempura and many more options. Any additional appetizer is just $3 more.
Tem-Don (pictured with moringa soba for $1 more)
We also have the happy combo, which is your choice of beverages as listed above, as well as your choice of soba or udon noodles, (ube or moringa noodles are $1 more, each) and choice of donburi set — all for $19.80. You can swap dessert instead of a beverage if you prefer.
AL: You are known for your special buckwheat soba noodles. What are the options?
Beef Daikon
SN: We use a special powder to make our soba noodles, and we also offer an ube udon and moringa soba option for only $1 more.
AL: This was known as Heart Moon before you moved here. Now, with combined locations, what can guests expect in the future?
SN: We were a popular karaoke bar before, so we have private rooms. We hope in the future, guests can come and enjoy delicious Shingen cuisine and enjoy the Heart Moon atmosphere.
Croquette
AL: There will also be a new winter menu coming in early to mid-November. Please tell me more about it.
Agedashi Tofu (all part of the happy hour set menus)
SN: There will be more hot dishes, hot noodles and new menu items. We still have our takeout menu and free delivery within certain locations.
AL: Any fun facts most people wouldn’t know about the restaurant?
Ginger Tempura
SN: We have this beautiful mural with angel wings on the wall. Many people like to take photos and post on social media.
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