Page 2 - Dining Out - Nov 21, 2021

Restaurant Insider with Anne Lee
ANNE LEE
speaks with Up Roll Café co-owners
ANNA AND MANNY MANIWA
Photos by
LAWRENCE TABUDLO
Up Roll Café owner Manny Maniwa is not your usual chef. He actually is a food scientist, and majored in chemistry in college. He left Japan to travel to Europe, Turkey, India and the Mediterranean to learn various culinary styles and techniques, and spices/flavor combinations. Understanding the science behind the balance of flavors from salty to sweet, sour and bitter, he blends to create his form of umami, the base for Up Roll’s housemade sauces and dressings. I was able to sit with Manny and his wife Anna to taste some of Up Roll Café’s popular healthy dishes.
AL: How did you come up with the idea for Up Roll Café?
AM: In 2014, we came up with the concept to bring healthy Japanese fast-food to Hawaii. We fell in love with Hawaii and its powerful energy that is found within local ingredi- ents.The concept started with offering more fresh vegetables and healthy options. Other than eating a salad, you really don’t get a full serving of vegetables. Then came the evolution of the sushi burrito. We wanted to
create a way of putting an entire meal in the palm of your hand. With the sushi burrito, we’re able to add our Asian twist to provide all the flavors in our bowls into an easy-to- hold burrito.
AL: Tell me a little more about the menu offerings?
AM: Our entrées are handcrafted as either a sushi roll burrito or bowl, paired with our housemade sauces and dressings. Every- thing is made to order, and we wanted to offer a variety of options so you can create your specialty roll and continually change things up with different flavor combinations using our sauces and toppings to create your new favorite.We truly want you to have fun with your food and enjoy eating healthy. You may meet your new favorite when you take a chance and try something new.
AL: What are your popular items?
AM: Our most popular item is our Ahi Lover Avocado Roll ($14). We use local fresh ahi marinated in a local ginger sauce with Big Island avocados and local vegetables with a choice of white rice, brown rice, quinoa,
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SPECIAL SECTIONS MANAGER
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Anne Lee
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Dining Out
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