Dinner at Ichiriki

My nephew, Barry and his wife, Miho invited and treated us to dinner at the Ichiriki Nabe Restaurant in Honolulu near Ala Moana where he works.  I can see why Barry would be an excellent server.  He's just the kindest, sweetest, helpful, most adorable guy around... not to mention cutest.  If you ever go there, tell them Barry's Auntie Kay sent you.

The dinner starts with a nabe or cooking pot that is brought to the table and placed on a burner.

A plate of meat, seafood and vegetables is brought for each person.

 

Barry expertly showed us how to cook our food.  This was such a different dining experience for us in Hawaii.

POSTSCRIPT:  I forgot to mention that these bamboo scoops hold a mixture of meats (sort of like a sausage without the skin).  You're supposed to spoon off little sections into your broth which produce tasty little meatballs.

The restaurant is set up as semi private rooms with two tables each.  The whole atmosphere really reminded us of being in Japan.

Sarah got to be a real expert at cooking her nabe ingredients.  

Barry reminded us not to overcook the meat.  We removed cooked food and placed them in bowls to eat with our rice.

Bear says he really likes nabe cooking because even when you've eaten a lot, you don't feel bloated when you're done.  He says he's seen celebrities come to the restaurant and act like "ordinary" folks.

Here I am with my son, Jon and Barry's wife, Miho.  I wish mom could have come, too but she was feeling ill and needed to stay home and rest.

That's OK... we'll just have to go back again on another day.