Doraku Sushi Media Preview May 22, 2019
Renovation, features and new food items – Large Group Sushi Platters, Lamb Chops, New Sushi Rolls and more.
– Recently renovated Doraku Sushi and updgraded menu –
There are many Japanese visitors, tourists and natives in Hawaii as therefore, Japanese culture has had much influence on Hawaii’s culture, espeically in cuisine. As expected, there are numerous Japanese restaurants and izakayas in Waikiki (izakaya is a Japanese version of Irish pubs and tapas bars).
Doraku is neither your typical restaurant nor an izakaya, however. Doraku has its own concept with a full menu often found in high-end Japanese restaurants, but the overall ambience is similar to an izakaya. There is a sushi bar and many other great Japanese and Western selections as well. Doraku is well-refined and modern, but yet trendy. Doraku sets a great example on what a global food restaurant and pub should be.
Doraku in Waikiki has been in business for over 10 years and is considered one of the best restaurants in the area. Its creative and original menu, excellent interior and great music choice make it a one of the best restaurants to visit. Menu is comprised of traditional Japanese dishes that have been modernized to keep up with today’s trends. The artistic details of the food are also stellar. The owner Kevin Aoki, a son of the mastermind behind Benihana, started Doraku with an intent to create a happy and sociable restaurant for travelers and locals. You can feel the presence of both the Western and Asian culture in the food. One of their signature dishes are the sushi rolls made with perfect combination of ingredients and plated quite exquisitely. You will be surprised to find the prices of these dishes are not as expensive as you would expect. There are other options if you are not a big fan of sushi or Japanese food.
The restaurant has undergone a renovation after 10 years since the first opening. Many new items were added to the menu as well. Pictured below are sushi platter (Doraku Platinum Platter), lobster sashimi, and lamb meat. The sushi rolls pictured capture the essence and quality of Doraku when it comes to creative recipes.
Aoki Sake
Kavin Aoki
Kevin Aoki
Kavin Aoki & Rocky Aoki
Much of Doraku’s success can be credited to the owner Kevin Aoki’s dad Rocky, the founder of Benihana Chain. Japanese cuisine was not so mainstream in the 60s as Westerners were not familiar with sushi and raw fish, so Rocky Aoki started teppanyaki (similar to hibachi) business to gain attraction among Americans. The very first Benihana opened in 1964 and due to high popularity, Rocky expanded his business to 25 stores just in 10 years. Today, there are over 115 Benihana restaurants globally. Benihana can be credited much for the success of Japanese cuisine today.
Kevin Aoki followed in his father’s footsteps and is now currently the founder of Doraku chain and 4 other reputable restaurants.
Doraku Sushi
Qing Mu Noodle Company
Aoki Teppanyaki and Izakaya
Bluetree café
1938 Indochina
캐빈 아오키의 인터뷰 내용
How long are you doing your restaurant business? 요식업 비즈니스는 얼마나 하셨나요?
KA> 사업은 저희 아버님이 창업하신 베니하나에서부터 레스토랑 사업을 배우기 시작했습니다. 그리고 실제로 제가 운영하는 요식업은 15년 전부터이며 마이애미에 1호점 도라쿠 스시를 오픈했고 이 와이키키에 10년전에 2호점을 오픈했습니다.
What is your best advice to young people about your key point for business success? 사업 성공의 비결은 무엇이라고 생각하세요?
KA> 두 개의 P 가 중요하다고 생각합니다. Patience(인내력)와 Persistence(지속성)입니다. 성공은 쉽지 않고 인내력과 시간이 필요합니다. 저희 어머니로부터 받은 가르침으로 이 두가지를 지킨 결과가 아닐까 생각됩니다.
Do you have many Korean customers to your restaurant? 한국분들도 이 레스토랑을 많이 이용하시나요?
KA> 안녕하세요 최근 한국에서 하와이로 출발하는 항공편이 늘면서 저희 레스토랑에도 많은 한국분들이 방문해 주고 계십니다. 저희 전체 고객분들중에 약 10~15% 되고 있습니다. 감사합니다
Doraku Sushi
Doraku Waikiki