Shokudo After Dark

I finally got to stop by Shokudo After Dark last week in-between my bar hops. Its new late night menu has an assortment of 18 pupu available at $3 each from 10:30 p.m. to 12 a.m, Sunday through Wednesday.  The menu looked great, so I ordered five plates and a drink for under $20—but, quickly learned that even with food, looks can be deceiving.

Right away, the tasty looking Curry Pizza Bites and the Curry Fries Casserole did not please my palate.  However, Japanese curry is not my favorite so please contest me if I’m wrong.  The Cold Ramen Salad was okay and the Russian Roulette Croquette—four potato croquettes with one disguised wasabi—was fun, but would this draw me back there for another late night meal? The answer—no.

Not satisfied, I ordered a couple other plates that came recommended—Spicy Tuna Nachos and Teriyaki Chicken Quesadilla.  Finally, my night turned around.  The chicken quesadilla was good with a side of cilantro sauce for dipping, but what did it for me were the nachos.   They were definitely worth three dollars—plus, an extra three dollars for “another order, please!”

As midnight came rolling around, I couldn’t help but eyeing from across the room a delicious looking plate of toast with a big mound of ice cream on top—the Honey Toast Jr.  The servers were trailing out of the kitchen with plates and plates of these to give to the customers waiting at their tables for their last order of the night.  “Yes, it’s a popular one,” replied one of the chefs. Toast drizzled with honey and vanilla ice cream—hmmm, think I might stop by again after all.

Shokudo Japanese Restaurant & Bar
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., 10:30 p.m. – 12 a.m., Sun through Wed.
941-3701