I've been spending way more time than necessary at Ala Moana in a rash and unsuccessful attempt to finish Christmas shopping. I go with the best intentions but end up getting distracted by food, people watching, and book reading at Barnes & Nobles. So I never get anything done. Sigh. Some things never change. My favorite part about shopping is making stops at Shirokiya, a Japanese oasis of food, books, electronics and baked goods (at Saint Germain). The other day I tried a new item, the "Dry Curry Roll" ($2.80). It's your basic California roll with avocado and crab, only this time, the entire outside is rolled in yellow curry powder. And ta-dah! It becomes a Curry Roll! Fascinating, isn't it? It was a nice change from the ordinary, though I don't think I've become an immediate fan. Perhaps when I'm back at school and short on food and money, I think curry powder and rice would make a good meal! :)

Today I had the Butterfish Bento ($7.20) which includes a local sized portion of rice, grilled butterfish, pickles, mushrooms, fishcake, a black seaweed (of which I do not know the name, but love to eat), two pieces of fried shrimp and a square of fried chicken (in front of the fish). The chicken really threw me off, it was a small tough square, very chewy and reminded me of a thick hunk of deep fried beef jerky. Perhaps this is a common Japanese item which I am unfamiliar with? But the butterfish was yummy as always. Smooth and savory, flaky to the touch, man, I love butterfish!

Shirokiya
Ala Moana Shopping Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd. #2250
Honolulu, HI 95814
(808) 873-9111