So what is Jinroku? It's the Waikiki counterpart of an eatery in Tokyo whose favorite two ingredients seem to be beef tendon and kim chee. Isn't that saying enough? Japanese teppan and okonomiyaki featuring beef tendon and kim chee? That's bold.

Chef Ken, pictured here, is McKinley class of '01. Mention this if you're a fellow Tiger, and he'll sing the alma mater. Like most of the staff, he's bilingual, which is a good reflection of the customers: about half from Japan, some U.S. tourists, and a growing portion of local regulars.

We're impressed, given the times and considering Jinroku only opened in September. Visit Metromix (www.honolulu.metromix .com) for more information on this fun new eatery.

JINROKU

2427 Kuhio Ave.

926-8955