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ONO-LICIOUS | JANUARY 13, 2017 7 TORRES: ‘We are here to try to show people culinary excellence’ the 22-ounce, 20-day aged bonein ribeye steak seared to order in a 1,800-degree broiler and served with roasted, garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed local veggies. “The ribeye is my favorite thing on the menu,” said Shane. “It’s unbelievable what the aging process can do to a piece of meat. It makes the ribeye more tender and gives it a nuttier, outstanding flavor. Our 30-day aged 32-ounce Tomahawk Big Bone-in Ribeye is another great entrée that we grill to our customers’ request. Sansei is known for its seafood, but our steaks are also fantastic.” Shane’s culinary journey began at a variety of small establishments on Oahu, after which he moved to Los Angeles to gain new experiences at various restaurants. Instead of moving back to Oahu, Shane decided to relocate to the Big Island, where he was hired at Café Pesto in Kawaihae, and worked his way up to the position of executive chef there in 1997. He then worked at Ruth’s Chris Steak House at the Shops at Mauna Lani, and later at Romano’s Macaroni Grill at Queens’ MarketPlace beginning in 2008 until just recently, where he learned the ins and outs of running a restaurant, including the financial side of the business. “Cooking is the fun part, but financials, cost controls and labor is super challenging. I learned all of that at Romano’s.” When Shane received the call to interview at Sansei, he said he immediately bonded with the restaurant’s managing partner, Tom Alejado, who shares Shane’s love of the restaurant business. “This company cares about the food,” said Shane. “We are here to try to show people culinary excellence. We want to give our customers great quality at a great price. We enjoy coming up with new creations to surprise our guests. We are always talking with each other about what our next ‘wow’ factor dish will be. I love this restaurant, the company, the culture and everything about it.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 The panko-crusted ahi sashimi is one of many award-winning appetizers at Sansei Seafood, Steak and Sushi Bar. Courtesy photo


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