Pa'ina Replaces Sundance Kitchen By Kabuki Cinemas

After over a year of darkness, the replacement restaurant for Japantown's defunct Sundance Kitchen has finally arrived. It's called Pa'ina, which means "get-together" in Hawaiian, and is going on day six. Co-owner and recent USF grad Samantha Cheng is putting her business management degree to work in this lengthy menu of Asian fusion and Hawaiian cuisine concocted with the help of chef Glenn Kimura. "Oompa Lumpia," "Oh My Gyoza," and "Ono-lish-ious Ribs" join a substantial live music element to turn Pa'ina into a bit more of a "lounge/hang-out atmosphere" at night. Reggae, Hawaiian music and cover bands are all on the docket.

Cheng says the interior bears no resemblance to Sundance Kitchen. Walls were knocked down to make room for a newly built-out stage, two private rooms, two bars, and a conference table—should your company wish to host its next meeting here. The kitchen has also been down-sized, allowing the interior to seat a whopping 271. At this point, Yelpers are talking about the Kahlua sliders, spicy tuna poke, punch in enormous goblets, and Hawaiian beers like Fire Rock. What are you talking about? Tell us in the comments or the tip jar.

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