Tsukemen — think of it as dipping ramen — has come to Waikiki Yokocho with the opening last week of Tsujita Ramen.

The ramen shop, with 12 locations in Japan and Los Angeles, showcases the thicker style of noodle with broth served on the side. The optimum offering is Ajitama Tsukemen, with a thick broth of pork and chicken bones, seafood and vegetables, simmered for more than 60 hours.

More traditional tonkotsu, or pork-stock ramen, is also on the menu, along with several donburi (rice bowl) choices. Prices are in the $12-to-$15 range.

Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Mondays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Visit tsujita-hawaii.com.

Waikiki Yokocho is in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza, 2250 Kalakaua Ave.

Maui brews hit Waikiki

Maui Brewing Co. opened a Waikiki outpost Tuesday in the old Jimmy Buffett’s site at the Holiday Inn Resort Waikiki Beachcomber.

The 435-seat, 18,000-square-foot brewpub features the brewery’s craft beers, including some previously served only on Maui, among them Pau Hana Pilsner, Wild Hog Nitro Stout and Black Rock Lager.

Thirty-six taps surround a large bar that also sells crowlers and growlers for taking out. The menu features island-inspired brewpub fare.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, with happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m.

Call 843-2739.

Awards for good service

The Hawaii Restaurant Association is accepting nominations through Feb. 17 for the annual Employee Appreciation and Excellence Awards.

Restaurateurs, managers and business owners may nominate employees in front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house categories.

Awards will be given to nonmanagement, nonsupervisory personnel who go beyond their normal job responsibilities as well as provide outstanding service to the restaurant, guests or the community.

Nomination forms are available via hawaiirestaurant.org.

An awards luncheon is set for 11 a.m. March 20 at the Kahala Hotel & Resort. Call 944-9105.

Quickbites is a weekly listing of dining events. Email items to crave@staradvertiser.com.