HoMA Café

I can't remember the last time I dined at the Honolulu Museum of Art (formerly known as the Honolulu Academy of Arts, but after dining here recently with a couple of friends who I've known since high school, I think I'm going to be coming here more often for lunch! The food was excellent! The only downside is the parking is across the street and costs $6 for the first five hours.

You do not need to pay for admission if you're just going to dine at the Cafe. 

Here's what we enjoyed for lunch:

Smoked Salmon Crostini

Sandwich of the Day - shrimp meatball, marinara sauce

Filet Mignon Sandwich

Pan-Seared Salmon

Homemade Sundae with vanilla and coffee ice cream, topped with candied ginger

Fresh Fruit Crisp ala mode (today's fruit = apple)

The shrimp meatball sandwich was mine and I really liked it! Our server had convinced me to try it, and I'm so glad I took the bait because it was very tasty.  My friend who is a member of HoMA always orders the filet mignon sandwich - that was what I was originally going to order.  And because she's a member of HoMA, we received a 10% discount on the bill.  

Lunch is served Wednesdays - Saturdays from 11 am - 2 pm, Sunday Brunch is from 11 am - 2 pm, and they are also open on Friday evenings until 8:30 pm (food is served until 7:30 pm). 

Reservations are highly recommended.

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HoMA Cafe

900 South Beretania

808-532-8734

 

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Fusion Cafe + Wine

Kaimuki is home to quite a number of small, cozy cafes that offer fresh coffees and delicious pastries.  One of the newbies to the neighborhood is Fusion Cafe + Wine. 

I stopped by one morning to try a cup of coffee and a couple of their pastries. It did not disappoint!

A display of fresh scones and other baked goods greets you when you enter the front door.

You can grab n go or enjoy your coffee and baked goodies in house.

I took a moment to enjoy a cup of Americano while nibbling on a blueberry scone and Olive Oil Cake.

The Olive Oil Cake with Calamansi Curd and Chantilly is a must-try. The cake was super moist (due to the olive oil) and the calamansi curd was so refreshing. And this item is gluten-free too!

The blueberry scone was good too - not overly dry and it was filled with a decent amount of blueberries. I would like to try the other flavors on my next visit.

They also have sandwiches, salads, and bubbles & wine (4 PM - 7 PM Thursday - Saturday evenings).

Closed on Sundays.

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FUSION CAFE + WINE

3457 WAIALAE AVE

(808) 675-6091

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Pai Cafe

We were in Kapahulu looking for a quick snack for the four of us .. the son wanted a smoothie from Mango Mango, so we pulled into the parking lot of the Wong Long Building, and noticed a place called "Pai Cafe" next door, so we went to check it out after picking up a smoothie for the son. 

We picked up an acai bowl and blueberry scone to-go, both were excellent!

The acai was nice and creamy, not icy like how some places prepare it. It came with a good amount of blueberries, strawberries, and bananas, drizzled with organic honey. 

The blueberry scone came with big blueberries in it, which made this scone very moist. I'm normally not a fan of scones (because they tend to be dry), but I couldn't put this one down. I had intended to just take a few bites, but ended up devouring the whole thing.  

Current hours are Monday - Saturday 6AM - 3PM, Sundays 8AM - 3PM.

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Pai Cafe

755 Kapahulu Avenue

Instagram: @paicafekapahulu

 

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The Cafe at DaDa

 

Chef Cyrus Goo, who is most known for owning and operating Cafe Laufer in Kaimuki for over 22 years, has opened a new restaurant in the Ala Moana Hotel called The Cafe at Dada.  The restaurant shares space with Salon Dada, which is located on the third floor of the hotel (next to the pool). Fans of Cafe Laufer, which closed in 2018, can once again enjoy some of their favorite dishes and desserts from the former restaurant.  

We decided to check out the new restaurant on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. We shared the Hot Pastrami Sandwich, which came with a nice serving of salad on the side.

We were also treated to a small cup of the soup of the day.

And if you're wondering why open a cafe at a Salon, it's actually makes a lot of sense. We observed a lot of salon patrons buying things from the restaurant, and there were actually two salon clients who were dining in during their hair treatments (it's quite noticeable when they have their hair wrapped in foil and their smocks on)! 

The Cafe is currently open 7 days a week. Check out the complete menu here. 

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The Cafe at Dada
410 Atkinson Drive, Level 3 (Ala Moana Hotel)

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Aloha Bakehouse & Cafe

Minutes from Ala Moana Beach Park is a hole-in-the-wall cafe where you can find homemade baked goods, acai bowls, grab-n-go items, coffee, breakfast burritos, and even smash burgers.

I came here to try their cinnamon rolls, which are baked fresh daily, and it did not disappoint! The cream cheese frosting is AMAZING!!

Since we were heading to the beach I also picked up a few spam musubis.  There were so many other items on the table that I wanted to try (fried rice, scones), but we will just need to make another pit stop here the next time we're in the area.

If I lived in one of the condos nearby I would definitely be a regular here!

On a side note: they have another location in the lobby of Topa Financial Center in downtown Honolulu

Aloha Bakehouse & Cafe

1001 Waimanu Street

(808) 600-7907

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Keiki and the Pineapple

New to the hip, vibrant Kakaako area is a small, locally owned coffee shop called Keiki and the Pineapple. It's a place where parents can come with their keiki to relax with a cup of stellar coffee or a refreshing smoothie, grab a bite to eat, and mingle with other parents, in a kid-friendly environment. 

What makes this coffee shop great for parents is that there is a lot of open space, and a nice play area for the keiki. 

It may look like it's just for babies, but believe me, my 5 year old twins could find ways to entertain themselves here.

And unlike other places where store owners or customers give you "the eye" if your keiki is wandering around the shop, at Keiki and the Pineapple it's totally normal to see toddlers walking around the shop (if you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of the owner's handsome lil dude), and it's OK! It almost feels like you're a friend's house for a play date. 

K&P Cold Brew

As for the menu, they have a great selection of coffee, tea, toast (sweet and savory), and menu items for the keiki (toast recipes that are geared towards kids' tastes). 

Americano + Keiki Unicorn

They have events throughout the week, like story time, live music, arts and crafts, etc. Some activities/events are free, some are for small fee.  

Beach-inspired tees and onesies by Kana'i Kai

Check out their website for their complete menu and calendar of events!

KEIKI AND THE PINEAPPLE
909 Kapiolani Blvd
(808) 369-7025

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Visit Auckland: Wild Bean Cafe

We had a long day ahead of us in New Zealand, so we decided to walk to Wild Bean Cafe, which was close to our hotel, for some quick eats.

Wild Bean Cafe is located inside the BP gas station convenience stores throughout New Zealand.  They have lots of food options, including grab-and-go, heat-and-eat, and even Krispy Kreme!

Cookies & Cream Donut

Sprinkle Donut

Chocolate Donut

Bacon & Egg Pie

Mince & Cheese Pie

The kids chose sweet eats, and I tried some savory pies. New Zealand is known for their savory pies, especially Mince & Cheese!  Wild Bean Cafe had several varieties of pies to choose from.

Wild Bean Cafe was a convenient stop to fuel up before our long day in New Zealand!

Wild Bean Cafe
420 Fenton St
Froude St
Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

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Visit Portland: The Pie Spot

 

After some shopping, my daughter and I needed a treat so we looked up dessert places nearby and found The Pie Spot.  We lucked out and scored some parking in the front.  There are lots of pie choices; sweet pies, vegan pies, gluten free pies, and savory pies.  My daughter got their popular s'mores pie while I got the apple pie warmed up and a latte.  My pie was delicious, but the latte was stellar!  My daughter LOVED the s'more pies.  

The sweet pies ($4.50 each and $54 for a bakers dozen) are just the right size and no sharing is needed.  You can also add on whipped cream or ice cream.  They also sell whole pies, but with 24 hours notice.

The Pie Spot

521 NE 24th Ave

Portland, Oregon

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Visit Portland: Tea Bar

My daughter has been on a milk tea kick lately so I made it a point to find a great boba place while we visited Portland.  Fortunately, we didn't have to look very far.  Located within walking distance of our hotel in the Pearl district, we found the Tea Bar. 

The Tea Bar is a spacious café with a very clean minimalist design.  What won me over was the quality they instill in their drinks.  Their milk teas are slow brewed over 24 hours using premium organic teas, grade A tapioca pearls, and rBST-free local dairy.  We looked over the menu and my daughter decided on the peppermint boba milk tea while I had the ginger lemon tea toddy.  Both drinks can be served hot or cold.

I loved the milky taste of my daughter's milk tea and I thought the boba pearls were perfectly prepared.  I also loved my drink which not only tasted great, but was made from an immune boosting tea - perfect while travelling!  The ginger lemon tea toddy is made with organic chamomile, cold-pressed lemon juice, fresh ginger, cayenne, and raw local honey.  When served cold, the sparkling water makes it taste like soda!

Great café to enjoy your drinks while working or studying or just taking a breather like my daughter and I did together.          

www.drinkteabar.com

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Morning Brew Opens Second Location at Salt At Our Kaka'ako

Morning Brew's most popular menu item, the Maui Vegan Burger

On Monday, I attended the media event for Morning Brew's second location at Salt at Our Kaka'ako.  Morning Brew has been a Kailua favorite since it opened in 1995 and is now serving up the same delicious healthy food and the freshest organic coffee at its newest home in Kaka'ako.   

The bright café is beautiful with a loft area complete with bar style seating.  The upstairs area is perfect for groups as well as private events like showers and parties.   

I love lattes and breakfast foods so I enjoyed sampling Morning Brew's extensive menu.  My favorites were the Curried Chicken Salad sandwich and the Green Eggs and Ham - two eggs over easy, grilled ham, fresh spinach, and topped with house-made pesto.  A gluten free and vegan dish that I was surprised I actually liked was the very tasty Tofu and Veggie Scramble that is served over brown rice.

Conveniently located at Salt at Our Kaka'ako, Morning Brew is open daily from 6am to 6pm with plans on expanding to nights.  Will definitely be back!  

Left to Right: Chia Pudding with Fresh Fruit; Green Eggs and Ham; Grilled Steak Breakfast Burrito, Chai Latte, Tofu and Veggie Scramble, Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado & Tomato; Smoked Salmon Bagel; Vanilla Latte; and The Brew Breakfast. 

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Visit Maui: Sip Me

On a friend's recommendation, we went to check out Sip Me for some coffee and tea.  Located in Makawao, Sip Me serves organic and local coffee, espresso, juice, smoothies, pastries, and more.  The cute café is a great place to relax and recharge while catching up on email or convo with friends. 

We visited two days in a row because we liked it so much.  I had coffee the first day, but the second day felt like I needed something a little more healthy and opted for some fresh juice.  I ordered "Purify Me" which is made with red beet, orange, apple, lemon, ginger, turmeric, and a touch of cayenne to purify your blood, liver, and kidneys.  I loved it!  I really enjoyed the kick the cayenne gave and I did feel better after drinking it.  Now I know why people love fresh juice! 

Sip Me also offers other interesting health elixirs like ginger beer and ginger & turmeric made from fresh ginger grown in lush upcountry Kula.  Regular as well as gluten free treats are on the menu and look delicious.  Be sure to check out their Pay It Forward wall where patrons can donate to cover future purchases for others. 

They are open from 6am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 7am to 4pm on Sundays.  Street parking and lots of room to sit and chat.  Free wifi and excellent service!

Sip Me
3617 Baldwin Ave.
Makawao, Maui

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Lunch at Bakery & Table

Every year my friend LK and I celebrate each other's birthdays by taking each other to lunch in August.  This year we celebrated our birthdays at Bakery & Table, which opened earlier this year in Sub-Zero's former showroom on the corner of Piikoi and South King Street.

Bakery & Table consists of two floors - the bottom floor is a grab-n-go bakery, and a sit down restaurant is located on the second floor.

My friend LK ordered the Roasted Beet Salad. It was a very large salad full of a lot of greens and large chunks of beets.

I opted for the turkey avocado sandwich which came with both salad and french fries!

Since we were both celebrating birthdays, the restaurant provided us with complimentary sorbetto served on ice with a decorated plate. 

And on our way out we could not resist buying some items from the bakery on the first floor.  The bakery has a wide selection of savory and sweet pastries to choose from. My personal favorite is the an pan.

Stop by for lunch, dinner, or fresh Japanese style pastries and a cup of coffee!

Reservations recommended for lunch and dinner.

Bakery & Table
938 Piikoi Street
(808) 592-5555

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