Kalapawai Cafe - Kailua Town

I had to go to the Windward side, so I decided to pick up lunch from Kalapawai Cafe in Kailua Town. 

Extra Pepperoni Pizza

Kapolei Club

I had the Kapolei Club, which consisted of grilled chicken, bacon, Swiss, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.  It was very tasty and filling.  

Steak Bento

The Steak Bento came with sauteed musrhooms and onions, rice, and kimchi cucumber.  

Hot Pastrami

I picked up some desserts as well.

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Lilikoi Cheesecake

 

The cookies were enormous, and the cheesecake was luscious, with a pleasant, but light lilikoi flavor.

Online ordering and curbside pick-up was a breeze, and the food was great!

Kalapawai Cafe
750 Kailua Rd

Kailua, HI 96734

Read More

GOEN Dining + Bar

I have always been a fan of Roy Yamaguchi's restaurants, so I was really happy when I found out that he would be opening a restaurant in Kailua, which is relatively close to where I live.  Once the restaurant opened, I asked Gem if she wanted to try it with me and she said YES!

Goen is not your typical Roy's restaurant. The atmosphere is more casual, and the menu is smaller and consists of items unique to the restaurant.

One thing that was familiar to us was the complimentary edamame that was delivered to our table as soon as we were seated. 

riesling

complimentary edamame

We both wanted to try the fry basket which consisted of deep fried battered mushrooms with truffle aioli and bell pepper pesto. This ended up being my most favorite part of the meal (aside from the company) and the next time I come here, I'm not sharing this! 

mushroom fries

For my entree I selected the salmon. Loved it! It was prepared medium rare (recommended by the kitchen), resulting in a perfect combination of a crispy exterior and buttery moist interior.  It melted in my mouth.

salmon

Gem ordered the fish of the day, which on this day was onaga. She generously invited me to sample it and I thought it was really good.

catch of the day

While I was initially disappointed that Roy's signature chocolate souffle was not offered on the menu, I soon forgot all about it once I took a bite of this slice of chocolate cake.

chocolate cake

Since I hear they have a kid's menu, I'm looking forward to returning with my sons and hubby soon. Thanks Gem, for driving to the windward side! 

GOEN Dining + Bar

573 Kailua Road 

(808) 263-4636

Read More

Mama'Nita Scones

Mama'Nita Scones, which has been making 100% natural and homemade scones in Kailua since 2016, may be closing their doors for good after December 24, 2018. I italicized "may", because the owner has not made a final decision yet on its closure. 

I'm usually not a fan of scones, but I like Mama'Nita's scones.  My favorite flavors are the Lilikoi (which is their signature scone), blueberry, and chocolate chip.

Since it's a small operation, pre-ordering is highly recommended for large orders. 

They also sell packaged scone mix which make nice gifts this holiday season.

Stop by before December 24, 2018, as there's no guarantee that they'll reopen after the holidays.

Mama'Nita Scones

320 Kuulei Road

(808) 753-9108

Read More