Tried and true... a staple in the Kailua community, Moke's Bread & Breakfast serves downright craveworthy, local comfort food with a smile. Originally opened by Chef Moke Warren in 2004, the eatery has expanded to Kaimuki and Japan. Now run by Keola, Moke's son, the service is friendly and approachable, while the food is hearty, fresh and delicious.

Famous for their Lilikoi Pancakes, the sauce is a passion fruit cream that is perfectly tart and sweet. The pancakes are elegant, fluffy and light. The other items on the menu are more hearty and bring the locals in, especially after a hike or morning at the beach. You'll find Loco Moco, Biscuits, Omeletes and homemade corned beef hash to satisfy. The eggs are buttery, the fried rice is plentiful and the servings are hefty. 

Like many restaurants trying to stay afloat, they are offering limited dine-in, delivery and takeout. Takeout seems to keep a lot of people open and employed. The food is a lot like going to uncles house and the service is friendly and welcoming. It truly makes you feel like you're family and you are supporting family just by sitting there and ordering. 

Moke's Bread & Breakfast (Kailua)
27 Hoolai St, Kailua, HI 96734
www.mokeshawaii.com

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Imagine you are swept away to Turkey... The music, the ambiance, the delicate touches and aroma of unique spices envelopes you. But, you are instead in the heart of Kakaako, in Ward eating at Istanbul! Yes, this is really happening. Istanbul Restaurant is a one-of-a-kind, authentic Mediterranean meets middle eastern cuisine using local ingredients and believe me when I say every bite is delicious.

A mother and daughter duo expertly craft their meals and are known for their Turkish and Ottomon cuisine at Istanbul Restaurant; you'll find freshness, bold flavors and perfectly cooked delights here. Eggplant, chickpeas, feta, lamb and organic chicken compose the menu. Each dish is expertly crafted, gently adorned with pomegranate seeds and flowers. Each presentation is gloriously beautiful. You can order from an array of chilled dishes and warm dishes and then entrees that are complete with delicious Turkish saffron pilaf rice. 

Lunch showcases lighter fare including pita wraps, while dinner is more robust and highlights mains including local fresh caught fish, Kauai shrimp, grass-fed local meats and other Turkish delicacies. We visited for lunch and enjoyed the Meze Platter which gives you a taste of starters including the hummus, babaganush, muhamara and a few others. The doner is superb and very moist and flavorful. Everything eaten is simply divine and the desserts were also outstanding. We enjoyed the baklava and the hatay kunefe which is an absolutely mind-blowingly delicious shredded filo with cheese, pistachio and honey. 

Everything is presented with passion and purpose. Each dish is unique and supremely delicious and the service is very welcoming, patient and eager to share. Go enjoy and experience Turkish cuisine unlike any other on Oahu. 

Istanbul Restaurant
Istanbul Hawaii
1108 AUAHI ST, STE 152
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814, US
+1 808-772-4440
Closed Mondays

New to the island of Oahu. but oh so popular on the island of Kauai -- Holey Grail Donuts is a welcome addition to Honolulu. 

Currently located in their pop-up yellow food truck located at Ward Center adjacent to where Bed Bath & Beyond once stood. This take on an old fashioned donut pairs local artisan ingredients with organic and plant-based goodness. Each donut is handcrafted and made with local hand harvested taro. Taro gives it a dense texture with great flavor. 

Made fresh using only organic coconut oil and local farmed fruits and other toppings... the menu changes each week and also features expertly crafted coffee and other seasonal delights. Available at the time was plant-based eggnog. Here you'll stumble upon a rich yet light donut, topped with unique flavors and colors. The one-of-a-kind selection is based on local availability and seasonality. Never made with animal products, the goal is to be less impactful on animals and the world. Even the boxes are 100% compostable. 

Holey Grail Donuts
Oahu: Ward Center
Kauai: Hanalei
www.holeygraildonuts.com

Nestled within Sheridan and Rycroft Streets, in the heart of Honolulu, is a new unassuming yet supremely authentic European-style cafe. Farmhouse Cafe opened just over a month ago and is boasting decadent yet flavorful eats and artisan coffee, gourmet pastries and robust mains using local and organic ingredients. 

Just like sitting on the promenade in Paris, the menu feature classics like charcuterie, croque madame and monsieur and poutine. We ordered the beignets which were also served with a grand marnier chocolate sauce -- these were magical. They were pillowy soft, moist in the middle, delicate and full flavored. The chocolate dipping sauce was amazing and complimented the fried delicate goodness. 

We also tasted the house specialty gourmet burger and the smoked salmon tartine. The tartine featured king salmon along with herbed ricotta, radishes and preserved lemon cucumber. The cucumber was massively and messily topping the toast and didn't boast any unique flavors except to add freshness. Overall this was just ok. 

The burger however, was outstanding! The Wagyu beef, onion date jam and gorgonzola with demi glace on the side was moist, juicy, mildly sweet and savory, decadent, delicious and bursting with flavor. The burger was served on a brioche bun with potato mille-feuille which was delightful layers of potato with butter and cheese, perfectly seasoned and crisp. 

In the end, this was an outstanding experience simply because this is authentic boulangerie meets patisserie and we don't have much of that here in Hawaii. The menu items were extremely fresh, delicious, perfectly prepared and expertly crafted. 

It seems they are closed on Sundays and their hours differ on the other days. So be sure to search or call for the most accurate times of availability. I called and made a reservation for lunch but it didn't seem to matter. 
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808 Sheridan St #107, Honolulu, HI 96814
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It is especially exciting to see hotels and restaurants reopen their doors again in Hawaii. Many posed the question wondering what would happen with buffet dining? Luckily Prince Waikiki has learned to pivot and adapt, while also offering their local popular favorites and signature dining experience. 

100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, along with the hotel, reopened on November 1, 2020. The oceanfront iconic location poised just on the edge of Waikiki and along the tail end of Ala Moana area is the perfect retreat from work, life and everyday stress... all the while you are still in town and still at home, so you can rest assured everything you need is nearby. 

A local classic with charming and approachable local hospitality, the service at 100 Sails always makes locals feel welcome and appreciated as many of the associates have worked on property for decades. It's almost like going to visit family when you visit for a meal. For many, we wondered what would happen with the buffet-style experience? Hotel management thoughtfully came up with the Indulge concept which allows you to enjoy the buffet-style of dining, while the dishes are served and crafted for you -- made to order. Served courses include their famous snow crab legs while action stations feature the always popular poke, sushi and prime rib station. 

Dinner is available daily from 5pm-9:30pm and ala carte options are also available. The Indulge all you can eat menu is $75 per person and they also feature Happy Hour 4pm-6pm (complimentary parking validation too). 

Kapa Hale is located just behind Kahala Mall next to Olive Tree. It's one of those spots that will hold a special place in your heart...because it combines all the elements of local cuisine with everything you love about elevating your taste buds to the next level. 

Chef and Owner Keaka Lee brought his Hawaiian roots to the table with refined culinary skills and the best ingredients to create a Hawaiian Regional Inspired menu that honors his legacy while taking your palate to new heights. 

Luau Quiche and Pipikaula with Polenta are just a few of the combinations that blend perfectly. Although in the Kahala neighborhood prices are reasonable and options diverse. The restaurant is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. Check to see their hours and availability. 

4614 Kilauea Avenue Suite #102 Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 phone: 808-888-2060 email: info@kapahale.com
​www.kapahale.com
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With all the influences of fine, French, culinary cuisine Miro Kaimuki is approachable and comfortable. Honolulu's Chris Kajioka wanted to giveback to the neighborhood that raised him by creating a dining experience that would rival any fine restaurant in America yet embodied the aloha spirit. 

Nestled in the former Miro Cafe, Kajioka and partner Chef Mourad Lahlou (with Chef Trevor Webb as Chef de Cuisine) has elegantly executed a culinary masterpiece. The menu is prix fixe with other supplemental options like seasonal items, foie gras and freshly baked bread. At $65 per person and an additional $35 for wine pairings this delightful menu is off the beaten path, incorporates luscious french techniques and local ingredients. Each item is delicately prepared, expertly crafted and seasonally inspired as it changes every month.

The service is attentive, educated, jovial and refined. All the while embracing the aloha culture with friendly banter and lovely dialogue. Servers and runners are well versed in the menu items and its origin, making this entire experience one to remember. 

Here's the menu for December 2020:
​SQUASH. BURRATA. SUNFLOWER.
Alsace Blanc, Kuentz Bas, Alsace, France
"RATAOUILLE". EGG. NIGELLA.
Gamay, Domaine de Dupeuble, Beaujolais, France
OUR SOURDOUGH. SALTED BUTTER. MARJORAM – ADD $5
CHARCOAL GRILED KANPACHI. TOMATILLO. TURNIP. TROUT ROE.
Gruner Veltiner, Huber, Transiental Valley, Austria
WASHUGYU FLANK STEAK. GREEN PEPPERCORN. YUZU
Carignan, Domaine de Fontsainte, Corbieres, France
APPLE. CINNAMON. ALMONDS.
2008 Chateau Suduiraut, Sauternes - Add $25

I've always enjoyed a nice, relaxing yet festive happy hour at Kona Brewing Co. The Hawaii Kai location boasts marina views, trade-winds and friendly service. I have to admit, I haven't dine there in a while and since COVID we were all relegated to takeout and home cooking for many months. After a lovely hike a friend and I decided to visit the old pub and enjoy a majestic lunch on the waterfront. 

We were greeted with smiles and eagerness, the service was spot on and friendly. The food was generous in portion size, fresh and amazingly delicious. It reminded me not overlook the obvious when it comes to a brew pub... they make darn good food. 

We ordered the Cobb Salad which was loaded with fresh vegetables, bacon and chicken. The pepperoni rolls which are a favorite because of the chewy baked roll, crisp cheese and gooey textures, the poke was perfectly fresh and melted, the chicken wings were flavorful and massive portion and we even ordered a pizza togo. 

​A hefty meal with magical memories!