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!