C-D | TO P RESTAU R ANTS CRAB CITY See The Newcomers, Page 59
A list of restaurants by type of cuisine is on Page 80; by neighborhood on Page 81.
DA SPOT
Waikiki; 429-0945. Breakfast, lunch (closed Tuesday). $$
CREAM POT
CREPES NO KA ‘OI
A quirky fusion restaurant where you’ll find a mix of French farmhouse flair and refined-yet-eclectic Japanese culinary inspiration. While this corner of Waikiki has surely seen better days, the breakfast fare is on point — just don’t bring someone who likes to talk story because once the food shows up at your table, there won’t be much conversation other than a few satisfied sighs between bites. Recommended: the mind-blowing Souffle Pancakes (get them with fresh strawberries) and French Rolled Omelets (the salmon version is the perfect blend of Grey Goose-cured fish, caramelized onions, sour cream and fresh dill; the classic version with baked maple-cured bacon, sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, potato and Gruyere cheese is equally amazing). ——— Hawaiian Monarch Hotel, 444 Niu St.,
Forget your preconceived notions of what a crepe is. Yes, you’ll be delighted with the way owners Chris and Rosario “Kakay” Tarvyd serve up hot crepes with chocolate sauce and a bit of whipped cream. But you’ll also want to try the more substantial Ultimate Breakfast Crepe, stuffed full of potatoes, bacon, onions, rosemary and a poached egg, smothered in hollandaise. Or take the savory route with the quesadilla-like Say Cheese crepe, the Killer Pizza or Popeye’s Power, made with spinach and turkey or ham. And let’s not forget dessert: The S’Mores crepe, made with graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate syrup and whipped cream, is heaven on a plate. ——— 131 Hekili St., Kailua; 263-4088; www.crepesnokaoi.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner; breakfast, lunch only Sundays (closed Tuesday). $
D-E d.k STEAK HOUSE The beef here, dry-aged in-house for maximum flavor and tenderness, is cooked in a special double broiler that quickly sears the outside to keep flavorful juices within, resulting in mouthwatering steaks. And to think that chef/owner D.K. Kodama almost became a civil engineer. Instead he’s engineering succulent dinners in Waikiki. Recommended: Bacon-wrapped scallops, ribeye, surf-and-turf combos, chocolate chip bread pudding. ——— Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, 2552 Kalakaua Ave.; 931-6280; www.dksteakhouse.com. Dinner. $$$$
Husband-and-wife duo Ahmad Ramadan and Ako Kifuji deliver an eclectic mix of tasty Egyptian/Mediterranean meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, curries, baklava, saffron rice and a large selection of salads served in generous cafeteria-style portions. As a sweet complement, treat yourself to a fruit smoothie — with more than 30 combinations to choose from, you’re sure to find something that hits “da spot.” Recommended: Moroccan roasted chicken, Egyptian baked chicken, Indian coconut lamb curry, Thai veggie curry. ——— 2469 S. King St., Moiliili; 941-1313. Lunch, dinner (closed Sunday). $
DEAN’S DRIVE INN Some of the island’s best local-style plate lunches are served here by “local boy” Dean Mishima and wife Doreen, who bakes the scrumptious sweets. You can choose from white or brown rice as The People’s Choice for Authentic Southern Cuisine
Serving your all-time favorite soul foods
Shrimp • Steak • Abalone Topped with our homemade sauces Garlic • Matsuri • Pesto • Teriyaki
847 Kapahulu Ave.
847 Kapahulu Ave.
735-2225
333 Royal Hawaiian Ave.
333 Royal Hawaiian Ave.
923-2244 We 735-2225 Serve Traditional Hawaiian Kava 923-2244
Fried catfish, cornbread, collard greens, mac & cheese, chicken wings, fried okra, rice & beans, smothered pork chops, and more than you can name! 98-371 Kamehameha Hwy, Pearl City Across from Taco Bell
Mon-Sat 10a-9p • Sun 1p-6p momssoulfood.com
678-8201
Kapiolani: 808-589-2989 Waikiki: 808-926-2989 Windward Mall: 808-744-2157 36
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