Baking For Funsies

Basque cheesecake has become a popular item during the pandemic. After seeing the posts on social media, I gave Baking For Funsies a try. I enjoyed the original flavor but I highly recommend the chocolate. The cheesecake is gooey in the center and not overly sweet. It is rich so portioning the cake out to 6 or 8 pieces would be best. The cheesecakes are sold as a whole and depending on the flavor, it costs between $45-$50.

For more information, visit @bakingforfunsies on Instagram.

Basque Cheesecake

Matcha Basque Cheesecake

Chocolate Basque Cheesecake

Farmhouse Cafe

Farmhouse Cafe is a brunch spot in the 808 Center. Their specialty is the potato mille feuille and I highly recommend ordering it. The food portions were good and everything tasted delicious but the prices are high. The breakfast and brunch items ranged from $10 to $18.

They have a limited menu; this might be due to the pandemic. The wait for food was longer than most brunch places and it seemed like the staff was still in training. The interior decor is rustic but the dine in space is tight. They have 3 table outside by the entrance but it can get busy with people waiting for table. If you are concerned with social distancing, take out would be you best option for you. You can also get pastries and coffee to go. For parking, I suggest parking on the street in the residential area or at a metered space on the street. If nothing is available on the street, you can drop off your vehicle at the 808 Center vertical garage and let the staff park it for you. I'm not sure what their parking rates are.

808 Center
808 Sheridan St., #107
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 888-2055

Potato Mille Feuille

Soft Scramble Omelette Parmesan & Herbs

Hironouchi

Hiro is a private chef who creates sushi bentos that are available for order. The pick is on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday each week. Each Hirokase box comes with assorted nigiri, maki, ikura, and a small appetizer. Each piece of the nigiri has a different flavor and you don't need shoyu. To order, DM @hiro_dreams_of_sushi_808 on instagram. 

Hiro-no-uchi
(415) 342-9838

Hirokase Box

 

Azasu - CLOSED

Azasu is a pop-up tempura shop located inside Mitsuwa Marketplace in Waikiki. They are known for their tempura bowls that have sauce drizzled over the rice and each piece of tempura. The tempura is made to order and you should eat it right away. The seating area is still closed in Mitsuwa Marketplace but you can find a spot to stand and eat around International Market Place. The prices range from $11 - $21 and they a big portion. Each bowl or plate will also come with miso soup. My go to item is the shrimp bowl because they give 4 pieces of shrimp tempura. If you have dietary restrictions, let them know and they will let you choose another vegetable to replace it.

They are open daily from 11am - 6pm. The line inside starts to form around 10:30am and it is best to go early. If you go around 12pm, you might end up waiting 45 minutes for your food. They only accept credit card for payment. The pop-up ends on 5/15/2021.

International Market Place
Mitsuwa Marketplace Hawaii Waikiki
2330 Kalakaua Ave., Level 2
Honolulu, HI 96815

Shrimp Tempura Bowl

Original Bowl w/ spicy sauce

Cheese Tempura

 

Kapa Hale

Kapa Hale is chef Keaka Lee's first restaurant. The menu is inspired by Asian, American and Hawaiian flavors. He also uses local ingredients when possible. The restaurant is open for dine in and they offer brunch, lunch and dinner. The interior of the restaurant has a modern design along with some kapa patterns and a mural on the back wall. They have indoor and patio seating. The staff are friendly and they gave us a few suggestions on what to try and the most popular items. Some of my favorites from dinner were the beef tartare, tako, corn bread, and the koji aged beef.

The food portions are small and the prices for the entrees are high so I'd save this place for a special occasion. If you are on a budget but still want to try this place, you can come for appetizers instead. For parking, the lot is small and it fills up quick. There is street parking on Pahoa Ave. but read the signs before you park.

For more information about Kapa Hale, visit www.kapahale.com.

4614 Kilauea Ave., Suite 102
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 888-2060

Hawaiian Beef Tartare

Let's Tako 'Bout It

Ahi Kapa-ccio

Corny Bread

Sunchokes

Roasted Chicken

Brussels

Koji Aged Cote De Boeuf

Avo-Matcha Made in Heaven