Making the list
The annual OpenTable.com list of its 100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America includes only one in Hawaii.
Hau Tree Lanai at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikiki received its placement on the list based on ratings submitted by more than 5 million verified OpenTable users, for some 20,000 restaurants, in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
New York has 26 restaurants on the list, followed by California with 16, Maryland with nine and Illinois with six.
Hawaii’s previous brunch-listers have included Australian-based Bills Sydney in Waikiki; Naupaka Terrace at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa, in Kapolei; and Plumeria Beach House at the Kahala Hotel & Resort, which has been on the list at least twice before.
Food trucks set down roots
Two popular food trucks now have brick-and-mortar presences on Oahu:
>> Banan, which serves an alternative to frozen yogurt based on locally grown bananas, is now open at 1810 University Ave., at the intersection of University Avenue and Metcalf Street.
Shop hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.
The food truck, parked at 3212 Monsarrat Ave., has gained a loyal following with its frozen treats served with fresh fruit and other toppings, most of which are locally grown. The four owners take a farm-to-table approach, as do many in the food service industry, but they also go from table to farm, as it sends banana peels to a piggery and sends other waste to another farm for composting.
The brick-and-mortar location was financed with a crowdsourcing campaign and family support.
>> Kau Kau Grill held a grand opening Saturday for its restaurant at 825 Mapunapuna St.
Miles Oyasato and Tai Takishita took their truck on the road in April 2013 and became known for their uber-tender ribs.
At the permanent location the menu features some new dishes, including fried saimin noodles.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays. Call 476-5888. The Kau Kau food truck, at 1011 Ala Moana Blvd., is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; call 284-8293.
Cheers, Mom
Turtle Bay Resort has crafted a special cocktail for Mother’s Day (which is Sunday, don’t forget).
Mother’s Roses is a mix of Chandon Rose Sparkling Brut, SKYY Wild Strawberry Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur and pureed strawberry, lemon and pineapple juices. It will be available throughout the resort in May for $11.
Resort restaurants are offering Mother’s Day brunch (at Kuilima Ballroom), a four-course dinner with wine pairings (at Pa‘akai restaurant) and a buffet (at North Shore Kula Grille).
For reservations call 293-6020.
