Cravings: Wailana Coffee House, ‘State Plate,’ Taylor Inouye

A Waikiki icon — the Wailana Coffee House — closes next month, and we’re collecting memories.

Did the Wailana play a big part in your late-night or early-morning lifestyle? Was it your go-to spot after work, after the game, before a night out?

Send your stories to crave@staradvertiser.com.

PINEAPPLE, PORK AND POI FILL ‘STATE PLATE’ EPISODE

Taylor Hicks, the 2006 winner of “American Idol,” has turned his focus from music to food, hosting a show called “State Plate” on INSP — the Inspiration Network. Over three seasons he’s been on a mission to explore the foods of all 50 states.

On Monday he reaches Hawaii. Hicks samples pineapple at Frankie’s Nursery, Homestead Poi in Waiahole, kalua pork and haupia at the Polynesian Cultural Center and Spam musubi at Duke’s Waikiki.

The episode launches the third season, which will take Hicks to the last 14 states in his nationwide journey. The show airs at 6 a.m. on Spectrum Channel 410 (not available on Hawaiian Telcom).

BAKER’S FINALE

Taylor Inouye of Hongwanji Mission School came close to winning the “Kids Baking Championship” trophy in Monday night’s Food Network series finale, but didn’t get to relish the taste of victory.

The bubbly 12-year-old Kailua resident, who learned to bake at her grandmother’s side, made a rainbow layer cake with lemon curd and strawberry butter cream, decorated with drips of white chocolate clouds.

But it was Natasha Jiwani of Bellevue, Wash., age 13, who took the title and the $25,000 prize.

The popular competition is hosted by actress Valerie Bertinelli and Duff Goldman, a pastry chef known for his “Ace of Cakes” Food Network show.

— Pat Gee, Star-Advertiser