Tanya’s brings famed pies, breakfasts and plate lunches back to Wahiawa

They say time flies — when you’re having fun, when the kids are growing up. But when measured in missed chocolate cream pies and stew plate lunches, time sure does crawl.

Just ask the countless fans of Britania “Tanya” Fajardo and Evangeline Yden, former employees of Sunny Side, who bought the restaurant’s recipes from its owners (but not its name or building) and for years served the beloved fare out of the old site on Kilani Avenue in Wahiawa. When their lease for that building ended early last year, they had to find a new location.

It’s been a long, slow 18 months, but today, everything’s golden again — as in pear-peach pie golden — now that the women have resumed their magic at their new restaurant, Tanya’s Pies and Grill, a spacious, spiffy spot a couple of blocks away from the old site. Today marks the soft opening; grand opening day is Oct. 5.

“It’s the same menu — chocolate cream pie, pear-peach pie, fried rice special,” said Fajardo, getting to the heart of the matter immediately. Those are the most popular items, and it’s a question she is asked often.

Hungry devotees can get right back where they left off, to dig into such classics as that fried rice, with one egg and hot dog; corned beef hash breakfast (one patty, two eggs and choice of rice, toast or hash browns); corned beef hash lunch (two patties, one egg, rice and corn); steak and onions; liver and onions; and much more.

Likewise — and arguably most important — the pies that draw folks from near and far are also back.

Those in the know will recall that there’s a menu of pies, and a rotation schedule. Today, for instance, there’s chocolate cream, blueberry cream, apple, banana, and either peach or apricot. Tomorrow: chocolate cream, cherry cream, apple, banana, pear-peach and pumpkin. Other offerings include peach cream and custard. But no matter what the day, call ahead or risk disappointment — they regularly sell out.

Fajardo said neighborhood residents have been stopping by to see how preparation of the new restaurant is progressing. Many have been such longtime customers, she and her crew know them by name.

Last week, the mood was light and cheery as restaurant staff readied for opening day. Baker Vangie Raspado assembled pie crusts while Ariel and Saloma Hidalgo swept and straightened up the dining room. A regular rotation of passers-by popped in to ask about the menu and when they could come eat.

Miles Harada — “Wahiawa, born and raised” — stayed a while to talk story with Fajardo, and they chatted like old friends.

Harada said he’s been enjoying the food for years and likes bringing his clients to Wahiawa to treat them to Tanya’s dishes.

His favorites are the beef and curry stews. “It’s homestyle cooking.”

TANYA’S PIES AND GRILL

>>Where: 1008 California Ave., Wahiawa

>>Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekends (through Oct. 5; to be extended starting Oct. 6)

>>Call: 621-7188 or 622-3888

>> Note: Cash only