Waikiki magazine

Sips & Treats!

November 13, 2013 | By Rasa Fournier

Start off the day right—and ready for adventure— with a morning drink and delicious goodies.

All cups of coffee are not created equal. They may equally hit the proverbial spot, but ah, the endless variety of choices: be it hot, iced or blended, wicked strong or smooth and milky—or make that soy milk-silky. As for flavors, there’s macadamia nut, vanilla, coconut… Want whipped cream on top? Waikiki boasts a bountiful supply of excellent watering holes for a quick pick-me-up before embarking on the day’s activities. If you prefer to get charged up with a piping fresh blueberry turnover or savory bun, Kalakaua Avenue and its bustling side streets have got that, too.

NUTTY HAWAIIAN LATTE AND HERBED GOAT CHEESE FLAMMENKUCHE

Rising to a cup of iced macadamia-coconut latte on a sunny island day just makes sense, and the crowds prove it. Honolulu Coffee Co. says their Nutty Hawaiian Latte, hot or icy, is one of the most popular items on the menu. With the lingering flavor of roasted coconut dancing on the tongue, it’s no wonder. The theme carries over into their Nutty Hawaiian Kona Frost,

and their caffeine-free blended Coconut Cream drink. Honolulu Coffee Co. also offers a choice array of accompanying food items to supplement the experience, from waffles and hearty oatcakes to quiche and Herbed Goat Cheese Flammenkuche. The latter, like all of their baked goods, is made fresh daily, from scratch. The delicate layers of phyllo are a scrumptious base for showing off the zesty kick of basil, juicy tomato and melted goat cheese on top.

Honolulu Coffee Co.
2365 Kalakaua Ave. [C:9 Waikiki Map]
(808) 926-6162
www.honolulucoffee.com

MIXED FRUITS DANISH

Once you have a tray and a pair of tongs in hand, it’s hard to refrain from loading up on Panya’s mouth-watering selections, both sweet and savory. Various Danish fruit pastries, glistening with strawberry and blueberry toppings, sit on the top shelf, beckoning. These tarts are flaky in all the right ways, highlighted by a sumptuous mouthful of fruit-in-the-middle goodness. Panya also carries chocolate Danishes, cream cheese donuts, chocolate and vanilla cream horns, mango mousse cake, tiramisu, plus savory buns, rolls and croissants. Packaged offerings to grab on-the-go include coconut macaroons, pineapple coconut shortbread and macadamia or jasmine green tea cookies. Try a cup of Panya Iced Fruit Tea or Strawberry Mint Tea to wash it all down.

Panya Waikiki
2233 Kalakaua Ave. [C:8 Waikiki Map]
(808) 791-2969
www.panyagroup.com

RASPBERRY MATCHA FREDDO

A Peet’s Coffee & Tea stand welcomes guests as they arrive at Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Just a few yards further, by the infinity pool overlooking the ocean, is a full Peet’s cafe. For something unusual to sip on while relishing the sound of splashing and the vision of palms silhouetted against a blue sky, try the matcha drinks. Peet’s features a Raspberry Matcha Freddo that has a green tea bite and a strong berry overtone. For something milder, order the Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte. The Dark Chocolate Mocha Freddo is a comfort food item; the Masala Chai Freddo is a bit different, with its zing of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and clove. For something altogether different, that is usually only found on O’ahu’s North Shore, the soft serve, tart, pineapple Dole Whip is a must. In addition to scones, Danishes and croissants, Peet’s pastry case also houses pineapple macadamia nut bread. Sampling any of the above while lounging oceanside smacks of luxury. That’s no shabby way to start the day.

Peet’s Coffee & Tea
2255 Kalakaua Ave. [D:7 Waikiki Map]
(808) 922-5001
www.peetshawaii.com

CREPES AND KOKO MOCHA LATTE

Le Jardin says it all. Nestled in the beautiful courtyard of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, resplendent with waterfalls and orchid sprays, is a crepe stand. How do I love crepes? Let me count the ways: With apple, banana, mango, papaya, coconut, macadamia nuts, Nutella, whipped cream… The list doesn’t end. Le Jardin also carries savory crepes, sandwiches or croissants.

For a perfect pairing, right next door in that calm oasis is Kimo Bean. Savoring chocolate-drizzled crepes with a cup of Koko Mocha Latte, the professed most delectable drink on the menu, is a prime way to begin another fun-filled day in Waikiki. The robust coconut mocha drink comes hot or frozen, and as the shop declares, it’s “100% Kona, 100% Hawaiian.”

Le Jardin
2424 Kalakaua Ave. [C:9 Waikiki Map]
(808) 921-2236

Kimo Bean
2424 Kalakaua Ave. [C:9 Waikiki Map]
(808) 923-5466
www.kimobean.com

MALASADAS

Founded in 1952, Leonard’s Bakery is a landmark mecca for visitors and locals alike at any time of day. Mouths salivating for the warm, sugar rolled puffs of heaven, known as malasadas, line up out the door. But the line moves quickly, as does the kitchen, to keep the trays loaded. You haven’t tasted Hawai’i until you’ve savored malasadas, and no one does them like Leonard’s. Though amazing plain—simply dusted with sugar— these Portuguese doughnuts also come rolled in cinnamon or li hing mui, a salty dried plum powder immensely popular in Hawai’i. Or try them filled with custard, chocolate, haupia—coconut pudding—or ask for the flavor of the month. Leonard’s also keeps a giant display case full of tropical pastries including pineapple coconut scones, pineapple cream cheese croissants, guava cream cheese strudels, macadamia nut shortbread cookies, as well as pineapple, guava, chocolate haupia and lilikoi cupcakes. Other items include brownies, long johns, muffins, rolls, coffee cake, turnovers, doughnuts, breads, cupcakes and cookies. However, it’s the malasadas that folks go home dreaming about. Coffee, lattes, fountain drinks and milk are available too.

Leonard’s Bakery
933 Kapahulu Ave.
(808) 737-5591
www.leonardshawaii.com