There aren’t a lot of breakfast sites in East Oahu, since the Kahala Zippy’s closed a month ago for a renovation project that hopefully will be completed in June later this year.
The likes of McDonald’s or Jack in the Box won’t do, when you want to gather with friends and/or colleagues to discuss business or simply catch up with idle talk.
Scratch in Hawaii Kai near Roy’s might have been an ideal destination, with ample space to park and chit-chat. However, few liked the restaurant’s menu, and worse, the mid-morning start was a major negative. And Koa Pancake House has a conventional menu, but it’s more of a take-out joint than a sit-down-and-chat-and-dine place.
Yes, Jack’s in Aina Haina, a decades-long favorite with a decent family menu (yes, and the grilled biscuit with honey butter is a trademark) has been a reliable and popular place, but it’s often filled to the max especially on weekends and some holidays.
I even tried breakfast with a friend, then with a group of four, at Heavenly, which has a divine new menu, too, notably a pineapple pancake selection and kal bi with fried egg option. A little upscale, but divinity has a price.
But I finally discovered the “new” breakfast regime at bEASTside Kitchen, next to Gyotaku in the Niu Valley Shopping Center. This place opened a while back, tried breakfast and abandoned it, and it’s known for its comfort food and weeknight entertainment and parties. A renovation included a spanky new bar and a section with high tables and stools I imagine the concert crowd would adore. TV screens are tuned to local news, during early morning breakfast.
At breakfast time – from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – there’s room to stretch and explore a dandy menu for early risers and diners. I’ve been there twice in the past three weeks, once with a friend and the other instance with my wife. We liked the “quiet” of the place and the ample menu that matches Zippy’s any day. OK, no fried chicken or Zip-min or chili like the Z-brand, but bEASTside (the peculiar spelling with upper case letters is deliberate, because it is an East-side eatery).
The morning secret is a loss-leader of sorts. The Island-Style Breakfast offers the customary two eggs, any style, and a choice of meat ranging from bacon, Spam, link sausage and Portuguese sausage, and a rarity – Arabiki sausage. You know, the one that pops when you bite it. The regular price is $14, but it’s been $10 the times I visited. That’s an $8 saving!
And guess what, a huge cup of coffee – don’t recall the cost – is included in the $10 meal. If you’re ono for a pork adobo hash patty, add $3 more.
Further, if you sip coffee quickly, you get a fill-up. Twice, if you’re a huge cuppa-Joe fan.
Great evening entertainment that sometimes includes guitar grandmaster Ledward Kaapana. Outstanding service as well.