Posts Tagged ‘Espresso’

Downtown Honolulu is a delightful place full of underappreciated treasures such as the historic Dillingham Transportation Building, 735 Bishop Street.  Built in 1928 and completed & dedicated in 1929, it is an exquisite example of Italian Renaissance Revival slash Mediterranean architecture as imagined by San Diego architect Lincoln Rogers.  Though a mere four stories tall the building dominates the block at the foot of Bishop Street with majestic grace presenting a face of various colored tan & brown marble & brick.  A splendid use of space a gathering place the ground floor lobby is a congenial place inviting folks to sit a spell and catering to those who do so is the Honolulu Café.

The Honolulu Café advertises itself as a place “Where the World Comes Together In A Cup,” and validates that claim with an awesome array of Espresso Drinks, Smoothies, Tea and Coffee.  Among the Espresso offerings one can find Café Latte, Café Breve, Café Thai, and my favorite Caramel Macchiato.  Honolulu Café’s smoothie are a tropical explosion; Pina Colada, Fireball, Strawberry, Banana-Berry, Guava and Mango, all made to order, proving a cool smooth soothing escape from the cares of the day.

Hot Panini style sandwiches are Honolulu Café’s signature item.  Reuben on Rye, pastrami with Russian Dressing & sauerkraut & Swiss Cheese served with fresh herb potato salad, half for $7.85 or whole for $10.50, is a terrific take on a traditional favorite, while many sing the praises of the Chicken Havarti, marinated chicken served on Focaccia with Havarti Cheese & lettuce & tomato, with a fresh green salad on the side, $7.85 for a half or $10.50 for a whole sandwich.  Vegetarians rejoice with two choices, one item simply described as a Vegetarian Sandwich, a simple description for a delicious blend of marinated grilled eggplant, zucchini, fresh mozzarella, lettuce and tomato, $7.70 for a half sandwich or $10.25 for a whole sandwich.  For $10.25 one can choose a Fire Roasted Veggie Burger served on focaccia with lettuce & tomato, ranch dressing, a fresh green salad on the side.

On a hot day a cold sandwich is quite welcome a cool refreshing treat.  Ranging in price from $7.15 to $10.95, Honolulu Café has a selection of Ham & Swiss, Smoked Turkey Breast, Salami & Provolone, a Vegetarian Wrap and what is perhaps their most popular item, Fresh Tuna Salad on Naan.  All of the sandwiches are served with a side salad.

There are several Salads that are a meal unto themselves.  Citrus Chicken Salad is a delight, with marinated grilled chicken served on a bed of mesclun salad, Mandarin orange, fried chow-mein served with the Honolulu Café’s own citrus dressing; $7.95 or $9.95.  One can order a Caesar Salad with either Chicken or Salmon, or opt for several entirely vegetarian treats, Gorgonzola Salad, Caprese (Spinach) Salad, a Garden Salad, or a Veggie Salad with marinated grilled vegetables; ranging from $6.60 to $11.99.

Daily there is a Hot Entrée Special and each day there is a choice of two delicious soups.  Monday and Friday one can savor Clam Chowder, or Garden Vegetable Soup, on Tuesday Cream of Broccoli or Chicken Noodle, Wednesday is the day for Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Vegetable, Thursday one can savor the simple joy of Tomato & Basil or the more adventuresome Vegetable Muligatawni.  Pau Hana Friday plays host to the aforementioned Chowder as well as Provencal Roast Vegetables.    Other soups one can expect; Minestrone, Ham & Cabbage, Sweet Corn Chowder, Creamy Potato Leak, Cream of Asparagus, and Potage Au Pomme (Potato Soup).  All soups are made fresh daily.

Honolulu Café is a delightful place to dine, with high marbled ceilings, solid substantial chairs, a subdued elegant setting, inviting enticing the senses; one can dine inside or outside in the wonderful Pacific Guardian Courtyard.  Honolulu Café is open from 6;45 AM to 4 PM Monday to Friday, closed on Weekends.  They also serve breakfast items, delicious desserts & bakery items, soft drinks and fresh juice.  They are also excellent caterers ready to whip up a plate a delicacies for your next office shindig or private party.  One can call them via 808-533-1555 ext 6 or faxx via 533-1556, or email them with a catering request via Chefchae@honolulucafe.net.

Hawaii State Archives

Photo courtesy Honolulu Advertiser