Gastronome

Elisabeth and Emily Beagle of Holoholo Farms

Elisabeth and Emily Beagle of Holoholo Farms

WARD VILLAGE COURTYARD BRUNCH
Ward Village Information Center Courtyard (former IBM Building)
1240 Ala Moana Blvd.
Phone number (808) 591-8411
website wardvillageshops.com

A couple of weeks ago at the Metro office, a discussion of food trends turned, of course, to brunch and why this mid-morning pastime is so popular right now.

Honestly? I have no idea. But as someone who enjoys a good brunch, I think a lot of it has to do with its leisurely nature and Pinterest-worthy potential.

Last Sunday, I stopped in for Ward Village’s first installment of its monthly Courtyard Brunch, located at Ward Village Information Center Courtyard (better known by its former moniker, the IBM Building). If you missed it, don’t worry. Ward Village will offer it again every month. The next one is slated for May 17, so be sure to mark your calendar or buy tickets in advance.

MW Restaurant offered four dishes: Steak and Potatoes, Reuben, Seafood Chawanmushi and S.P.A.M. BODIE COLLINS PHOTOS

MW Restaurant offered four dishes: Steak and Potatoes, Reuben, Seafood Chawanmushi and S.P.A.M.
BODIE COLLINS PHOTOS

There was so much food. Vendors served about two to three dishes each. My favorite plate that morning was MW Restaurant’s S.P.A.M. As its take on a spam musubi, this one featured a mochi-crusted house-made smoked-pork arabiki meatloaf that was topped with nori jam and egg.

A few months ago, I featured the restaurant’s Mochi-Crusted Opakapaka in this column, describing it as the perfect combination of crispy and chewy. Its S.P.A.M. was exactly like that, but with bolder flavors from the peppery arabiki sausage.

Beyond the food, the scene was absolutely gorgeous. Like something from a magazine, or a really great Pinterest board, the courtyard was transformed into an airy, summery space.

I was fortunate to receive early entrance to the courtyard. So for about an hour, everything moved at the perfect pace. I had time to look around at each restaurant station before making a definitive decision about what to sample, and there was room to walk around comfortably.

All that quickly changed once the gate opened to the public. Suddenly, tables were impossible to find, and lines for drinks and a couple of the restaurants quickly grew.

But really, the crowd is a good thing: All proceeds benefit local nonprofits through Ward Village Foundation (more on this in our accompanying sidebar).

Plus, just think about all of those photo ops.

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COURTYARD BRUNCH 411

It’s an event that has been more than a year in the making, stemming from Ward Village’s desire to offer compelling events to the community.

“We all agreed that brunch was on the cusp of something large in Hawaii, as it is already huge on the Mainland,” says Katie Ka‘anapu with The Howard Hughes Corporation.

Each month will focus on a different theme. April showcased “Women Working for Ward.” Next month’s theme is “Green,” which Ka‘anapu says may encompass anything from green ingredients to sustainable farming.

The morning also serves as a farmers market with booths selling fresh produce or handcrafted treats.

“We wanted to make our brunch a bit different by adding a pop-up market component,” says Ka‘anapu.

Tickets cost $20 and include three meal tickets and two drink vouchers. It may not seem like enough initially, but I felt satiated. If you are in the mood for more, additional tickets are available for purchase.

All proceeds will benefit local nonprofits through Ward Village Foundation. Some of these organizations include Children’s Discovery Center, Boys & Girls Club, After School All-Stars, Hawaii HomeOwnership Center and Artspace Lofts.

Participating restaurants for May haven’t yet been announced, but if it’s anything like this month, you’re in for a treat.

For more information, visit wardvillageshops.com/events, or find them on Instagram @wardvillage and use #WeAreWard.

WHERE THE PHO?

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Until last year, I had never tried pho. I know, I know, what kind of food enthusiast am I? It’s just that compared to other noodle-based dishes (aka ramen), it didn’t seem worth my time.

I was wrong — so, so very wrong. How I ever resisted its light, aromatic broth and all that fresh basil is beyond me.

So for the past month, I’ve been on a quest to find the best pho on the island.

Only, it’s much harder than I imagined. There seems to be a place for pho at just about every corner on every street.

Which is why I need your help: Where are you eating pho? Send me your recommendations, and I will pay that place a visit to see if we agree. Email me at jkim@midweek.com, or find me on Twitter @jaimieakemikim and Instagram @jaimie.kim.