Gastronome
My biggest vice in life, for as long as I can remember, always has been sugar — Jelly Beans, chocolate, Haribo peach gummies and, for that matter, Haribo gummy bears.
It’s really kind of embarrassing. I still sometimes stick a bag of something to snack on in the corner of my desk on particularly stressful days. I try to make the opening of the bag big enough so that everyone in the office can’t hear the crinkle of plastic every time I reach in. Disclaimer: I’m not very good at that.
But sometimes, you just have to embrace it — at least, that’s what I tell myself. And when I’m feeling festive, there are a few places I like to get my sugar fix from that don’t involve walking into a convenience store.
SUGAR YOU CAN’T FEEL GUILTY ABOUT
When I last stopped in at Chef Chai and realized that the Honey Cream Pineapple simply was sliced pineapple served with seasonal fruit and a scoop of sorbet, I felt … well, honestly, I felt a little underwhelmed and confused. Why, I asked myself, would someone as refined and acclaimed as Chai choose to serve something so void of any elaboration?
And then I bit into one. It was creamy and sweet, and, to say the least, an experience well worth it.
Keep in mind, though, that Chef Chai is the only place I know of that serves this particular type of pineapple that he sources locally.
CHEF CHAI
1009 Kapiolani Blvd.
(808) 585-0011
chefchai.com
Honey Cream Pineapple
ANTHONY CONSILLIO PHOTO
SUGAR THAT’LL WAKE YOU UP
I like everything about Scratch Kitchen & Bake Shop — the ambiance, the service and the food especially.
Theirs is a playful menu that takes the ordinary and turns it upside down. No item exhibits this better than the “Milk & Cereal” Pancakes.
It’s meant to give you that flavor of milk at the bottom of a cereal bowl combined with a stack of fluffy, hearty pancakes. Oh, and lest I forget, the addition of Frosted Flakes and a “milk” syrup (made with three different types of milk) really drive the concept home.
SCRATCH KITCHEN & BAKE SHOP
1030 Smith St.
(808) 536-1669
scratch-hawaii.com
“Milk & Cereal” Pancakes
BODIE COLLINS PHOTO
SUGAR ON THE GO
On the ground floor of Metro‘s office at Waterfront Plaza is Hokulani Bake Shop. That has, undoubtedly, been the best and worst thing ever.
Hokulani has long been a personal favorite, even before its Food Network fame as a winner of Cupcake Wars.
I think I’ve sampled most of its flavors, including seasonal ones that always are changing. By far, though, my favorite has remained the Strawberry Guava Cupcake.
It’s light and topped with a cream cheese frosting that prevents it from being too sweet. Plus, it fits in the palm of your hand, so you shouldn’t even feel guilty about eating it, right?
HOKULANI BAKE SHOP
Four locations: Honolulu, Waikiki, Pearlridge Center and Windward
Mall hokulanibakeshop.com
Strawberry Guava Cupcake
ANTHONY CONSILLIO PHOTO
SUGAR TO INDULGE IN
By now I’m sure you’ve heard of the pastry case at JJ’s Bistro & French Pastry. If you haven’t, well, shame on you.
In it is a collection of more than 20 intricately crafted desserts at any given time. I’ve had a good number of them, but the one I always come back for is the Chocolate Pyramid. It’s decadent, silky and rich, and makes me slow down and really savor every bite.
I’ve heard some people (ahem, Metro staff writer Paige Takeya) say it’s too much chocolate. To be fair, it is rather large. But having it with a cup of coffee subdues that too-sugary mouthfeel and balances everything out quite nicely.
JJ’S BISTRO & FRENCH PASTRY
3447 Waialae Ave.
(808) 739-0993
jjfrenchbistro.com
Chocolate Pyramid
LAWRENCE TABUDLO PHOTO
