New Beginnings, Eggcellent Tastes

By 9 a.m. on any given morning, Eggs ‘n Things is already swamped with a swarm of hungry diners from across the globe who can’t wait to dine in casual island elegance and dig into the array of premier breakfast options available at this renowned Waikiki establishment located on Saratoga Road.

“There’s usually an average wait of 40 minutes just to be seated,” says general manager Michael Skedeleski, “so, I would suggest customers come early.”

Yet, there’s a quick solution for those on-the-go with no time to waste. Eggs ‘n Things recently opened a second location on Kalakaua Avenue, which Skedeleski affectionately calls Eggs ‘n Things Waikiki Beach Eggspress.

“We sell the same great food, but the setting is much more fast-paced here at Waikiki Beach Eggspress,” he states.

Dining Out was eager to meet with Skedeleski, who took us on a food journey, and shared the many signature classics and new favorites creeping up over the horizon at Eggs ‘n Things.

DO: Eggs ‘n Things Waikiki Beach Eggspress has been open for just a few months. How does the new location differ from the classic restaurant on Saratoga Road?

Skedeleski: The food is the same, but everything is served on eco-friendly takeout containers. Being that we call it an “Eggspress,” we don’t have servers, so people can get their food and sit down, or we also can prepare the food to go and people can eat on the beach or in their hotel rooms. Basically, Eggs ‘n Things Waikiki Beach Eggspress is quicker, more economical and definitely suits those that want to grab a quick bite to eat. Those who wish to be served with glassware/china should come to the Saratoga restaurant.

DO: That’s a neat concept. How has business been at Eggs ‘n Things Waikiki Beach Eggspress?

Skedeleski: It’s been really busy. However, I would say the biggest challenge is that some people are not quite understanding the onthe-go concept. Yet, the reason why we opened this new establishment is because we had a lot of people requesting that we offer takeout all day.

DO: For someone who has yet to dine here, what would you recommend off the menu?

Skedeleski: Our omelettes and our pancakes are very good, such as our Spinach, Bacon, Cheese Omelette ($10.95). And actually our Paniolo Moco ($11.95) has been doing really well. It’s an off-the-menu item that features two scoops of rice, a hamburger patty made with Big Island grass-fed beef, topped with sauteed mushrooms, onions, bacon, two eggs of your choice and smothered with a white country gravy. It’s a new take on the traditional loco moco.

Then we have Ribeye Steak & Eggs ($16.95) for a heartier breakfast, served with buttermilk pancakes, rice or potatoes, and two fresh eggs cooked to your liking. You also can upgrade your pancakes to one of our special pancakes for a little more. The steak is so tender, and topped with sauteed mushrooms and onions. Off the dinner menu, I would definitely recommend Fresh Ahi Steak ($12.95), a generous portion of fresh tuna steak — prepared to your liking, whether it be sauteed, Cajun-style or made with Furikake-Macadamia nut. The dish is accompanied by potatoes, pancakes or rice and your choice of potato or tossed salad ($12.95). For dessert, Whip Pancake Sampler ($11.95) is great for sharing, as you get to try all three of our most popular pancakes — strawberry, banana and blueberry whipped cream pancakes.

DO: What is something that readers might be surprised to know about Eggs ‘n Things?

Skedeleski: We serve items off our breakfast menu all day, and we also run quite a few dinner specials that are listed on a separate menu. Customers should know that we have a number of off-the-menu type of items as well. Our off-the-menu items are usually derived from our employees, and from there it catches on with our customers.

DO: What makes Eggs ‘n Things stand out above the rest?

Skedeleski: Well, we really emphasize ohana here and the importance of really evoking the aloha spirit. Our restaurant provides a casual environment that isn’t formal or stuffy, our staff isn’t programmed as to what to say to every table, and we try to keep our recipes consistent — at the highest quality.

Eggs ‘n Things