On the Hunt for Easter Eggs!

Happy Easter, Ono readers! Today’s the day when Easter baskets burst at the seams with sugar-filled goodies, and I can’t help but relish the boxes of neon-colored marshmallow Peeps and chocolate marshmallow rabbits that sit before me. The hard-boiled eggs are dyed in pastel hues perfect for spring, and have been hidden along with a variety of plastic eggs filled with candies. Get your baskets ready and let the hunting begin!

But why not break away from tradition this year and do away with the anticipated sugar high? Instead, fill your Easter table with “eggs-travagant” selections centered around eggs. Sweet or savory, the following Ono, You Know establishments have just what you need to stir up “eggcitement” this Easter.

Patisserie La Palme D’or

On Easter, chocolate bunnies and marshmallow chicks usually steal the spotlight, but this year, Patisserie La Palme D’or is where it’s at for pure decadence! Located at Ala Moana Center, this immaculate pastry shop has perfected the recipe for success, as each sweet treat consists of equal parts French flavor and Japanese craftsmanship. Head chef Akiko Kimura utilizes premier ingredients, most of which are shipped directly from Japan, and it only takes one look into the pristine glass cases filled with cakes, pastries, drinks and more to know that these edible works of art are second to none.

Take for instance, three “eggcellent” desserts, which are perfect for today and every day. Trust me, Choux a la Creme ($2.80), Tarte Aux Baies Sauvage ($4.85/slice) and Creme Caramel ($3.50) will take your sweetest cravings to new heights.

Choux a la Creme is a cream puff filled to the brim with vanilla cream, and Kimura says this is the best-seller of the bunch.

And for good reason. Clearly, who can refuse a silky cream, rich with egg and vanilla? Not me! Are you a flan fan? If so, then you’ll simply adore Creme Caramel, a French-style, smooth, custardy flan drizzled with bittersweet caramel.

“I only use the purest of ingredients,” Kimura says, referring to the homemade caramel, fresh cream and sugar.

Then, finally, take your sweet tooth and indulge in La Palme D’or’s Tarte Aux Baies Sauvage, a luscious tart baked with almond cream and bing cherries topped with a layer of pastry custard cream and fresh mixed berries.

“The custard cream is the main draw — it features a blend of fresh milk, vanilla and eggs,” Kimura says.

This Easter, Patisserie La Palme D’or is all you need.

Patisserie La Palme D’or
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
941-6161

Asahi Grill

Since February 2007, Asahi Grill on Ward Avenue has been serving up local comfort food to kamaaina and tourists from around the globe. Oxtail Soup reigns as the restaurant’s top-seller, but the Easter Bunny has a soft spot for Asahi Grill’s Oyako Donburi.

Priced at $8.95, Oyako Donburi is available all day and features morsels of chicken, eggs and onion atop a bowl of rice doused in Asahi Grill’s special shoyu sauce and sprinkled with shredded nori. Served with a bowl of soup and a side of tsukemono, Oyako Donburi makes for an ideal breakfast, lunch or dinner option on a beautiful spring day.

“Customers love our Oyako Donburi. It’s popular,” says restaurant manager Victoria Sayno. A personal favorite of mine, this dish can easily warm the tummy and soul. When it’s brought to your table, the compelling aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.

So, hop on over to Asahi Grill, bring the whole family and enjoy an Easter meal worth filling up on.

Asahi Grill
515 Ward Ave.
593-2800

Happy Day Chinese Restaurant

There are plenty of reasons to smile this Easter at Happy Day Chinese Restaurant on Waialae Avenue. Renowned for its Hong Kong-style cuisine and friendly service, this award-winning establishment takes top honors for its dim sum selection available daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., along with other delicious Chinese entrees found on the menu.

And since I’m egging you on with all things egg, why not try Happy Day’s Minced Beef Soup ($9.95)? Here, you are presented with a bowl of hot soup (feeds three to four individuals) with a chicken broth base and adorned with white egg yolk, chopped beef, button mushrooms and Chinese parsley seasoned with salt and pepper.

“All of the ingredients are delicious,” says co-owner Lisa Lum, “and this soup is one that’s in high demand.”

The hunt is over, now that we’ve uncovered Happy Day’s Minced Beef Soup! It’s a soup that will satisfy, yet you’ll still have room for the Easter feast to follow.

Happy Day Chinese Restaurant
3553 Waialae Ave.
738-8666