A ‘Story’ Worth Telling

While it is no longer a yogurt bar as the original owners had intended, YogurStory has turned the page with brunch, lunch, dinner and pupu selections that are quickly becoming known for their hearty portions and alluring flavors.

Situated conveniently on Keeaumoku Street amid one of Honolulu’s bustling culinary hotbeds, the restaurant offers a bright and inviting environment with high ceilings and a mezzanine level. Contemporary art and design elements coupled with upbeat music liven up the dining experience at YogurStory, which is modeled after a Korean cafe.

YogurStory offers free parking on both mauka and makai sides of the restaurant, and also features a full bar with specialty cocktails, creative drinks and even espresso and coffee selections. While wine is available for purchase, diners are also allowed to bring their own bottles of wine to enjoy with a reasonable corkage fee.

“We have a very inviting ambience; it’s very cozy,” says Brandon Stover, executive chef at YogurStory. “We don’t want to push customers to hurry and eat; we’d rather they come in, sit down and enjoy the experience with friends and family. It’s a perfect place to relax and unwind.”

YogurStory introduced its dinner menu two months ago, and like the popular brunch and lunch items also available, Stover continues to incorporate Italian-inspired cuisine “with an Asian flair.”

Diners can reel in a bounty of flavor with Seafood Pepperoncino ($19), which features scallops, clams, mussels and shrimp sauteed with extra virgin olive oil, garlic and chili flakes atop one’s choice of penne, linguine or spaghettini. The dish offers a hearty portion of seafood and pasta, yet the light, zesty sauce presents a perfect balance comparable to ramen — Italian style.

Pasta fans will also enjoy Meatball Marinara ($17), juicy pork meatballs sauteed in a house-made marinara sauce atop patrons’ pasta of choice. The meatballs are cooked perfectly and the fresh sauce continues to draw rave reviews.

A classic resides in Crispy Pork Chop ($25), which is served on top of porcini risotto. Stover also continues to introduce special items, including Tonkatsu with Curry Risotto ($20). This hearty dish features lightly breaded and fried pork loin served with creamy, curry-infused risotto, which bursts with flavor. The chef explains that, in the case of specials like this, positive customer responses may garner the dish a permanent spot on the menu.

“I see something, and if it sounds good, I put the ingredients together based on my thoughts,” says Stover when asked about his creative process in the kitchen. “I have freedom when it comes to the dinner menu, so I’m able to do a lot of different things. There are more specials I have in mind, so diners can look forward to those in the near future.”

To wrap up an enjoyable meal, YogurStory also dishes out a tantalizing dessert menu chock full of favorites, including the iconic purple Ube Pancakes ($12), made with purple yam and Okinawan sweet potato pancakes topped with an ube coconut sauce. “Strawberry Short-cake” Pancakes ($12) also steal the show, as three large, fluffy pancakes are accompanied by fresh berries, strawberry compote and whipped cream.

Whether dining at brunch, lunch or dinner, customers are sure to appreciate YogurStory’s novel approach to eating out.

YogurStory

815 Keeaumoku St. Suite 105
942-0505
Daily, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (lunch);
Tuesday Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m. (dinner)
Note: Parking available on both sides of the restaurant