A dinner menu that’s happily ever after

Let’s start with dessert first this time, because it’s hard to ignore a purple pancake. YogurStory’s Ube Pancakes ($12) are uber purple. They are so eye-poppingly purple they deserve to be marveled at. Violet syrup enriched with ube (a Filipino yam) and coconut milk enrobes the fluffy cakes and forms bright pools. You’ll want to sop up every last drop.

One peek under the opaque syrup and you’ll find the pancakes themselves are also purple. They get their coloring and flavor from two types of purple tubers: purple yams and Okinawan sweet potatoes, which are boiled, then grated into the batter.

Take it from executive chef Brandon Stover, the breakfast-cum-dessert definitely is something to share. Even he cautions against trying to devour the entire thing solo.

Now that your curiosity and sweet tooth are satisfied, let’s delve into the savory side of this story: dinner. The Asian-Italian fusion restaurant has Stover to thank for its dinner menu. Having previously worked in an Italian-Japanese restaurant, Stover is well versed in the art of mingling cuisines.

Reminiscent of the Chinese classic salt-and-pepper pork chop, Yogurstory’s Crispy Pork Chop ($25) with procini risotto features a lightly battered and simply seasoned chop that’s deep fried. “(Frying) seals the outside and creates a lock,” says Stover, which is the key to retaining the thick-cut’s juiciness. Letting it rest before serving also keeps moisture in. The crispy, juicy chop meshes well with the creaminess of the sauteed mushroom risotto, as well is its topping of crisp, tender asparagus spears and buttery garlic gravy.

Seafood Pepperoncino ($19) with fresh scallops, clams, mussels and shrimp incorporates Italian flavors — white wine, olive oil and chili flakes — with soy sauce and Asian bouillon. “It’s a lighter pasta, but it has a lot of flavor,” says the chef, who personally likes to pair it with a glass of heavy red wine.

Despite its appearance, Meatball Marinara ($17) conjures up the flavors of another traditional Italian meal that pairs pork sausage with sauteed bell peppers. A twirl of the fork and you’re on your way to a Italian comfort food cloud nine.

With a posh yet casual interior and a multitude of menu and beverage items, YogurStory is just the setting for a leisurely dinner out. “Have a drink and unwind,” says Stover.

YogurStory

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