Kissaten’s Got the Cure for Rainy Day Blues

Fortunately, Hawaii doesn’t experience Mainland-style winters, and local weather patterns aren’t usually as dramatic as they were this past week. But when giant blessings do fall, there is nothing like cozying up with a cup of soup and a sandwich as the water continues to trickle down.

To take shelter from the rain, Dining Out stopped by Kissaten Coffee Bar, where a delicious menu of upscale comfort food boasts wonderfully warm soup and sandwich combos. Raindrop-covered windows let evening blue light into the cozy cafe while bluesy sounds streamed from the radio. This was the perfect corner of the Island to escape stormy weather and indulge in a Grilled Cheese and Tomato Bisque Soup Combo ($9).

Perhaps the most comforting sandwich of all time, the 24-hour eatery’s version is made with smoked Gouda, Cheddar, bacon and refreshing slices of fresh apple nestled between crispy pieces of white bread.

“The grilled cheese pairs really well with the Tomato Bisque,” says senior partner Neysa Taba, who loves the creamy and subtly sweet soup drizzled with house-made basil oil and sprinkled with Parmesan.

Another velvety combination is Turkey Pesto Melt and Potato Leek Soup ($10). When it comes to the traditionally French soup, “We add a poached egg inside for richness,” explains Taba. Chives and bacon lardons (bits) not only garnish the rustic blend, but also tie into the flavors of the melt, filled with homemade pesto aioli, turkey, bacon and fresh mozzarella on focaccia.

And every rainy day calls for the satisfaction that Boston-style Clam Chowder ($6) brings. While the soup is magnificently rich and filling on its own, you owe it to yourself to include the bread bowl ($2 extra) for a crispy, baked-to-order shell. Feel free to add the marvelous East Coast classic to each sandwich for $1, or mix and match Kissaten’s soup and sandwich duos.

Take comfort in the fact that when the sun comes out again, the delicious combinations will still be there, scrumptious as ever.

Kissaten Coffee Bar