Kissaten owners Neysa Taba and Jon Ishimi
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at your favorite restaurant? Well, much credit goes to the many chefs, owners and managers who work diligently day in and day out to make sure Hawaii’s diners have a top-notch dining experience.
This week, Dining Out got the inside scoops from Kissaten’s owner Neysa Taba, who gave us a little taste of Kissaten and shared just what fuels her culinary drive.
Name: Neysa Taba
Title: Owner of Kissaten
Training/Education: University of Hawaii
Who or what inspires you as a chef/manager/owner?
The happiness created and experienced during a family get-together is what inspires me. Kissaten strives to be here 24 hours a day to provide a comfortable atmosphere where Hawaii’s families can come to enjoy their time together over quality innovative dishes.
If you could serve food to a celebrity, who would it be and why? What dish would you serve?
It would be our Truffle Mac n Cheese to celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. I love his TV shows and his approval and enjoyment, as a famous chef, would be pleasing to me as a restaurant owner.
What is your favorite dish on the menu? Why?
Our Roasted Beet and Chicken Salad is my favorite because of its tangy goat cheese dressing and the delightful surprise sprinkling of toasted Macadamia nuts. I feel it represents Hawaii’s diverse cultures with its blend of flavors.
Is there a dish you create that’s not on your menu, but available upon request?
We can now do soup combos with all our sandwiches and salads! Create your own combo next time you stop in.
Kissaten Coffee Bar
88 Piikoi St., Honolulu
593.1200
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Honolulu, HI 96814
