Always 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 Larry’s Bakery’s vice president Iris Yafuso, who gave us a little taste of Larry’s Bakery and shared just what fuels her culinary drive.
Name: Iris Yafuso
Title: Vice President of Larry’s Bakery
Training/Education: Associate Degree in commercial baking from Honolulu Community College. Also learned many recipes and techniques from working in the bakery with my mom and dad.
Who or what inspires you as a chef/manager/owner?
My inspiration comes from my parents. My father started up the business and worked very hard to build the reputation of the bakery and every baked item that left our doors. Till this day, my 80-year-old mother, Irene Yafuso, still comes to the bakery every morning and helps us bake. Her dedication and love for the bakery also inspires me to continue the legacy that she and my dad built.
What is your favorite dish on the menu? Why?
My favorite pastry is hands down the Butterhorn Danish (warmed up with extra butter)! It’s super ono, but also very nostalgic for me. From kindergarten through my senior year in high school, my mom used to prepare a Danish and a glass of orange juice for me every morning before school.
Is there a dish that you create that’s not on your menu, but available upon request?
Wow, I don’t think I have enough room for everything! We have made so many special-order cakes, cookies, cupcakes and even favors for our customers. We can pretty much figure out how to meet any requests that come our way — your imagination is how far we’ll go for such occasions as first birthdays, baptismals, reunions, graduations, weddings, etc. We even do special bridal shower or bachelor party cakes.
What are your culinary goals? What do you hope to improve on?
We are always striving to create new and interesting items. We even take into consideration requests from our customers such as bringing back some of my dad’s old-time pastries that people remember when we were in the old Waimalu location.
Larry’s Bakery
4369 Lawehana St.
422.0059
Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday, 6 a.m.-noon
closed Sunday
Honolulu, HI 96818
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