Wailana Woos Dads

With the comings and goings of lavish and “trendy” avant-garde cuisine, there’s a certain charm about local diners, such as Wailana Coffee House, that’s hard to come by — a lasting legacy, if you will.

As a legendary landmark in Waikiki, Wailana Coffee House is situated on the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ena Road at what was once the original Kapiolani Drive Inn in the 1950s.

Fast-forward to 1969, the Wailana condominium was built, and soon enough Wailana Coffee House took the place of what was once a gathering place for locals who loved to eat.

Yet, according to Wailana Coffee House general manager Kenton Tom, the signature local flavors from Kapiolani Drive Inn have carried over to Wailana as well.

“We’re open 24 hours, and we appeal to both the local market and visitors to the Islands. Here, we have good food at great values,” he says. Now, that’s a winning combination.

Renowned for its local and American classics, Wailana Coffee House appeals to the masses, and there’s no one who appreciates comfort food in its purist form more than Dad.

This Father’s Day (June 16), celebrate that special man in your life Wailana style, with a grand menu created especially for Dad.

“We’re a family-friendly restaurant, so it’s only fitting that we celebrate the family holidays,” Tom states. “You’ll find items on this menu that Dad will love. We chose to feature dishes that are a bit more heartier and meatier to satisfy bigger appetites.”

Father’s Day at Wailana begins bright and early with Eggs Benedict Royal. Priced at $10.50, this breakfast special is served from 6 a.m. to midnight and consists of toasted English muffin halves with smoked ham, turkey breast and poached eggs smothered with hollandaise sauce and served with crispy hash browns and glazed peach slices. A choice of coffee or tea also is included with the meal.

Then, as the clock strikes 11 a.m., the entire family can partake in creations from Wailana’s Father’s Day special menu available until midnight.

According to Tom, New York Steak with Onion Rings ($16.95) is a definite crowd pleaser. This 8-ounce king of steaks is cooked exactly how Dad likes it and is accompanied by irresistibly savory beer-battered onion rings and sauteed mushrooms.

Next, Chicken Florentine ($13.50) is not your average chicken breast that Dad would cook up on the grill. Instead, this is a decadent presentation of tender boneless chicken breast laid on a bed of spinach and bacon, garnished with crab meat and drizzled with a rich and creamy hollandaise sauce.

If Dad prefers, a symphony of flavors from the sea, he’ll be a fan of Seafood Continental. Priced at $14.50, this most-requested dish features a trio of shrimps, scallops and mahi mahi gently simmered in a sauce comprised of fine herbs and wine. Or, Dad may be partial to the catch of the day, which is Mahi Mahi ($11.75) served scampi style doused in a lemon garlic butter sauce and accented with a medley of mushrooms, tomatoes and onions.

All dinners include access to an all-you-can-eat salad bar, baked or mashed potatoes, french fries or steamed rice, corn on the cob, bread pudding, and coffee, tea or soft drink.

Father’s Day always calls for a toast, and Wailana does it right with a glass of Burgundy, Rose or Chablis for $3.25.

“We’ve offered our Father’s Day menu in the past and have received a positive response from our patrons, so we’re excited to see what this year has to offer,” Tom says. “We get a good mix of kamaaina families and families from out of town who dine with us on Father’s Day. It’s great!”

Service with aloha is what has made Wailana Coffee House a household name for generations, and Tom and his staff of close to 100 dedicated employees only plan to continue to offers their customers the best.

“We’re extremely thankful to our supporters. They keep the restaurant busy and thriving. On our end, we’ll remain consistent with our quality food, service and unbeatable prices,” he says.

Wailana Coffee House

1860 Ala Moana Blvd.
955-1764
Open daily 24 hours, except when the restaurant is closed from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday

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