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Coffee’s (always) on, y’all!

Columns Veg'n Out

April 27, 2014

Story By: Andy Beth Miller | Photos by: Nathalie Walker

Ever get those crazy cravings — the kind that make you feel like a bionic (wo)man with a bizarrely confused biological clock demanding pancakes at midnight? Eggs in the evening? Or cereal for supper? Well you’re not alone, and at Wailana Coffee House — a Waikiki eatery serving up a full breakfast menu 24/7 — the doors are flung wide anytime day or night whispering, “Welcome, weirdos!”

Yes, bucking tradition with the best of ’em, Wailana Coffee House caters to anyone’s ornery appetite that (literally) orders, “I wants what I wants when I wants it!” Demanding it may be of us diners, but Wailana Coffee House ain’t skeered. Squaring its hips, hot-handed and pistol-ready, this Waikiki eatery fires off a full round of vegetarian victuals that take the challenge, “Hit me with your best shot,” to a whole new level, including these anytime offerings:

• Strawberry Waffle with Whipped Topping ($7.75). Warm, golden and good to the last bite, this Belgian-style waffle brings just the right recipe of sink-your-teeth-into-softness coupled with just-crisp-enough-crunch before the sweetness of the whipped topping and strawberry solidifies the deal: yep, I’m sold.

“This is one of our best sellers,” explains Wailana purchasing agent Dani Ross. “It’s a comfort food thing.”

• Chinese Style Three Egg Omelet ($9.75). Taking the slogan “the incredible, edible egg” to new heights, this omelet (usually served with shrimp) is adapted for non-seafood eaters and infused with vibrant veggies, making it one protein powerhouse that even vegetarians are invited home to.

• Hawaiian Ambrosia ($9.75). In Greek mythology, ambrosia is often referred to as the food of the gods — even said to grant immortality to all who consume it. And if the heavenly sweetness of its half-pineapple base, fresh island fruit and coconut flakes paired with a mouthwatering mound of cottage cheese (sherbet may also be chosen) are any indication as evidence, I’d say the Greeks got it just about right.

“It’s like dessert, but a healthy salad also!” describes Ross.

Open 24 hours a day, except for a slight “nap” the restaurant takes from 10 p.m. Tuesdays to 6 a.m. Wednesdays, Wailana Coffee House also has a wide selection of what my dad would jokingly call “non-bird food,” including burgers, sandwiches, steak, fish, pasta, chicken and more.

“We’re like an old-school diner where you feel like you are coming home to meals your grandma has made for you,” assures Ross.

So, for all us weirdos who want breakfast for dinner or to nosh in the middle of the night, Wailana Coffee House sends a warm Aloha … always.

Contact Andy Beth Miller at diningout@staradvertiser.com

Wailana Coffee House & Cocktail Lounge

1860 Ala Moana Blvd.
955-1764
Open daily, 24 hours (Closed from 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday)
Note: Public parking available below the restaurant

Honolulu, HI 96815

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