Tucked away in the charming beach town of Kailua, Agnes’ Portuguese Bake Shop has been a favorite of both locals and visitors alike for more than 45 years. Famous for its bountiful line of varied confections including homemade sweetbreads, Danish pastries, cookies and pies, Agnes’ is a haven for the hungry and sweet-toothed.
“I think people are drawn to our down-to-earth, neighborhood atmosphere,” says Non De Mello, owner of the bakery. “As a local business, we try to be customer service-oriented and know how important it is to not only be good, but consistently good.”
As a result of such dedication, the bakery’s Hot Malassadas (90 cents each, $9 per dozen) and Sweet Bread ($3.79 per loaf) are two of the menu’s most popular items, both made in-house and fresh to order. Following a traditional family recipe that dates back to when the shop first opened, the beloved Portuguese confections are must-tries.
“Unlike most places, we still use potatoes in our recipes to give them that traditional, homemade flavor and texture,” explains de Mello. “Probably the biggest compliment I get from our customers about our Malassadas and Sweet Bread is that they taste just like how their own grandmothers used to make them.”
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- McDougall Bread ($3.95 per loaf)
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- Hot Malassadas (90 cents each, $9 per dozen)
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- Sweet Bread ($3.79 per loaf)
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- Double Chocolate Jump Cake ($6.75)
In addition to local favorites, Agnes’ line of indulgently rich cakes and pies are the go-to dessert for any occasion. The bakery’s Double Chocolate Jump Cake ($6.75) in particular has been a sell-out all year. Weighing in at 14 ounces, the cake is the ideal balance between dense and moist, rich in chocolate and natural coffee flavoring drizzled in pecans and chocolate ganache. “We can never make enough of them,” says de Mello. “It’s the perfect cake to bring to any gathering, because it’s so luxurious in quality, yet quite affordable.”
For a healthier option, the bakery’s McDougall Bread ($3.95 per loaf) cannot be beat. Made without using any eggs, milk or oil, the sweet whole grain bread uses a multitude of nutrient-rich ingredients such as honey, molasses, apples and whole-wheat flour. In addition to the McDougall Bread, Agnes’ also has a wide variety of vegan breads, free of any animal by-products.
“Part of our success has been our willingness to try out new ideas but resisting the temptation to weaken standards,” says de Mello. “It’s gratifying to see our customers come back with their own kids to the shop.”
In addition to dine-in and takeout services, Agnes’ can also cater to off-site events upon request. Readers are encouraged to take advantage of a special Hot Deals Hawaii offer presenting an $11 voucher for two dozen Malassadas and two large, fresh drip coffees (regularly $22). The deal is available to purchase through Wednesday, April 30 via HotDealsHawaii.com, and upon each visit, customers may redeem one voucher per party. As a reminder: The Hot Deal voucher is valid from May 1 to Oct. 31, 2014 in the Kailua location only. The offer may not be combined with other specials, discounts or coupons. No cash or credit may be returned for the unused balance of a Hot Deal voucher.
Agnes’ Portuguese Bake Shop
46 Hoolai Street, Kailua
(808) 262-5367
Tuesday – Saturday 6am – 6pm
Sunday 6am – 2pm
www.agnesbakeshop.com
Kailua, HI 96734
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