Biting into the Best Benedict

Nothing says breakfast or brunch better than eggs Benedict. Ranked as one of the most beloved dishes in the nation, I’m most definitely a fan. How can any breakfast-loving individual with an appetite resist two perfectly poached eggs sitting atop thick pieces of Canadian bacon (or your favorite breakfast meat), all doused in luxurious hollandaise? Simple. You can’t. Offering all the components of an ideal breakfast, eggs Benedict serves it all together in one bite: Starch, meat and delicious runny yolk sing to the tastebuds in the most uplifting way.

This week, I scouted two of OYK‘s favorite spots for the best breakfast Benny, checking out a dashing, world-renowned fine-dining establishment and a local haunt that’s been around for decades. I’ve got the ins when it comes to ono Bennys, whether it’s prepared for the traditionalist in mind, or the experimental diner who wants to be wowed by something new. Right now stomachs are growling, so let’s dig in, shall we?

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

Situated in Waikiki’s Royal Hawaiian Center, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is a cozy yet sophisticated restaurant that’s perfect for those seeking a little edible indulgence. Dotting the primarily meat-centric menu are award-winning cuts of U.S.D.A. prime beef, dry-aged for close to a month in the restaurant’s own aging box. International restaurateur, owner and founder Wolfgang Zweiner hand-selects specific cuts of Black Angus beef that stand out for their exquisite marbling, tenderness, flavor and texture. Remarkable as that is, all that’s needed is a dash of salt before it’s broiled to perfection at 1,600 degrees.

Open daily for dinner service, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse also presents weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It’s during this time in particular that you’ll find more intriguing options — my favorite being Wolfgang’s Benedict. Priced at $13.95, you only can expect this dish to have its own signature touch. In true Wolfgang fashion, chefs turn out a superb rendition of the time-honored eggs Benedict: Two poached eggs and slices of filet mignon served over an English muffin and dressed in homemade hollandaise sauce. Of course, the steak shines outright, each tender morsel of beef as good as gold. To complement this flawlessly executed Benedict is a side of toasty golden hash browns.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
Royal Hawaiian Center
2301 Kalakaua Ave.
922-3600

Wailana Coffee House

You’ll find a worthy a.m. offering in Wailana Coffee House’s Eggs Benedict ($10.35). For the eggs Benedict purist, two poached eggs quiver atop an English muffin stacked with smoked ham and turkey, and garnished with parsley. The hollandaise is made in house with egg yolk, a splash of lemon juice, butter and Worcestershire sauce. Break into the egg, and it oozes over the flaky muffin and slices of meat that are crisp around the edges and thick enough for added depth. A side of crunchy hash browns accompanies the dish and helps to sop up the runny yolk and the scrumptious hollandaise sauce. Paying tribute to the classic, this Benny needs nothing fancy for it to stand out.

Open 24 hours daily (except when it closes from 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday), Wailana Coffee House welcomes all appetites and all cravings, no matter when they strike.

Wailana Coffee House
1860 Ala Moana Blvd.
955-1764