Booming Benedicts Make A Splash

The editor’s journey into In-Yo Cafe’s selection of Benedicts is going swimmingly within Trump International Hotel Waikiki’s pool deck, located just around the corner from the restaurant.

I do love me some classic eggs Benedict, but these days it seems that the iconic breakfast dish is taking on a life of its own. No longer will you simply see the standard pairing of poached egg and Canadian bacon on an English muffin, all slathered in hollandaise sauce, on a brunch menu. Instead, chefs are letting their creativity flow through a host of unique “Bennie” recipes, whether they’re topped with smoked salmon or made into vegetarian-friendly bites.

Yup, when it comes to eggs Benedicts, you’ve got options, and there are a host of local restaurants that are proving this to be true. They’re also spicing up the dish with regional flair, which always is welcomed by local diners.

So grab your utensils and get ready to dive right in:

THE ‘IN’ THING FOR ‘BENNIES’

Eggs Benedict is the type of dish you treat yourself to when dining out, so why not have fun playing tourist for a day and head into Waikiki for a breakfast of champions?

In-Yo Cafe’s Eggs Benedict ($20).

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You can do just that at In-Yo Cafe, located within Trump International Hotel Waikiki, where a rooftop setting complete with a view and al-fresco dining space will instantly put any kamaaina in vacation mode. The restaurant name translates from Japanese to “yin and yang,” and that perfect balance can be found in In-Yo’s a la carte menu and bountiful breakfast buffet, served daily from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.

When ordering off the menu, behold a magnificent array of Benedicts, starting with Power Breakfast Eggs Benedict ($25), ready to amp up your morning with shaved Canadian bacon, seared tomato, sauteed spinach and house-made hollandaise. There’s also bacon and potatoes on the side — so you know you won’t go hungry.

In-Yo Cafe’s Hawaiian Style Corned Beef Hash Benedict ($22).

Executive chef Shoji Namatame shares that there’s also something on the menu ideal for local taste buds: Hawaiian Style Corned Beef Hash Benedict ($22), which takes island inspiration from its wonderfully chewy taro-flavored bagel, topped with a crisp and savory patty of corned beef hash, as well as Waimanalo-sourced poached egg and hollandaise. On the side, enjoy roasted tomato topped with breadcrumbs, thyme and Parmesan, as well as light and refreshing toasted coconut-speckled fruit.

According to Namatame, the Power Breakfast and Hawaiian Style Benedicts are both popular with mainland and local customers, but that doesn’t mean anyone should overlook the traditional Eggs Benedict ($20). For the purists out there, this refined version of the classic is a popular choice, especially among Japanese diners, the chef says.

In-Yo Cafe’s Power Breakfast Egg Benedict ($25).

Benedicts aside, if you’re still looking for a spot to take Dad next weekend, consider Waiolu Ocean Cuisine at the hotel, which will be offering a three-course menu showcasing steak for Father’s Day.

WHAT’S THE ‘STORY,’ MORNING GLORY?

The editor indulges in Crab Cake Benedict ($16.50 breakfast and lunch, $19 dinner) from YogurStory.

Over five years ago, YogurStory became known as the place that brought a long overdue brunch menu to Honolulu’s dining scene. Today, the eatery continues to please hungry kamaaina with its playfully gourmet breakfast fare, including its famous, bright purple Ube Pancakes ($12.50 breakfast and lunch, $15 dinner), as well as the monstrously delicious 12-ounce Prime Rib Loco Moco ($18.50 breakfast and lunch, $22 dinner).

YogurStory’s Prime Rib Loco Moco ($18.50 breakfast and lunch, $22 dinner).

So it comes as no surprise that the eatery also is home to a wide range of unique Benedicts on the menu — six to be exact. To accompany perfectly poached eggs and velvety hollandaise, YogurStory isn’t afraid to push the envelope with everything from smoked salmon to kalua pig, not to mention the popular “BAE” Benedict topped with sizzling seared pork belly. There’s even a

Pope Benedict for vegetarians that adds rustically roasted vegetables, pesto and balsamic to the classic flavor profile.

YogurStory’s Ube Pancakes ($12.50 breakfast and lunch, $15 dinner).

According to manager Dohee Kim, Crab Cake Benedict is among the best-selling Benedicts ($16.50 breakfast and lunch, $19 dinner), as it’s filled with flavorful twists and turns. Rather than the typical English muffin, for instance, the foundation of the dish is taro rolls, topped off with house made crab cakes — and quite sizable ones, at that. Last, but not least, the chef’s special spicy hollandaise brings some heat to the party, while the whole thing is served with asparagus and a choices of rice, potato or hash browns.

Though YogurStory is known for its bonanza of breakfast fare, it’s also home to lunch and dinner favorites, so stop by the restaurant for all your mealtime cravings.