Fuel Up With Fresh Food

Nalu Bowl ($10.25, regular)

ANNE LEE speaks with Nalu Health Bar & Café owner/operator CHRIS PFISTERER

Those seeking healthy grab-and-go items can look forward to a plethora of satisfying eats at Nalu Health Bar & Café, which recently resumed operations.

“Now that COVID-19 cases are leveling off, we think it is the right time to reopen,” says Chris Pfisterer. “We also started doing deliveries through Bite Squad and DoorDash, and online ordering is coming very soon.”

Pfisterer owns and operates the biz with his fiancée Jota Munoz, and husband-and-wife team Tomas Kloosterboer and Justina Ladogana.

Currently, Nalu Health Bar & Café operates out of three locations on Oahu. It started in Kailua back in 2015, and opened in South Shore Market in Kakaako two years later. Now, it’s about to open in Haleiwa to serve a hungry North Shore clientele. This week, Pfisterer shares what’s on the menu and the heart behind the health food eatery.

Turkey Kale-Pesto Sandwich ($9.95)

AL: What type of cuisine does Nalu Health Bar & Café offer?

CP: We offer fresh, healthy food, with a slight South American twist. For instance, our popular Nalu sauce is Justina’s family recipe from Argentina. Our Avocado Smoothie is a popular one in Brazil. Our açaí is also an authentic Brazilian recipe. Our steak sandwich is an inspiration from a Chilean sandwich called “churrasco.”We cater to everyone, from meat-eaters to vegetarians and gluten-free diners. Our top three most popular items are the Nalu Bowl ($10.25, regular), Ahi Tuna Sandwich ($12.50) and Turkey Kale-Pesto Sandwich ($9.95).

AL: How do you come up with new menu items?

CP: Our whole menu was created by Justina and I. Justina has a degree in culinary arts and has always desired to own her own restaurant. I complemented with my own ideas and menu items that I enjoy.

AL: Off The Wall Craft Beer & Wine (also at South Shore Market) is another restaurant within the family. Can you talk a little bit about this eatery?

CP: Jota and Justina’s husband Tomas run and operate this restaurant. We are offering a full new menu. Off The Wall Craft Beer & Wine offers takeout and delivery options (Bite Squad and DoorDash), online ordering, contactless payments, and even beer and wine delivery when orders are placed on the website. Executive chef Jose Ramos, originally from Puerto Rico, brings a Latin/South American influence to the menu.

AL: What are the most popular dishes here?

CP: Empanadas and wings have been a household name, but we feel like some items on the new menu will become some customer favorites, like the Grilled Ahi. Dishes range from $15 to $18. We will have promotions and special dishes weekly. The next one will be our Tailgate Series for Memorial Day weekend. Follow us on Instagram (@otwhawaii) for the latest updates and promotions.

AL: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

CP: Off the Wall and Nalu are small, locally owned, independent restaurants. We work and support local vendors and producers, and we are extremely thankful for all the suppor and love we’ve received from the community! Keep supporting local!