Cocktails and Cake

Eating dessert at a bar is probably the last thing that crosses your mind, but there are actually some good ones out there that you must try.  Here are some of my favorites.

Pearl

On my last visit to Pearl, I couldn’t resist the temptation to try the Belgian Chocolate Souffle Cake ($9).  It’s described as a baked molten lava cake with vanilla bean gelato. “It’ll take about 20 minutes to make,” the waitress told me. After looking at the delicious dish that she had set before me, I knew it was worth the wait.   The soufflé melts in your mouth, and tastes delicious with the combined flavors of caramel, nuts and a strawberry, which are presented neatly around the soufflé.  Pearl Ultralounge, Ala Moana Center, Hookipa Terrace, 3rd Level, 944-8000. Open Mon-Thurs. 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday 4:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. and Saturday 7 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Shokudo

If you’ve never had honey toast ($7.95) before, then the dish can look somewhat peculiar on first glance—hard-looking bread stacked two pieces high with a mound of vanilla ice cream on top. But, it is what you don’t see that makes this dish so tasty. The bread is actually hollowed out and filled with pieces of bread that have been pan-fried in butter and cut up into bite-sized portions.  It tastes like French toast, but better, with honey drizzled over the top. Shokudo Japanese Restaurant and Bar, Ala Moana Pacific Center, Ground Floor, 1585 Kapiolani Blvd., 941-3701. Open Sun-Thurs 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

RumFire

There are five desserts on the menu at RumFire, but the red velvet cake ($7) is what caught my eye. Pre-prepped, there is no waiting for this cake, and it arrives on a plate with strawberry sauce for dipping. Surprisingly, the cake tastes light and airy, unlike other too-rich red velvet cakes I’ve had before. It’s easy to finish this cake and it certainly is satisfying. RumFire, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, 2255 Kalakaua Ave., 922-4422. Food service available until 10:45 p.m. daily.