Field Guide: Manoa

We checked out Manoa Marketplace's newest offerings.

Baby Awearness

According to Ashley Lukens, co-owner of Baby Awearness, disposable diapers are about as bad for the environment—and your wallet—as plastic water bottles. “By using cloth diapers you’re offsetting your carbon footprint and you save $2,500 per baby,” she says. Lukens’ ecofriendly, natural parenting store not only carries cloth diapers, but also non-toxic toys, glass bottles and baby carriers. “We’re also a great resource center for moms,” says Lukens, who often brings her 10-month-old daughter, Audrey, (in photo above) to work with her. Co-owner Naoko Lawnsby provides lactation consulting services. 2752 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 5-209, 988-0010, babyawearness.com.

Fendu Boulangerie

Owner and chef Niel Koep molds his fendu—a country bread loaf similar to a baguette—in the shape of a horseshoe. “It’s for good luck until we make our year anniversary in March,” he says. With the steady stream of patrons coming into Fendu Boulangerie for its tasty bakery items, there’s no need for luck. Koep specializes in French breads and pastries and uses a baker’s oven imported from France. While the scones, biscuits and pastries attract a loyal breakfast crowd, Koep is enticing patrons to return for lunch and dinner with his rustic gourmet sandwiches and made-to-order pizzas. But he’s not stopping there; he’s also planning on introducing chicken potpies, cheese and house-made European chocolates. 2752 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 5-119, 354-0736.  
 

Photo: David Croxford

Adoracion

Adoracion is a one-stop shop for families, specializing in women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and accessories. The boutique is co-owned by sisters Cheryl DeAngelo and Brandy Antonelis. “We wanted to have a clothing store that sells hip and edgy stuff,” says DeAngelo. The boutique is named after the sisters’ grandmother, who was a seamstress, and the two are in the process of creating their own line. Adoracion carries jewelry by local designers and some clothes from Organik. 2752 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 5-215, 988-7232, adoracionboutique.com. 
 

Don’t Miss Don’t miss the chicken flautas at Serg’s Mexican Kitchen, “Home of the Famous Flautas.” You can even bring your own adult beverages. 2740 E. Mānoa Road, 988-8118. To satisfy your sweet tooth hit up Le Crêpe Café, just two steps over from Serg’s.

Photo: David Croxford

CaraMia

Cara Kakuda opened CaraMia with busy parents in mind. She owns the storefront’s downstairs boutique and the upstairs party room. CaraMia specializes in Hello Kitty products and anime and her staff help parents find the perfect gifts—and even delivers the goodies to mom or dad’s office—and help plan a party or provide a birthday location. The boutique also participates in school fundraisers and makes donations. 2855 E. Manoa Road, 354-0354, caramiahawaii.com.