The Nook opened in 2014, the same year five other breakfast-centric restaurants opened. From the start, it was up against stiff competition from the likes of Koko Head Café and Scratch Kitchen in Chinatown. So, instead of serving boring pancakes or basic eggs, The Nook took a playful approach to brunch, offering mochiko chicken with mochi waffles and a breakfast risotto with bacon, caramelized onions, roasted local mushrooms, Parmigiano Reggiano and two poached eggs.