What We’re Eating at BrunchFest Presented by American Savings Bank

Find out what breakfast bites, both sweet and savory, are on the menu for our third annual celebration of all things brunch on March 8.

February 21, 2020

Marisa Heung,

HONOLULU Magazine’s BrunchFest presented by American Savings Bank returns Sunday, March 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the beautiful Ho‘okupu Center in Kaka‘ako. Expect gorgeous ocean views, bottomless bloody marys and mimosas, and some of the best breakfast bites on the island. Here’s a sneak peek of what participating restaurants are cooking up for this year’s event.

Over Easy

Photo: Courtesy of Over Easy

When this Kailua spot debuted at last year’s BrunchFest with one of its most popular dishes, Potato N’ Eggs, we were in love at first bite. This year breakfast fans can look forward to Over Easy’s brisket loco moco, a next-level take on the classic local dish that features rice, house-made gravy, a farm-fresh egg and pickle slices.

Smith & Kings

Photo: Enjy El-Kadi

BrunchFest newcomer Smith & Kings adds some Southern flavor to the lineup with Cajun fish and jalapeño cheddar grits topped with house-made hollandaise, served with a side of cornbread and strawberry preserves.

Café Kaila

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

It’s not brunch without a waffle (or two). Lucky for us, one of the island’s most popular breakfast spots will serving them up with a twist, Café Kaila style: cornbread waffle with strawberry honey butter.

Kupu Culinary Program

Started as a way to empower young adults interested in the culinary arts, the young chefs of the Kupu Culinary Program will showcase their talents with French toast, made extra indulgent with the addition of haupia ice cream and caramel sauce.

The Nook Neighborhood Bistro

Photo: Courtesy of The Nook Neighborhood Bistro

The locally loved breakfast spot on University Avenue makes its BrunchFest debut with not one, but two early-morning dishes: Local Meyer lemon cheesecake pancake with hibiscus tea syrup (pictured), and cheddar rosemary scones topped with local pork sausage, cream gravy and a local sunny egg.

Dean & DeLuca Hawai‘i

Photo: Courtesy of Dean & DeLuca Hawai‘i

We’ve never tried—or heard of, for that matter—an “Egg Osmosis,” but the iconic New York City-based Dean & DeLuca never disappoints. Plus, with ingredients like sous vide farm egg, truffle vichyssoise and braised pork belly, how can you go wrong?

Purvé Donut Stop

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Choose from an assortment of fresh doughnuts in Purvé’s signature quirky flavors like Hulk Smash, Sunburnt Haole and Smurf Balls, presented as an ultra ’grammable, equally quirky wall display.

Hawaiian Aroma Caffe

Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Mornings are just not the same without a cup of joe. Event goers can wash down their bites with some local artisan coffee courtesy of Hawaiian Aroma Caffe in Waikīkī.

HONOLULU Magazine’s BrunchFest presented by American Savings Bank takes place Sunday, March 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ho‘okupu Center, 1125 Ala Moana Blvd., Unit F. For more information and to purchase tickets, go here.