GREAT EATS HAWAII: KAIMANA FARM CAFE

KAIMANA FARM CAFE

HONOLULU, HAWAII

KAIMANA FARM CAFE

845 KAPAHULU AVENUE

HONOLULU, HI 96816

808-737-2840

www.facebook.com/pages/Kaimana-Farm-Cafe/1497326070485067

Cruising down Kapahulu Avenue in Kaimuki and noticed that the new Meatballs restaurant was closed and in its place was Kaimana Farm Cafe. We made a U-Turn and headed back to give it a try. A sign out front said that there was parking on the adjacent street. This was pretty convenient and a real plus for the restaurant. We entered to find a cute little country cafe with a large wooden table in the middle and smaller tables along the wall with bench seating and pillows. We all liked the feel of the Cafe. Cute girls in tank tops greeted us as we walked up to the blackboard that lists the menu items. "Is this a breakfast place" I asked the gal. She said they were known for their breakfast but had a few lunch items. Three to be exact. We ordered all three. Each lunch dish comes with your choice of a side that you can pick from the display counter. There was Tofu, Lotus Root, Kale Salad, Fruit, Brussels Sprouts and Edamame. All served at room temperature. The Kale Salad included some Pine Nuts and Grapes but no dressing. Eating Kale without dressing is healthy I know but Kale without dressing is like eating grass. The Brussels Sprouts were really good but served cold. The Fresh Fruit was Cantaloupe and Grapes. Served a bit warm. I don't think the display case was refrigerated or maybe it was just a really hot day. The Ahi Ahi Sandwich ($11.95) was served on a delicious and light bun. The Ahi was just lightly seared on the outside and raw in the middle. Perfection in my book. The Cucumber and small bit of onion was good but I did not care for all of the seaweed. I love raw Ahi but don't think raw Ahi Tuna belongs on bread. I remember having Ahi Tuna Sliders at the Halekulani and wrote that it did not work. The Taco Rice ($11) was just that. Ground Beef with Taco Seasoning on top of a bunch of rice. Served with a salad with again no dressing. Just lettuce. Note to restaurant: If you are going to make this place work it is the little things that will make people return. Not having a dressing for the Kale and Green Salad is a mistake. You need FLAVOR!. The Taco Salad had a small bit of cheese, tomato and sour creme. Again nothing to set this apart and make you want to come back again for it. The Roasted Chicken and Farm Veggie Curry ($12.90) was probably the most flavorful dish out of the three. Great Curry flavor. Served with one small Chicken Drumstick and a few Red Bell Peppers. For thirteen bucks, you should at least get two pieces of chicken and maybe some carrots. Enjoyed the dish but really wish there was more chicken. I love little neighborhood restaurants like Kaimana Farm Cafe but this place needs to kick it up a notch. Service was great. The girls were always smiling. More menu items and a little something extra to set their food apart and make you want to come back. Right now, I could not get any of us to go back again.