GREAT EATS HAWAII: SPROUT SANDWICH SHOP

Saturday, November 8, 2014

SPROUT SANDWICH SHOP

SPROUT SANDWICH SHOP

HONOLULU, HAWAII

SPROUT SANDWICH SHOP

1154 KOKO HEAD AVENUE

HONOLULU, HI 96816

HOURS: Tuesday thru Saturday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Closed Monday and Sunday

EMAIL: sprouthawaii@gmail.com

www.mkt.com/sproutwich

I love Kaimuki and always say I wish there was a good sandwich shop in this charming little neighborhood just outside Waikiki. When Sprout popped up I was excited and planned on going here several weeks ago. Then I found out they are only open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday thru Saturday. This makes going during the week difficult so I waited for a Saturday when we had some time. Made it in just before closing at 3:00. When we arrived, the two tables out front were filled as were the two seats inside. We were greeted by a super friendly gal who smiled, welcomed us and asked if this was our first time at the restaurant. Also asked where we lived and thanked us for coming in. The rest of the staff was smiling too. They welcomed us and also thanked us when we picked up our sandwiches. The attitude and personality of the employees at Sprout make this a great little neighborhood joint where you will always feel welcome. We surveyed the menu written on a large board inside where you order at the counter. Nothing was really standing out as a must have try so we ordered three different sandwiches that the family could share. The Duke ($9.50), The Floater ($9.00) and The Fonz ($9.50). All of the sandwiches are served on Ciabatta Bread and you can add Cheese, Avocado, Bacon, Sprouts and Jalapeños for $.50 to $2.00 extra. Thought it was odd that the place is called Sprout but you have to pay extra to have sprouts on your sandwich. All of the bread was heated on a Pannini Press to add a little crunch. I started with The Duke. This is basically a Turkey and Bacon Sandwich. I liked this sandwich the best out of the three. Would have liked more of the Pickled Red Onions and maybe a vinaigrette to add some flavor. There wasn't a big bacon flavor so I wish there was more bacon too. The Floater was my daughters favorite. She liked the Brie Cheese and Crispy Apples. My wife thought the sandwich was bland and I would agree. Needed something to kick up the flavor. Maybe that vinaigrette again. The Fonz was a bit of a disappointment with the Olive Tapenade overpowering the entire sandwich. Could not taste the Pastrami, Prosciutto or Salami. Ok..I just took another bite of this one to confirm my findings and yes, the Tapenade is all I can taste. I deconstructed the second half of this sandwich and pulled out the Pastrami, Prosciutto and Salami. Wow... these meats are delicious. They gotta change this to showcase the meats and not the Tapenade. On all the sandwiches I liked the fresh lettuce and Pickled Red Onions and the Ciabatta Bread is good because it is not too much bread and it does not take over the sandwich. The House Made Mayo is light and not too overpowering which is nice. These are good sandwiches with quality ingredients. While I like them, I still am looking for that sandwich shop that can deliver the Deli Style flavors you can get in New York and other cities. A nice Italian Deli Sandwich with a kick ass vinaigrette is what I am craving even after my visit to Sprout.