9-16-2009
Chinatown pioneer and restaurateur Dave Stewart is putting the finishing touches on the Bambu Martini Bar 2.0 on Bethel Street at the site of the now defunct rRed Elephant. Patterned on his Restaurant Row establishment Bambu, the new venue will open early, serving healthy breakfast fare and affordable barista service. A deli counter will offer salads and sandwiches throughout the day. In the evening, tapas and small platters will serve as pupu. The famed $3.50 martini will be available all day, every day. The performance space will be maximized and used for DJs, dancing, live bands and other performances. Renovations are nearly complete. Expect a soft opening in October.
Chef Philippe Padovani is back from China and has expanded his Iwilei chocolate shop to include a café. Fortunate Cannery denizens will have the closest thing to a Parisian café and patisserie that Honolulu offers. The standard drinks are several cuts above the usual neighborhood coffee shop offerings: hot chocolate is made with Valrhona; iced tea is created with Monin syrups; and Waialua coffee is featured at the espresso bar. Little desserts include bread pudding, tarts, strudels, panacotta, sorbets and of course, those fabulous handmade chocolates. Cakes and party favors can also be ordered.
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