Walking into the Hanapepe Cafe & Bakery invokes a sense of nostalgia for grandma’s house and all the comforting things that go with it. That warm, homey feeling and familiarity seem to permeate every fiber of the wooden storefront in
Walking into the Hanapepe Cafe & Bakery invokes a sense of nostalgia for grandma’s house and all the comforting things that go with it. That warm, homey feeling and familiarity seem to permeate every fiber of the wooden storefront in Old Hanapepe Town on the Westside of Kaua‘i, even upon the first visit.
The cafe has changed owners over its 17 years of business, but it is still a family affair. Owner and grandmother, Helen Lacono and daughter Andrea Piciotta have been running the place together since 2003. They keep it laid back, with a limited but dependable schedule, being sure not to ware themselves too thin. They are open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for breakfast and lunch Monday through Thursday and dinner is offered once a week, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, which coincides with the Hanapepe Art Walk on the same night every week.
Omelets, soups, salads and pastries are menu staples that vary slightly in their ingredients, but are almost always available for breakfast and lunch. The Friday dinner menu changes every week.
“The menu changes depending on what is fresh and available,” Lacono said.
Hawaiian Peasant Soup, with coconut milk and fresh-cooked veggies or a Vegetarian Lasagna with three cheeses, eggplant and spinach are a couple of the popular items you might find on the lunch or dinner menu. Wine is not sold at the cafe, but customers may bring their own bottle to enjoy with their meal for a $5 corking fee.
Although the cafe started out as a strictly vegetarian establishment, Lacono has begun to offer seafood, when available, as well as chicken and turkey due to customer request.
“Many of our customers suffer from diabetes,” said Lacono. So I am constantly thinking, “how do I bring to the public what is needed?”
For many that means limiting sugar and carbohydrates in their meals while including more protein to help keep blood-sugar levels stable. So Lacono has included many items on the menu to facilitate dietary needs. Starchy foods such as potatoes can always be substituted with less-starchy ones such as mushrooms, spinach or tomatoes. Gluten-free dishes and desserts are available as well.
In America today, “we have given up stay-at-home, honest-to-goodness cooking in exchange for a fast-food lifestyle and all the diseases that go with it,” said Lacono, who tries to promote real, traditional foods and bring them to her customers.
Hanapepe Cafe uses tried and true ingredients in all their culinary concoctions. All pastries are made with real butter. All dressings, sauces and soups are made from scratch using original recipes. Lacono is a firm believer in real, wholesome foods. Fresh eggs, real butter, olive oil, mac nut oil, fresh local vegetables and freshly-caught fish from Kaua‘i’s fisherman are used. You won’t find any margarine or lab-transformed fats in this kitchen.
In addition to her various tasks at the cafe, Lacono also participates from time to time in the culinary classes that take place every Wednesday at Kuku‘iula Shopping Center in Po‘ipu. Here, Lacono shares her culinary knowledge and shows others how to make some of her dishes in their own homes.
The Cafe features a full espresso bar, complete with lattes, cappuccinos and the like. Hot tea is served in beautiful tea pots, cups and saucers and Lacono plans to further accommodate tea lovers by making part of the cafe into a tea house. She plans to offer more English Tea events on occasion as well. A fresh juice bar is also in the works and will soon offer fresh-squeezed local fruit and vibrant green juices.
Too much healthy stuff? There is quite a spectacular dessert menu as well, studded with Hawaiian fruits and nuts that add tasty island flavor. Assistant baker, Jodie Puata, is the creator of the delectable Pineapple Ginger Parfait, which features layers of crushed pineapple, gingersnaps and English cream. Tutu’s Famous Bread Pudding, is a Hanapepe Cafe classic which has been around since the cafe first opened 17 years ago. The Hawaiian Coconut Chocolate Cake is the cafe’s version of German chocolate cake and includes island coconut and macadamia nuts. Don’t forget the Mango Pie, made from Hanapepe Heights fresh mangos, Auntie Lilikoi’s passion fruit sauce and served with Lappert’s vanilla bean ice cream.
Got kids? Hanapepe Cafe is kid-friendly and offers a special kids menu, which Lacono is working on improving and expanding.
Keeping in the Old Hanapepe Town tradition, colorful paintings, created by local artists, are featured on the walls of the cafe and frequently sell to admiring customers.
The Valentine’s English Tea and brunch will be served from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. today. Make sure to call ahead if you plan to attend, that way you will be sure to find a seat!
The Hanapepe Cafe & Bakery is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for breakfast and lunch Monday through Thursday and dinner is offered once a week, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday. Located at 3830 Hanapepe Road in Old Hanapepe Town. Call them at 335-5011 for reservations.
Hanapepe Cafe is located at 3830 Hanapepe Road in Old HanapepeTown
Valentine’s English Tea is served from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.,today
Cost is $30 per person
Call 335-5011 to see if there’s still room
Regular hours are
7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mon -Thurs and 5 – 9 p.m. Friday
Cost: $$ (8-15 per person for lunch, 12-35 for dinner)
Green: 2 leaves
(Local ingredients, recycles)
