The sense of pride from Chef Aaron and Kristin Leikam exudes from space occupied by Street Burger set to open in Wailua.
“We were supposed to get a shipment of wood,” Chef Aaron said. “But it’s Labor Day, so we’re still waiting. That shipment will have a blend of Kauai hardwoods, including kiawe, guava and lychee.”
The wood will be the source of cooking the “burgers,” five classics, and 13 “burgers … something different” which include the farmer featuring tomato jam, grilled onion, aged gouda, fried egg, and arugula. A substitute housemade vegetarian burger is also available.
Classic burgers include the basic hamburger with lettuce, onion and tomato to the bacon and barbecue which includes hardwood smoked bacon, fizzled onions, bourbon barbecue, and chedder. All burgers are served with fries. Burgers range from $10 to $20.
“Everything is done in-house,” Kristin said. “All of the condiments including the ketchup, fries; we do everything, here.”
At the heart of the menu is the grass-fed Makaweli Cattle Company beef.
“We just took our staff on a tour of the Makaweli ranch,” Kristin said. “At the end, all of the people were thoroughly impressed with the ranch people’s commitment and dedication to providing top quality product, and we are pleased to be able to bring this grass-fed meat to Wailua.”
Chef Aaron and Kristin bring a wealth of culinary experience into the space which offers a full bar, a Chef’s Corner, and an outdoor lanai dining area with ample parking behind the Cafe Coco entrance.
“We want this to be a family place,” Kristin said. “We don’t have any televisions. This is a nice place to stop off after work before heading home, and even a place for single diners. We want to have people in a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy the gourmet burgers. We have the same menu all day.”
The Chef’s Corner allow diners the experience of watching the culinary staff prepare orders and firing up on the wood-burning stove.
Chef Aaron hit the ground running after getting here 10 years ago, taking over for Ron Miller at the Hukilau Lanai before moving over to Kilohana Plantation, where he started up 22 North featuring a strong farm-to-table concept and a sustainable dining experience.
Kristin, a baker for 12 to 15 years, worked with wedding cakes and desserts from a shop in the Kinipopo Shopping Village.
“Between us, there is more than 25 years of experience in the culinary business,” Kristin said. “This place in Wailua, Street Burgers, we built with a lot of love, sweat and tears. We tried to create a place which is a role model for our kids. We’re here!”
Grand opening for Street Burger on Kuhio Highway near the Brick Oven Pizza in Wailua is scheduled Sept. 18.
