One of my New Years Resolutions was to be more conscious about my diet, not that I’m on a diet, but diet as in my eating habits. As most of you know I’m a sugar whore. Recently a coworker opened up my eyes when he said in a serious tone, “hey you should really watch out because your gonna get diabetes.” I was in the process of eating my second piece of Tiramisu after I had already eaten two chocolate cream puffs. That’s when I put my fork down and decided I really gotta change. In an effort to consume less sugar I try not to make eye contact with any bakeries. On this day I fucked up and looked. My eyes locked in, particularly on the word bakery. Oh, holly hell, fuck it, it doesn’t hurt to look. I’ll just look.

I was pretty surprised when I walked inside to see the place so clean and modern looking.

Behind the counter was two chalkboards that listed a sandwich menu and a cafe menu. Looks like this place offers more than just sweets.

These pictures actually makes the place look  larger than it actually was. The place reminds me of Satura Cakes because of it’s modern clean lines.

Even though I was good and didn’t eat any sugary sweetness it still doesn’t hurt to take a look.

Elvin’s danishes are really pretty.

And very tempting.

Alright, enough with the sweet seductions, let get down to business. I ordered Elvin’s Special Sandwich, $6.95, which was an Americanize Vietnamese sandwich. The traditional Vietnamese sandwich has the weird Asian meats, like steamed pork. Instead traditional American looking meat was used, like ham and chicken. The sweet, pickled carrots and radishes were there along with cilantro all on a French roll. I requested mine with no mayo and the sandwich came with a puny pickle and fresh cut pineapple. I was really happy with my sandwich. The change in meats was a nice fusion and may just entice others to try it. And when I say others I mean, non Asian folks that aren’t familiar with the traditional Vietnamese sandwiches. If this is you, feel free to read some of older post on Vietnamese sandwiches, Bale, French Cafe.

Ray ordered the Chicken Sandwich, $6.95. This sandwich tasted as good as it looks. It came with all the trimmings, lettuce, cheese, tomato, mayo and the chicken was a real chicken breast, grilled. I think it came on a soft focaccia bread. Whatever kind of bread it was, it was super soft and delicious. Ray absolutely loved his sandwich and of course I got to try it and it was pretty amazing.

If your a sandwich whore you guys should give this place a try. I’m definitely a fan. Enjoy!

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Elvin’s Bakery
600 Kailua Rd # 104
Kailua, HI 96734

Get Directions(808) 262-1688

Boston’s North End Pizza is another great place to get some serious grub. With locations all over the island I’m surprised this place doesn’t have a website. The only other Boston’s I’ve been to is Kaimuki on Wailae. Boston’s is the kind of place that no matter which location you visit it will be a good experience.

The place is a pretty basic pizza joint. You walk in order your piece of the pie and wait for them to heat it up. You can order a whole pie fresh but if it’s just one slice your jonesing for then odds are it’ll be premade behind the counter.

This is one slice. I know massive right? This one is the spinach and garlic I think. One slice is 1/4 of a whole pizza and as you can see is the size of two regular slices and cost about five bucks.

Rays pizza slice. Not a bad deal for a filling meal for around $5.00. Oh, and the pizza’s not bad either. Even though it’s not fresh, it’s reheated so it tastes fresh enough.

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Boston’s North End Pizza Bakery

29 Hoolai St
Kailua, HI 96734

Get Directions(808) 263-8055

Conveniently located in Kailua on the way to Lanakai Beach Kalapawai Market definitely isn’t hurting for business. As a matter of fact every time I come here this place always seems pretty packed for a local market.

Kalapawai stands apart from your average joe market because not only can one come here for basic necessities like milk, home pregnancy tests, condoms and alcohol but one can come and stay for lunch. There’s a fine deli in the back of the place and usually someone out front inducing you with tantalizing BBQ aromas. What’s one do to? Surrender you poor unfortunate soul, surrender.

This is the Yogurt Bowl, $4.99, with fruit yogurt, granola and fresh fruit. I thought this was a pretty good deal considering the bowl was a meal in it itself. I really like the generous amount of granola that was given and it stayed crunchy even though it was premade.

There was a lot of dried fruit and some fresh bananas at the bottom. It came with one strawberry that also served the purpose of a garnish.

This is the Italian Sub, $7.49, french baguette, ham, turkey, salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, pepperoncini, Italian dressing and sun dried tomatoes pesto. This place has kick ass sandwiches but I gotta tell ya, there sandwiches are small as hell, which is why I don’t come here all the time.

On this day Ray and I didn’t have a very large appetite so as usual we shared and it was actually the perfect amount of food. I’m a fan of this place, regardless of their puny sandwiches. Come here for good sandwiches and if your hungry order two.

Here’s an older post on Kalapawai and their restaurant.

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Kalapawai Market
306 S Kalaheo Ave
Kailua, HI 96734

Get Directions(808) 262-4359