Kalapawai Cafe and Deli UPDATE!

Having first mentioned a Kailua favorite, Kalapawai Cafe and Deli, here and here, as promised, here is my update! I finally had the time to go there for lunch after a golf tournament this weekend. I was craving my favorite Rai Rai Ramen, but have been wanting to go to Kalapawai for awhile, and my best caddy, Grant, eats more American food. I thought the Deli would be perfect. (As a side note, after talking to the owner last time I went to Rai Rai with Dad, I found out they have another location closer to town, in Kapahulu! Now I don't have to drive out to Kailua for my ramen!!)

So Kalapawai Cafe and Deli? Decent, very decent. They have a vast array of the usual deli food- sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, salads, paninis, soups and specials of the day. They also have pre-made dishes that are displayed in a glass fridge that, I think, they heat up for you. No one was really ordering that food, but I'm sure if you're running in for a quick "home lunch," that food would be perfect. (Call ahead for breakfast and lunch takeout. Just call 808-262-DELI.) The menu food takes a bit longer to make. In another display, they have a bunch of homemade pastries that all look absolutely delicious. I have to ask Grant if he enjoyed his muffin!

Some other info- I believe they have deli service from 630am-530pm everyday, and then table service after 530pm. Basically, before 530pm, you order your food off the deli menu, pay for it, and then either pick outside or inside to sit and eat. No tip, we just left our dishes in a bin on the side when finished. After 530pm, table service begins, and you can order off of Chef John Memering and Chef Jason Iwane's Evening Menu. This includes Maui Onion Soup, Bacon Wrapped Figs with Manchego, Smoked Salmon Bruchetta, Mussels, Risotto, and House made Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi. And that's just the Appetizers!! Main Course dishes include Catalonian Fish Stew, Clams, Grilled 8oz Big Island Sirloin, New Zealand Venison Ragu, Pork Chops, Wagyu Burger, and stuffed Chicken Breasts. All of this plus selected wines by the glass or by the bottle.

Though Grant and I only tasted a few dishes off the Deli Menu, we thoroughly enjoyed our hefty lunch after a long 5 hr day of golf. It filled us up!

As promised, I finally tried their Fruit Crunch. It was absolutely delectable.
I'd come back just for this.
And you must have it ALA MODE!
Warm, crunchy, tart fruit with melting Vanilla Ice Cream. A+

Kailua Club- Multigrain bread, avo spread, turkey pepper, monterey jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sprouts.

Kalapawai Veggie Pizza- sun dried tomato pesto, mozzarella, fresh mushrooms, olives, diced tomatoes,
(hold the) roasted red peppers, feta cheese and topped with basil.
All of my favorite things (besides the peppers) on yummy crispy 10in thin crust.
The pizza was my favorite. I'd come again and get this.