The Cutest Little French Restaurant in Waikiki

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July 14-16
The time had finally come to say goodbye to the last of my Carlson friends. After the late night dinner and a previously long day, I slept in to 10:00. Up with no sun time to waste, I changed into my swim suit and hurried down to the beach to meet Sabina and Alex for our last hurrah. We laid out in the spot that I now claim as my favorite, the beach in front of the Moana Surfrider and we didn't move until after 4pm. Motivated by hunger, Sabina and I set out on a mission to find some cheap Thai or Chinese food - eventually settling on the Thai restaurant in the International Marketplace. It wasn't a bad choice, in fact the red curry shrimp that I ordered was pretty good, but I wish that I had tried the Korean restaurant in the food court instead.

Sadly, I said goodbye to Sabina, who had been a great friend to hang out with over the past few days. She stocked me up with a bag of leftover junk food like chips and candy bars and I set out for home. Hershey and Snicker bars - there goes my will power. Again I was back to being alone. I made plans to run and get breakfast in the morning with Terry and to finally make it to Hanauma Bay to snorkel on Friday with Bill. At least I had a some fun things to look forward to.

Early the next morning, I rode the bus down to Terry's house to begin our run. I still hadn't run all the way around Ala Moana park, so that's the direction we set off in. We ran the entire park then continued on down past Fishermans Wharf and Ward St to another beach park called Kewalo Point. It's gorgeous and removed far enough from the tourist path that it's quiet and peaceful. A great walk if you're ever in the area. The run must've lasted a good hour and a half and so by the time we made it to breakfast, we were both starving. Terry was excited to take me to her favorite neighborhood breakfast spot: Cream Pot.

I can't stop raving about this little French restaurant. It's by far my favorite place so far in Waikiki - so quaint, charming, friendly, and delicious. The owers and chef are so friendly, they spend time stopping by tables for casual conversation. The decorating is incredible. Sitting in there, you feel like you're in a different world. Everything about it is impressive, the attention to detail, the walls, colors, staff, and menu. Terry and I split two breakfasts: an omlette with bacon, carmelized onion, and guyere cheese and a creamy chicken crepe with spinich. Yummy! (yes, this is my first time eating chicken again after that gross experience last week) If I went back, I think I would order the banana french toast. After finishing our breakfast, Victor, the chef, surprised us with two dessert crepes: strawberry with chocolate and banana with caramel. I chose the banana one and it was simply heaven! All in all - I would highly recommend this little restaurant as the best kept secret in Waikiki!

Terry's like me...doesn't have too much to do. Lucky her though- she doesn't have to work. She keeps busy running, doing hashes, hiking, hitting up happy hour with her husband, and volunteering at the zoo. So afterwards we ended up going out to her pool deck and laying out for a little while before she had to get to the grocery store. Not a bad morning at all.

I started looking for plane tickets home today. They're kind of expensive. I wonder if I should come up with some kind of gig to perform down on Kalakaua in Waikiki at night to earn flight home money. Hmmm...what talents do I have? Well, I can braid hair, uh..massages are pretty popular on the street (how hard can that be?), playing the drums is also popular, shoot some people just put glitter on their faces and a cup in front of their feet (seriously easy). Wouldn't you just crack up if I did it and took pictures to post on my blog? Actually, I should set up a stand on the corner to give tourists recommendations and directions for things to do here and charge a dollar each. That's not a bad idea...ha ha. Any other money generating ideas?

Spent the evening enjoying a Kona Brew: flavor Wailua Wheat - on the rooftop watching the sunset. If life could just be like this everyday. Wait! It can! It's been one of the greatest A-ha's of this whole summer - realizing that living like this doesn't need to be just on vacation; all it is is a move and it can be a lifestyle. Something to think about...what would it take to move to Hawaii...anyone with me?

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Photos

The Cream Pot
the cutest french restaurant in Waikiki. A hidden treasure in this crazy tourist town

Kewalo Point
uncrowded and beautiful

Banana Crepes
the free dessert brought out to us after our delicious breakfast

Posing with the Owners of the Cream Pot
Nathan & his wife took time to pose with Terry and I for a picture after breakfast

Charming
Inside the restaurant it feels like another world.

Me & Sabina
our final day at the beach...so sad she's leaving

Terry & I
just a fun picture half way through our morning run

Looking at the addition
they're in the process of expanding onto a deck in the front

Kewalo Point
our mid way stop on our morning run

Kewalo Point
a great place for catching waves that's not crowded with surf line-ups

Rooftop view of Waikiki
a beautiful sunset

Rooftop view of Waikiki
the best time of night!

Comments

[Jen B]

Gorgeous...
I love the pictures of Kewalo Point. I want to go there. Is there some beach there where you can sit??? And The Cream Pot....looks divine! I have been dreaming of crepes for awhile. The closest I have gotted in Mia's French pancakes this morning from LGO - and they aren't the same. Looks yummy. See what the travel guide you have become? I wish I could come over and had hang out with you this week since it is my last week of vacation. You could show me all the really fun non-touristy stuff. Massaging a stranger? hmm...I love getting massages, but I couldn't touch someone who a) smelled, or b) didn't live up to my cleanliness.hygiene expectations. Buy a round trip ticket and go back for fall break! Looks like Terry has some nice views. I want her life. But you are 100% correct. Even if you have to work, where you live contributes so much to your way of life, your attitude. Moving back here from Chi-town, I feel like I live in a resort where I can be outside the majority of the year (except this minute when it is 113, but later tonight, yes). Lifestyle is a choice people make. Don't wish or dream...make plans to do it!