I woke up hungry. That is a good sign. I like waking hungry. It tells me I have a healthy appetite and reminds me to take the time to not just eat to fill the body or eat just for nutrition. It reminds me that those things will happen anyway so we are looking for not just food, but good food.

Today we are at Holuakoa Gardens Restaurant attached to our favorite Kona coffee spot, Holuakoa Cafe in Holualoa Village, Hawaii. We have been to the coffee shop dozens of times, but never to the garden restaurant next door. I order a cup of black coffee with a little organic sugar. The coffee is particularly smooth today. Leise orders her chai. The weather is overcast and cloudy, as is often the case at higher Kona elevations. The temperature is around 70 degrees. It’s about 10 degrees cooler than down by the beach. Looking down to the beach we just drove up from you can see the that sun is shining bright. Relaxing, you hear the birds singing and chirping their pleasant melodies in the tree canopy above.

Leise orders the Holuakoa Thick Cut French Toast with whipped cream, fresh island fruit and pure maple syrup. I ordered Three Egg Frittata with Black Forest ham, red bell pepper, sweet onion, summer squash, organic heirloom tomatoes, Swiss and mozzarella, and roasted potatoes.

The French Toast is excellent. The only negative comment, if she is being very critical, is the bread used should be day old bread. Instead she said the bread’s texture was very fresh. When you use day old bread it has much better flavor and texture. Even the griddle flavor is good. Sometimes you can taste the fish, or whatever, that was cooked the night before, she said this had no other flavors.

Frittata is delicious. Great flavor of freshly made with fresh ingredients. I was disappointed to not have salsa available, only Tabasco sauce. Upon tasting the frittata I realize why the restaurant doesn’t have salsa. There is no need. The Tabasco is the perfect complement for those looking for a little spicy kick. I am impressed. Leise’s looks so good that I want to eat hers also. OMG, it is fantastic (as I go back for a second, third, and fourth bite when she’s not looking).

With the light breeze gently caressing your skin, the roosters crowing in the distance, and the great food and drink we are truly enjoying this experience and will come back again. For ambience I give Holuakoa Gardens 4 out of 5 surfboards. For food quality I give 5 out of 5 surfboards. For service I give 5 out of 5 surfboards. Overall I give it a 5 surfboards.

Mahalo,

James Christopher

ThruJimsEyes.com