Tasting Oahu’s Small Business Dreams
Meet the Young Entrepreneurs Keeping Aloha Alive
Hawaii’s tourism came to a complete stop as residents took back the shorelines and tried to keep themselves and their beloved small businesses afloat. With the obvious blessing of living on an island in the middle of the pacific during a pandemic and revolution, I spent many days next to my first love, the ocean. My second love emerged out of the loneliness slowly after that, food and lots of it. When nothing else could get me out of bed, cooking did. Asada tacos, dark chocolate brownies, pickled veggies, red wine, you name it I made it – and drank – it all.
Then our economy started opening last week and I knew I had to find a way to give back by combining another passion of mine, photography. While offering complementary photoshoots with Oahu’s small businesses, I was not only excited to provide them with content that would give their delicious dishes aesthetic justice, but I also discovered the passion that these small businesses owners have put into creating a livelihood and maintaining it by pursing a dream. With 25% of small businesses set to close permanently on Oahu over the next few months, here are some of my special spots that deserve some aloha.
Amuse Wine Bar - Julia
After taking the elevator up from the Modern Inspiration furniture floor room you’ll enter a whimsical wonderland of upscale art, fabulous wine, and a cultured array of curated food and design. Amuse Wine bar leads into Stage Restaurant with a ceiling that acrobatic sculptures dance from, clouds hanging above, and a grand piano that sits to the side. Their Kimchi Grilled Cheese appetizer and tropical cocktails were also definitely out of this world but still elegantly fused with our island big city, Honolulu.
This concept was created by a family of artists. Julia, co-owner and marketing art buyer extraordinaire, greeted me with a smile and knee-high snake print boots (love your style, girl) and took me into their event space that they rearranged into a socially distant seating area. She pointed out a special wine they had created inspired by her pup, “Toast”. Cheers Julia, talk about dreams come true and pursing your passions! Between the eclectic ambiance and the bubbly babe it was hard to point out my favorite part but if I had to choose it had to be their selection of the best wines on tap. Part modern art gallery and part wine tasting haven, this place is an experience that will transport you to what feels like another country without having to even get on a plane.
Le Crepe Café Hawaii - Soufiane
I was greeted with a “Bonjour” by a rather tall dark and handsome guy, Soufiane in Manoa’s little sliver of Parisdise, Le Crepe Café. Sophisticated French American sounds played as I watched him make me a classic strawberry and nutella crepe with his home made batter. Five words.
GIVE. ME. ALL. THE. CHOCOLATE.
This French expat is also passionate about social and environmental causes, often volunteering with Palolo Homes and implemented eco friendly packing and practices in his café’s. After facing too many incidents of discrimination in Paris and cold Winters, he brought his business to the warm waters of Honolulu. Black Lives Matter advocate and community leader, Soufiane will also be joining forces with one of Hawaii’s hottest artists @punkyaloha for a special project.
Bon appetite, babes! @lecrepecafehawaii
Malama Meals Oahu - Lauren
Speaking of celebrating diversity, this one-woman band is cooking up all types of cuisine. From local faves like Kalua Chicken and Pepper Steak to Asado Chicken with lime crema sauce, and the best quinoa I’ve ever tasted. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, health foodie fave, Tendergreens vibe, meal prep service on Oahu, Lauren is your girl. I could be a bit bias because she’s been my friend since 2nd grade, but that’s up to you to decide once you try her Chipotle Salmon with Mango Salsa.
Malama Meals Oahu was born in the beginning of 2020 when Lauren made the big move of putting her career in education on hold to spend more time with her new baby girl. Little did she know, to-go and prepared meals would be a staple in our current Covid climate. As a new mom, taking care of the people and the environment around you is at the forefront of her values. Her rotating home-cooked menu packed with local ingredients make eating clean delicious food too easy.
This hottie will hand deliver her food to you too. Check my beautiful (inside and out) bestie! @malamamealsoahu
The Lumpia Spot - Janine and Susan
When pulling up to this inconspicuous spot on Vineyard, you already know it’s going to be legit. Just like the taco trucks in LA are far better than any dine-in Mexican Restaurant. Power couple, Janine and Susan just opened this up-and-coming Hawaii foodie icon after Covid hit as an alternate source of income during uncertain times.
After sold out days of this to-go small business comfort food model, my prediction is that the Lumpia Ladies are here to stay. When you’re driving into town pick up a few of these baddies - it will make beach day even better. Meat & Veggie, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Shanghai were a few of my faves. Just one crunch into these precariously wrapped pleasure parcels dipped in sweet chili, and you’ll be forever hooked.
The stories of resilience and adapting to change by bringing our diverse experiences and backgrounds together will forever be what Hawaii is, no matter what the future brings. I’m standing with these entrepreneurs as a fellow entrepreneur and alliance in equal opportunities to achieve the American Dream, whether it be finding your way out of discrimination and failed systems, recessions, viruses, or oppression – in Hawaii community reigns and I’m proud to support mine.
We will rise, together.
If you’re a small business or know of one that needs extra content please (on me!) send me a DM @sashaimamori