For those who have wanted to try Café Miro Kaimukī but didn’t want to commit to a monthly prix fixe menu — now’s your chance.
The eatery closed briefly in early January to give its staff a break, and recently opened with a new format.
According to the restaurant’s Instagram post, “Chef Chris (Kajioka) always intended this space to be a restaurant for the neighborhood; the same place where he grew up and spent time as a kid. This space will return to be ‘Café Miro,’ featuring an a la carte menu that will be built around the ethos of just being delicious.”
Once the restaurant reopened later in January, we made reservations to check out the new a la carte dishes. A classic prix fixe menu ($135 per person, optional $65 wine pairing) is still available, and comprises crowd favorites like ‘ahi brioche, miso black cod and filet of beef.
The eatery’s sister restaurant, The Counter Miro — formerly Leila Kaimukī — will be highlighting the prix fixe concept through a multi-course tasting counter, which will be available soon.
Cafe Miro's a la carte menu offers a mix of snacks and appetizers, salads, entrees, sides and desserts.
The eatery’s signature ‘ahi brioche ($14), chive madeleines ($24) and charred cabbage salad ($20) come highly recommended.
The thick, buttery brioche is topped with a generous slab of ‘ahi, along with avocado, tare and chives.
While madeleines — small butter cakes known for their sponge cake-like interior and crispy edges — are often served in dessert form, this savory version is served warm and accompanied with Hudson Valley foie gras mousse.
The dish is like a twist on bread and butter in the best way — the madeleines are light and spongy, complemented by the savory, easily spreadable mousse. The foie gras flavor is subtle — earthy and nutty, without being overwhelming.
The Caesar salad ($22) is one of my new favorites on the menu. It features thick, spongy croutons — made from the same buttery brioche as featured in the ‘ahi brioche — and 2-year-old aged Parmesan. We appreciated the nutty, savory flavor; this is an ideal dish for cheese lovers.
We’re told the roasted garlic bone marrow ($28) was inspired by a popular restaurant in New York called Blue Ribbon Brasserie, which is known for its bone marrow served with oxtail marmalade.
Miro’s version features a beef cheek marmalade made with port wine and sherry vinegar. The topping’s acidity cuts the fat from the bone marrow, and the harmonious medley pairs perfectly with pieces of toasted shokupan bread.
Entrees range from Café burger ($30) — double wagyu patty, caramelized onion jam and green peppercorn aioli — and Ry black cod ($45) to meaty options like Westholme rib-eye ($95) and Westholme striploin ($89).
The cod is sold out during our visit, but its Hokkaido scallop substitute was a mouthwatering replacement. The succulent scallops were served in a rice porridge made with shio koji miso and topped with bubu arare and daikon.
Meanwhile, the tender Australian wagyu rib-eye is served with garlic confit and shallots. You’re given the option to add sauces — Cognac peppercorn ($18), black truffle butter ($18) or crab Hollandaise ($22) — but the meat is so flavorful that it doesn’t need additional flair.
Sides are served a la carte; options include beef tallow fries ($10), smoked mozzarella smashed potatoes ($14) and baby spinach with garlic confit ($14). The Yukon smashed potatoes are indulgent and buttery, and the cheesy flavor isn’t overwhelming. If you order the burger, though, go for the beef tallow fries.
End with desserts like banana mochi cake ($10) and Strauss soft serve ($12). It’s difficult to choose one — you can always get both — but I’m partial to the soft serve.
Boasting a luscious, velvety texture, the soft serve is reminiscent of the creamy Hokkaido soft serve you’d find in Japan. Take your pick from three toppings — salted miso caramel, Laudemio olive oil or valrhona chocolate and candied peanut. If you want a more “classic” dessert, go for the dark chocolate and candied peanut, which provides a nice crunch. The salted miso caramel is sure to please those who prefer a balance of sweet and savory.
There’s something to be said for the banana mochi cake ($10), though. It’s like a lighter version of banana bread, complete with mochi’s signature, slightly chewy texture.
CONTACT
Café Miro Kaimukī
1108 12th Ave. C, Honolulu
mirokaimuki.com
Instagram: @cafe_mirokaimuki
Open 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays
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Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
