Cinnamon's

I was ecstatic to pick up my friend Lindsay from her house in Maunawili this morning after work. Currently, Linds lives in San Diego with her bf. She has not been home for years, and it was so nice to catch up with her. We came to know of each other when she lived on my dorm floor in my Freshman year of college. We had a Public Speaking class together and naturally, became close. We then decided to live together Sophomore year and well...the rest is history! Linds has been one of my best friends ever since. I tell her all the time that she will be in my wedding party someday!

After driving through rainy and muddy Maunawili, I decided Kailua would be a nice place to get some brunch that wasn't too far away. In my mind, Kailua is the spot for brunch/lunch/breakfast restaurants. If you want traditional and hearty breakfast food (ie- eggs, bacon, hash browns, omelets etc), Kailua is the way to go! After much research/yelping on my part the night before, I finally settled on Cinnamon's. I had been to Boots and Kimo's (known for their Pancakes with Mac Nut Syrup) many times, and know very well that Cinnamon's is their biggest neighborhood competitor. Cinnamon's is famous for their Red Velvet Pancakes and Guava Chiffon Pancakes. I already knew in my mind that we would have to share one of 'em.

FYI, some other great options in Kailua are Crepes No Ka 'Oi, Baci Bistro and Kalapawai Cafe and Deli. I've been to Crepes No Ka 'Oi and had "The Godfather," which is their melted mozzarella/tomato/fresh basil crepe with a drizzle of EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) and Balsamic Vinegar. It is basically a Caprese (salad) in a crepe! SO YUMMY! I'll definitely have to do a post on this place very soon!! I'm craving it just talking about it!

As far as the other restaurants I listed, Baci Bistro and Kalapawai I have never been to, but have heard very highly-regarded reviews. Those are musts for the blog...but later!

Here goes with CINNAMON'S!

Cinnamon Roll- not bad, but me and Linds preferred Cinnabon

Half order Kalua Pig Eggs Benedict- BEST Eggs Bene I've EVER had. SO delicious.

Usually comes with hash browns, but they ran out, so I had a choice of either
home fries or rice. Rice it is! 

I usually think most Eggs Bene Hollandaise sauce is mediocre,
but this one was creamy and tasty- not bland at all.
The Kalua Pig was exactly how I like it- shredded well, not fatty and SALTY!
I almost wanted to eat JUST the Kalua Pig and rice! It was that good.

Guava Chiffon Pancakes

Linds' French Toast

All in all, I would only come back for the Kalua Pig Eggs Benedict. It was really that good. It was even worth the high price of $10.25 for a HALF order. Full order was $13.25, but next time, I'm skipping the Pancakes and Cinnamon Rolls, and going straight for the full order Eggs Bene!