The Fashionably-Forward Foodie: April 2014

Hey guys, it's been awhile! Sorry I've been so absent! I've taken up coaching golf for my high school this year (aside from my regular work), and it's been time-consuming, but SO amazing. Couldn't ask for anything more. The tears, drama, laughs, smiles- all worth it.

Anyway, back to the food blogosphere! Newest place I've tried and loved? Bill's Sydney! They opened up about a couple weeks back on Beachwalk in Waikiki. Since they opened, I've heard nothing but great reviews on their breakfast food. Corn Fritters, fluffy and moist eggs, delicious drinks, and the most infamous, their Ricotta Hotcakes.

A couple of my foodie friends and I headed down this (rainy) morning on a whim. Thanks Brandon and Dane for joining! Since we all heard such great things, we agreed to basically order their whole breakfast menu except for two things. So glad we did, because the things I wouldn't have naturally ordered were actually my favorites.

The Corn Fritters, Full Aussie Breakfast, and the Country Ham with Fried Green Tomatoes and Grits all came out first. We also ordered a side of scrambled organic eggs, which Bill's is known for. First thoughts? Fritters- deliciously crunchy and sweet! It went amazingly well with the creamy and chunky guacamole, which tamed the sweetness of the corn down. I would definitely order this again. Then I tried the Aussie Breakfast. This essentially was a little of everything. Eggs in the center and surrounded with toast, bacon, cumin roasted tomato, miso mushrooms and pork/fennel sausage. This looked better than it actually was. A lot of variety, but nothing really stood out.

Now, the Country Ham with Fried Green Tomatoes and Grits......this is something I wouldn't have ordered if it was just me. But my goodness, this was my favorite! I'm dreaming of it as I write this. The Fried Green Tomatoes were delicately breaded and fried, and not oily at all. So light, and I loved the flavor of the tomato. Dane commented that the oil must be clean- it didn't have an old, oily taste to it. Props for that, Bill's Sydney! Amazing job on the Fried Green Tomatoes! Not to mention, the grits (polenta??) was amazing. Polenta has to be one of my favorite things to eat, and not too many places serve it (or serve it correctly), so this was a treat. Both the grits and tomatoes went well with the salty, thin cut ham. Applaud you, Bill's, for executing this dish with such ease and perfection.

The Ricotta Hotcakes and Kim Chee Fried Brown Rice were last to come out. Again, an Aussie making Kim Chee Fried Rice??? Wasn't a standout. Interesting with big chunks of crab.

But the Ricotta Hotcakes?! Ok, they live up to the hype. I'm not a big pancake person, but these were what everyone said they were. Fluffy, light, soft. I mean, come on, cheese makes ANYTHING better! These were also topped with honeycomb butter and bananas sprinkled with sugar. Brandon barely put any maple syrup on these babies, and I can see why. So flavorful, you don't really need any sauce!

Can't forget their organic scrambled eggs. Yup, another thing that was worth the hype. Perfectly cooked and not overdone, velvety, soft, and was almost like an egg-y custard. The most luscious eggs ever! Texture great, however, a little bland for my palate. I thought it needed a bit more taste.

Things to consider:
1. Ricotta Hotcakes and Organic Scrambled Eggs are served all day. Breakfast is from 6am-11am, Lunch 11am-5pm, Dinner 5-10pm.
2. Parking.....I paid a flat rate at Embassy Suites for Valet for $9 until 4pm. Brandon parked at the Bankoh building for $3 per half hour. Essentially the same thing.

I loved the ambiance. Downstairs is a coffee shop with some food, but not full menu as upstairs. Upstairs is gorgeous. A rich, brown wood interior with high ceilings and open air. You can sit inside or outside- outside for a view. They also have a full bar!

Overall, I loved this place. For all the food we ordered- 5 entrees, side eggs, plus some drinks and coffee, we spent about $40 per person. Not too bad, plus we all walked out with full tummies, and even had some doggy bags! I'll definitely be back to try lunch and/or dinner, but seems like breakfast might be the winner!