Paris in Hawaii

I’d proudly describe myself as a Francophile. I love all things French – the food, the culture, the language, the romance of Paris – plus Don & I met in French class in college. So when we were out and about exploring Downtown Honolulu & Chinatown this weekend I was thrilled to find the most charming Parisian restaurant hidden on a downtown side street. Brasserie Du Vin has all the elements of a perfect French wine bar. The inside has an authentic, rustic French country feel, and the main dining room lets out into a cozy open air seating patio.

It was lunchtime on a Sunday, and since Downtown Honolulu is practically deserted on Sundays we had the whole place to ourselves. Since Brasserie Du Vin is across from the Theatre, I’d bet that’s where the bulk of their business comes in.

Their lunch menu included a list of Specials, Appetizers, Salads, Sandwiches and Vegan Entrees and indicates that local and organic ingredients are used whenever possible.

Don had the Special – the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict. I had a bite and it was deeelicious! The Smoked Salmon flavor was subtle and not too overwhelming, topped with perfectly cooked eggs benedict.

I had the Grilled Tiger Shrimp Salad with roasted shallots, poached pear, apple-smoked bacon, blue cheese and house vinaigrette.

My salad was ok, nothing really stood out about it to me (and it was just the lunch menu after all) – but honestly the wine and the scenery made up for it and since Don’s Eggs Benedict was so impressive, I’ll definitely go back and try something different. Next time we’ll probably go for dinner since their dinner menu looks amazing.

After lunch we strolled around Chinatown – not much to see really, but there were a few really unique boutiques hidden back on some of the side streets. I’ll have to go back on a week day to check them out though because everything was pretty much closed on Sunday.

The day ended with the most amazing sunset off our apartment balcony – it reminded me of Florida.