Dillingham Café
Months ago, a reader of this blog suggested that I pay a visit to Dillingham Café. Located in a small strip mall (if you want to call it that) on Dillingham Boulevard across the street from Saint Germain Bakery (formerly known as Dee Lite Bakery), and on the site of a former gas station, Dillingham Café is one of many unassuming neighborhood restaurants.
Although it isn't what I would call homey, it's very much an everyday, casual sort of place -- more like a coffee shop than a café. The interior is clean and brightly lit, and on the day I visited, there was a crowd of people standing at the counter ordering some lunch.
The extensive menu is made up of local favorites, burgers and sandwiches with a smattering of Filipino specialties thrown in for good measure. On my first visit here, I decided to try the beef stir fry (US$5.25).
Slices of beef were stir fried with long beans, red bell peppers and onions, then plated with two scoops rice and your choice of tossed or macaroni salad. The strips of beef lacked tenderness and seemed to be barely seasoned, but the salty and slightly sweet sauce along with the medley of stir fried vegetables kept me interested.
On a subsequent visit, I decided to try one of the specials. I chose the garlic steak and mahi (US$7.95).
Slices of beef were coated in a thick, flavorful garlic sauce, while a piece of pan fried mahi sat alongside it on the plate. On its own, I doubt that the beef would have had much flavor as it seemed unseasoned. While the mahi, on the other hand, which was coated in egg before being pan fried, was moist and well seasoned.
While my experience here was average at best (tastewise), the friendly staff, the prompt service and the great prices will probably bring me back again. Since this is a new addition to the Kalihi dining scene, it may take a little while before Dillingham Café becomes a major contender here.
Dillingham Café
1901 Dillingham Boulevard
Telephone: 808.847.1500
Hi Reid - Welcome back! Prices here don't look too bad, even though the food isn't amazingly good.
Posted by: Kirk | April 07, 2006 at 04:01 AM
Hi Kirk,
Thanks for the welcome!
I received your e-mail, and I'm sorry that I haven't responded yet.
The prices here aren't too bad, but I'll wait before visiting again. Besides, Ray's Cafe is nearby and is a proven winner.
Posted by: Reid | April 09, 2006 at 10:44 PM