Would you be surprised if I told you your new spot to grab artisanal cocktails and small bites with friends was in a grocery store? But trust me, Eleven in Ala Moana's Foodland is a classy, upscale, BEAUTIFUL little cocktail bar that's definitely worth checking out. Whiskey lovers - this place is especially for you (and I love the 11 carved on the ice). But there's a drink for everyone on their extensive menu (even excellent mocktails)!
We got Sake Cured Salmon, Prosciutto Asparagus, Lacinato Kale, Za'atar Roasted Beets, Ho Farms Tomato, Ahi Tartare, Butter Poached Shrimp, Bacon Fat Popcorn, Sweet Symphony ("Old Fashioned" Cream Puffs, Fromage Panna Cotta, Mocha Bon Bons), Kaka'ako Mule, Pandanimal, 400 Rabbits, Basil Gimlet Redux, and Old Fashioned. Yes -- we ordered a lot!
Keep in mind that all of their small plates are tartines (basically like elevated toast) so don't come expecting a hearty meal. My personal favorites were the prosciutto asparagus and Ho Farms tomato. The asparagus one came on a toasted brioche, with a silky soft egg and boursin cheese. The tomato one came with applewood smoked bacon, tomato jam, and tobacco Worcestershire aioli on ciabatta. Make sure you also get the bacon fat popcorn or house fried potato chips with garlic salt. And don't miss out on the Sweet Symphony dessert (especially that amazing fromage panna cotta)!
I'm actually not a drinker, but I love me a good mocktail! I got the Kaka'ako Mule (without its kick) and a No-Party Pandanimal (I just came up with that, those aren't their actual names so don't order them like that LOL). They were SUPER good. The Kaka'ako Mule comes with fresh cantaloupe and pineapple juice, ginger beer, and a hint of serrano chili (and typically buffalo trace wheatley vodka). The Pandanimal comes with a housemade pandan and coconut elixiard, giffard crème de cacao, giffard orgeat, and fresh pineapple juice (and typically avuá amburana cachaça & flor de caña 4-year rum). I loved the cantaloupe and pineapple flavors that add a fruity element to liven up a typically traditional Mule (and hint of spice from the chili!). The Pandanimal was definitely my favorite though because it was creamy, fruity, and coconutty - and almost had a Melona-like quality to it. But I must say the most unique drink I tried was my friend's 400 Rabbits. Eleven's signature small-batched cocktail features tequila Fortaleza yellow chartreuse, cacao liqueur, fresh orange and lime juices, rooibos tea, and - get this - goats milk. But it's completely clear! They actually distill the goat's milk so the creamy flavor notes remain but the actual drink looks like regular tequila - it blows my mind. The marriage of flavors is also something so uniquely indescribable (and good!) that I highly recommend giving this one a try.
Eleven is located on the makai side of Foodland in Ala Moana. Parking is plentiful and free in Ala Moana. read more