In early July, we tuned into the "What's Cooking" segment on Hawaii News Now, which featured Fusion Café & Wine Bar X DADA. We had heard of Fusion Café, helmed by chef Rian Lee, several years ago when it was located in Kaimuki's Lafite Building, but we hadn't tried to dine there. But after hearing about and seeing the upgraded remodeling and flavorful highlights of chef Lee's collaboration with DADA Salon in the Ala Moana Hotel, on the local news program, we were fired up to try this business. We knew the exact location of Fusion Café x DADA on the third floor or the pool deck of
We had an early morning appointment in the nearby Ala Moana neighborhood, so we stopped in to indulge in our morning caffeine fix and their breakfast offerings that chef Rian Lee had showcased on the televised food segment. They offer a Breakfast Menu served from 8 am to 11 am daily. As we approached Fusion Café, our eyes were immediately drawn to its dark interior and sleek wine bar. It's perfect for Happy Hour get-togethers or solo dining between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. We didn't see if they offered dinner, but they're open until 9 p.m. Their Lunch Menu features tasty burgers, sandwiches, and healthy salads.
When we entered, two female workers were in front of us, and both of them greeted us with friendly smiles and cheers. We were sure to order at the counter and then find a seat since none of the tables were set with tableware for dine-in customers. The cashier pointed to the printed menus on the counter and the digital menu behind her. We didn't take too long deciding on our breakfast items since we had seen them on the televised program.
Food:
-Avocado Toast: I debated this item and their Egg Salad Toast. The avocado toast was composed on a 1/2-inch slice of sourdough bread and topped with fresh and chunky avocado spread, microgreens, grape tomatoes, edible flowers, and sprinkled with "Everything" seasoning. The sourdough bread had great chewy and mild tanginess, which paired well with the buttery avocado, and luckily didn't have its typical tough crust since I could cut into this breakfast toast with a serrated butter knife. $15
-Smoked Salmon Bagel: My husband selected this made-to-order smoked salmon on a 1/2 bagel for his breakfast. The toasted 1/2 bagel was topped with herb cream cheese, capers, and pickled red onions. The smoked salmon slices were arranged like pink tiles. He must have been hangry since he wolfed down his bagel half and began eyeing and inquiring about the flavors of my avocado toast. He enjoyed the presentation, freshness, and flavors, but was disappointed in getting only a 1/2 bagel (which the menu clearly stated). $15
-Americano coffee: The cashier/server/barista made us perfect pours of Americano coffee drinks. The medium-dark roasted coffee beans' flavors, body, and aroma were balanced by the amount of water added to make this coffee drink. It was so delicious and comforting that we asked for a refill. $4/cup
We enjoyed this new wine bar-café and look forward to I returning for more. It's a departure from its former tenant, who served casual local to international-flavored dishes. read more