BAKERY GOODIES, NOW AND THEN…

Let’s talk bakeries – and pastries.

First, a confession: I’m a fan of sweet treats. Life-long. Not the best of choices, but I can’t resist ‘em.

Some yummy things still exist. Many are long gone.

So, a reflection or two…memories you also may share.

Hall of fame, or gone but not forgotten:

• The lemon crunch cake, from the old  downtown Alexander Young Hotel Bakery.
• The red velvet cake, from Sweetheart Bakery, in Makiki.
• The French doughnut, from Bill’s Bakery in Kapahulu.

• The peach Bavarian cake, from Kapiolani Bakery.
• The guava chiffon cake, from Delight Bakery, in Kalihi.
• The glazed blueberry cake doughnut, from Safeway Bakery.
• The custard pie, from Bea’s Bakery in Kaimuki.

• The Japan-style square whole wheat and/or white bread, from Shirokiya Bakery at Ala Moana Center.
• The humungous glazed yeast doughnut (I used to call ‘em “truck tires”), Kimura Bakery in Kaimuki.
• The circular crusted bread (don’t recall what it was named), from 9^th Avenue Bakery in Kaimuki.
• The sweet bread rolls, from King’s Bakery (bakery gone, recipe still lives via national distribution and available at markets).

Still present and still delish…

• The coco puffs, from Liliha Bakery.
• The Napples apple turnover, from Napoleon Bakery, at Zippy’s.
• The Chantilly cake, from Napoleon Bakery.
• The malasadas, from Leonard’s Bakery.
• The apple fritters doughnut, from McDonald’s (all locations).

• The coconut haupia pie, served at the Halekulani Hotel’s Orchids restaurant, and apparently available as a dessert slice at the Halekulani Bakery and Restaurant at the Halepuna Hotel across the street from the hotel.

Some other wonderments

• The Halekulani’s popovers are legendary; back in the day, larger portions were available; now, a smaller version is a huge favorite at the Sunday brunch and served as part of the offerings. The popovers at Neiman Marcus’ Mariposa restaurant hit the spot, too.
• Are those malasada-like doughnuts, with fillings ranging from apple to custard to chocolate pudding still part of any bakery’s menu? Yes, nowadays, Leonard’s malasadas have fillings, too.
• Are you a fan of the trendy upscale doughnuts topped with everything like bacon, cereal, nuts of all kinds and laden with specialty frostings?  

• Anna Miller’s at Pearlridge used to make its marvelous strawberry shortcake; is it only a seasonal offering, or is it off the menu for good?

• Costco’s bakery options are great for the prices, but the gotta-buy-12 muffins or a dozen large croissants are overwhelming for a household of two. And if you savor the portions, the pumpkin, custard, and apple pies will feed an army. Well, you know what I mean.

Feel free to add your faves to the discussion. Yum’s the word…