Aloha! We are excited to infuse The Bistro with newfound inspiration from our rejuvenating trip to Hawaii. As self-appointed good-for-your-gut ambassadors and GF explorers, we are delighted to share our tropical journey with you.
Before we dig into specifics, let’s rewind to November, when we picked up the keys to 1016 Cedar and stood in a quiet, echoing room imagining the first shared meal. Our vision: an inviting, soulful place where everyone can eat together. Families coming together, people socializing and doing homework, and the look on a guest’s face when they realize they can eat anything (and sometimes everything!)—that’s been the payoff.
Before we dig into specifics, let’s rewind to November, when we picked up the keys to 1016 Cedar and stood in a quiet, echoing room imagining the first shared meal. Our vision: an inviting, soulful place where everyone can eat together. Families coming together, people socializing and doing homework, and the look on a guest’s face when they realize they can eat anything (and sometimes everything!)—that’s been the payoff.
We knew it was time to step off the rocket ship, rest, and make room for the next iteration of our vision. To do this, we journeyed to the stunning island of O’ahu and let the island’s everyday flavors—and the gems hiding in plain sight—do their work on us. From indulging in Hawaiian shave ice every day to savoring fresh local seafood and delightful Hawaiian-inspired dishes, our days were filled with great gluten-free food.
One memorable stop was Island Vintage Coffee in Waikiki. This place offered an abundance of gluten-free treats (and great Kona coffee drinks), including a dish that was a hot tip from a customer, with curried quinoa and purple potatoes that really left an impression. We also explored Kailua in search of variety, discovering a Japanese coffee and matcha garden, and touring the captivating Mānoa Chocolate Factory, where we learned about the recent history of growing cacoa on the islands—all aroma and story in everything we tasted.
isten to our latest episode for the full rundown: how we traveled (no rental car), the local businesses we loved, our best gluten‑free finds, and what’s next at The Bistro. We also tackle the elephant in the bistro…apublic phone number.
After you listen, check out our travel photologue to see some of these food gems and views of the island—including that curried‑quinoa bowl.
00:10 Introduction
16:07 Hawaii Trip & Food Highlights
19:48 Restaurant Finds
35:20 Mānoa Chocolate Factory Tour
44:29 Hiring & Café Updates
55:20 Phone Numbers & Salads
Mentioned in this episode:
Aiwi gluten-free waffles in Waikiki
Island Vintage Coffee in Waikiki
Pineapple Market Food Hall in Waikiki
ANDO Café in Kailua Town
Мānoa Chocolate factory in Kailua
Big Island Burger in Waikiki
Island Vintage Coffee in Waikiki
Pineapple Market Food Hall in Waikiki
ANDO Café in Kailua Town
Мānoa Chocolate factory in Kailua
Big Island Burger in Waikiki
