Jarrod A.
Yelp
The anticipation, building for weeks. Why? Compliment after compliment, all great reviews on social media. I've read it. For a place I've never been to before.
Yes, I'll be there! I jumped on the opportunity when an invitation from friends came my way. It was shopping that morning, a crazy one. Bright and early, store after store. After all, it was Black Friday. Reservations were at 11:30am on 11/29/24, party of three.
Here's how the story unfolds, at a cozy place called Paul's Place in historic Downtown Hilo.
Arriving early, I found a perfect parking spot. On the street, safe and close to my destination. Meandering outside of a wooden yellow building, white accents along with green added a plantation-style look. How nostalgic. And there's even a cute window, I can see people dining. It must be there.
Into a swinging wooden screen door, above a sign to a place called Pakalana Inn. Is this how I enter? Clueless with hesitation, I did just that. Enter.
Five steps up, warm wood tones immediately invited me into a cozy room with three tables. Two of which were put together for a 4-top, they were already dining. The other was set for three. Hmmmm, it must be ours. It's almost 11:30am.
Thinking the extension of this small dining area must be up the remaining stairs, I continued on and found myself in a bit of a confused state. There's rooms up here!
So descending back down the stairs, the cozy dining area with three tables appeared again. I asked myself, can this be? This small area be Paul's Place? I was in utter shock and amazement. My two friends arrived. It was time for brunch.
THE MENU. Brunch specialties found on a chalkboard by the dining entrance, lunch items on a menu above the kitchen. Beverages are limited to hot coffee or hot tea and a smoothie of the day.
ORDERING. Paul took our order. Remembered each item by memory. Explained that since there is only one electric burner w/ one pan, the two identical pasta dishes my friends ordered will not arrive at the same time. Patience is key, worth the wait. Trust me.
COOKING + PREPARATION. To my amazement, the kitchen is located in the small dining room. And, Paul cooks everything. Freshly prepared. One dish at a time. I stood up and watched in awe. Like a Chef's Table dining experience, but better. This one doesn't cost an arm-and-a-leg.
THE FOOD.
"Pasta de Marco". Brilliant angel hair pasta preparation, tasteful with every bite. Beautifully composed, a symphony of flavors done well. Chef's fresh choice of toppings, melted cheese and a drizzle of pesto. Magnifico!
"Smoked Salmon Benedict'. Sliced baguette as a base, his take of a hollandaise sauce done dill cream style. Stunning. Warm sliced grapes and cucumbers were a huge surprise. Details that truly elevated a simple, light dish. I was just expecting potatoes of some kind. But then, my starch replacement arrived. My friends ordered the most popular dish on the menu.
"Belgium Waffles". Fluffy, buttery, absolutely delicious. Topped with sliced bananas and fresh pineapple, a dollop of whipped cream. Warm maple syrup in a ceramic pot, how aesthetically pleasing. Marvelous in every way. This is a must try to share. As an end dish like we did. The perfect "icing on the cake".
AMBIANCE. Cozy and quaint. Yet filled with lots of personality. In everything that's offered, all that's surrounding. You'll find no china and silverware here. Dining kept simple, yet with grace and style in a charming, yet subtle way. A place that feels as if dining at someone's house. A pleasure to be here, lucky to have been invited by friends.
SERVICE. Paul delivered each dish to the table with the help from a sweet woman named Sara. She also made sure our water cups were full and table maintenance throughout was extended. Paul conversed with us, even pulled out a couple of jokes. It was laughter and smiles. Serving us as "family" with a warm embrace. Delightful in every way.
An extremely charming and captivating dining experience and venue. Tailored to each diner's reservation. Yet, not at all a high-end private chef's dinner or omakase experience. Surprisingly the complete opposite. Simple and humble. None like anything I've ever experienced before in my life. A bold yet extremely honest statement I standby. 100%.
As the table of four next to us departed, hugs were exchanged. Not with each other, but with the chef/owner himself. It was hugs with Paul. His positive aura allured them in, so much that a future reservation was in discussion.
"Here, take my card. Call me on my cell phone when you have the date and I'll hold a table for you." I smiled hearing that and watched him take an already personalized dining experience to a whole new level in seconds.
My experience and overall impression. Deliciously prepared, executed with care. Love and details in each dish. Charming in every way. My heart is content. Personality at it's best. Paul's Place. Reservations highly recommended.
See you there....