Aroma Caffé brings Euro style

Nadine Kam photos
Keep your eye on the chalkboard at Hawaiian Aroma Caffé for the day's specialty coffees.

Upon arriving in Hawaii one of the first things Jonathan Rotmensch noticed was that the coffee was not the same as what he was accustomed to while growing up and living across Europe. He put up with it for a while and when he couldn't stand it any longer, he opened Hawaiian Aroma Caffé.

In addition to a local following, his cafe drew a number of Australians, New Zealanders and Europeans who he says tell him they are grateful to find the kind of coffee they grew up with finally available in Hawaii.

Hawaiian Aroma Caffé chef/owner Jonathan Rotmensch, welcomed patrons during a grand opening celebration Sept. 28.

That popularity resulted in three locations. Hawaiian Aroma Caffé can now be found in the Davies Pacific Building in downtown Honolulu, the Ilikai Hotel, and the newest location on the lobby level at the Holiday Inn Beachcomber Hotel (take the escalator up from Kalakaua Ave.).

The newest cafe has a bright poolside location and ample seating to enjoy locally roasted artisanal coffees that includes a global roster of estate-grown Guatemalan coffee, Peruvian and Mexican blends, a North Shore Waialua blend, and three exlusive Kona blends from the island of Hawaii.

The hungry will find a number of pastries and sandwiches, as well as acai bowls, for light continental-style breakfasts, lunches and snacks.

An overview of the cafe.

There's seating indoors ...

... and near a doorway with a view of the hotel's swimming pool.

Menu selections include various panini and below, ham and cheese croissant sandwiches.

 

 

Or start your day with bacon.

Ham and brie served on baguette with a drizzle of honey and truffle oil will be a sometime special at Hawaiian Aroma Caffé.

Caprese and pesto on baguette will also be an occasional special.

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Nadine Kam is Style Editor and staff restaurant critic at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; her food coverage is in print in Wednesday's Crave section. Contact her via email at nkam@staradvertiser.com and follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Rebel Mouse.