KAPA‘A — Its ambiance has a little bit of philosophy behind it, which is part home-cooking, part low-key. And it’s nailed its brand name, as Tutu’s Soup Hale feels just like the dining room in which grandma insisted you sit
KAPA‘A — Its ambiance has a little bit of philosophy behind it, which is part home-cooking, part low-key.
And it’s nailed its brand name, as Tutu’s Soup Hale feels just like the dining room in which grandma insisted you sit down and have a bite to eat.
“Our little café has an essence of its own,” co-owner Sage McCluskey said. “It’s inviting, warm, welcoming and comfortable.”
Though the unassuming little restaurant keeps itself modest — the existentialist-style menu is merely a chalkboard with specials written haphazardly throughout — there’s a lot of punch packed into the simple dishes, whether soups or otherwise.
Such minimalist examples of food include specials such as the broccoli-almond soup, a delicious, uncomplicated little meal that might make one think, “That amount of food was just right,” and the cashew basil pate, a yummy-but-healthy dish for the raw foodies out there.
Co-owner Bert McCluskey is the man behind the soups, with some of his tastier concoctions including the spicy tomato cilantro and Upcountry mushroom soups.
But it’s not just broths and bisques featured on the couple’s menu, as the café’s name is a bit of a misnomer — the list of options spans breakfast and lunch items ranging from the health-conscious to comfort foods.
Though they’ve got daily specials, the menu rarely changes and keeps its staples and tried-and-true favorites. Breakfast-menu-item highlights include the poi English muffin and yogurt and the “Bagel Leo,” a toasted everything bagel with sprouts, tomatoes and cream cheese. And for those who have ever been to Amsterdam and enjoyed a delicious “panne keok” (Dutch pancake) and know what it is — (a delectable, crepe-like creation with powdered sugar stacked high with fruit and whipped cream), the Tutu’s Soup Hale version is a contender to be sure — and has been localized to include coconut syrup and local bananas.
And perhaps surprisingly, it’s not a soup that the couple considers to be their signature dish — it’s one of the breakfast items.
“Ironically enough (the signature dish) is the French toast,” Sage said. “It’s unlike any other French toast.”
Served with coconut syrup, the McCluskeys’ version of French toast is made with Hawaiian sweet bread instead — and is doughy and calorie-worthy.
As for her favorite items on the menu, Sage said it’s the aforesaid French toast, along with two savory items: The baked potato soup and the grilled albacore tuna salad panini.
“It’s all comfort food,” she said.
As for how the duo, both of whom have been in the food industry off and on for a combined 25 years, came up with their wide range of menu items, Sage said the inspiration comes from personal taste, specifically “seasonal influence and our own palate.”
And though neither has culinary training, their food accomplishes what it purports to be: a taste of home cooking.
“We simply prepare and share food we like to eat,” Sage said.
Sharing in the experience of food the McCluskeys enjoy while at Tutu’s Soup Hale will also prove to be old school not in just the sense that it’s like eating a home-cooked meal, but in the mellow atmosphere that, perhaps like tutu’s hale, lacks Internet.
“We chose not to go with Wi-Fi because we wanted guests to be in the present moment,” Sage said.
What will dining guests find, however (besides food, of course)? “We have games and children’s books available to entertain kids and allow parents to relax while dining.”
Tutu’s Soup Hale is open
From 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday
Located in Kinipopo Village
4-356 Kuhio Hwy.
Kapa‘a, HI 96746
639-6312
