A fresh smile at Splash Cafe

Are you craving onolicious crepes, fresh salads or homemade omelets? If you are, then Splash Cafe at Harbor Mall in Nawiliwili offers a delicious array of fresh dishes that will leave you smiling from ear to ear.

Splash Cafe is the vision of Monica Goodnight, owner of the restaurant. She wanted a cafe that offered everyone a place to sit down, enjoy fresh food and drinks, and basically, enjoy themselves.

“It’s not just about being a coffee shop,” Goodnight said. “It’s about enjoying good food, a place where you can check your email and having quality time with yourself and with other people. This is a place where you can enjoy a nice glass of wine and enjoy a good book. That’s the idea with Splash.”

The atmosphere at Splash Cafe is relaxing. When I arrived at the cafe, I noticed a quote on the wall: “Good food takes time … so take your time and enjoy!!!”

Taking that quote to heart, I got on my phone and browsed the Internet. To tell you the truth, I almost forgot I had an assignment. The atmosphere, as Goodnight said, is perfect for those who want to sit down and enjoy themselves.

After being comfortably situated, I met with Manager Ry, who explained that the food at the cafe is fresh. He also said that you will find food that appeals to a healthier lifestyle.

“Monica didn’t want to open a fast-food place,” he said. “She wanted to open a place a little different — someplace without greasy foods.”

The dishes that sparked my interest in Splash Cafe were the crepes, which everyone I knew constantly praised. You haven’t had crepes on Kaua‘i until you’ve tried the crepes at Splash Cafe. There are 10 varieties to choose from — you have your choice of either a savory style or sweet style.

Ry presented Kaua‘i Times with Splash Cafe’s signature dish: Splash Crepes, $9.50. This attractive and onolicious dish consists of strawberries, peaches, condensed milk, cinnamon, nuts and topped with whipped cream.

Ry insisted that I had a bite of it. I told myself I would only have two or three bits, max. But two bites turned to eating most of it. The Splash Crepes is a must. The combination of fruits, nuts and cinnamon almost makes you forget that this dish is for breakfast. I enjoyed it so much that I thought I was eating a dessert.

If sweet crepes aren’t for you, then give the savory crepes a try. Two savory crepes dishes that are highly recommended are the Ocean Crepes and the Spicy Crepes. The Ocean Crepes, at $14.75, is made with shrimp, parsley, tomatoes, onions and three house-made cheese sauces. The Spicy Crepes, at $11.95, is made with chicken, onions, fresh cheese and house-made chipotle sauce.

Ry also served the fresh Spinach Salad, at $10.75. This vegetarian dream is packed with strawberries or apples, red onions, nuts, goat cheese, spinach and agave vinaigrette. Also recommended is the delicious Ceviche Salad, at $16.95. The Ceviche Salad has mahi mahi, avocado serrano chili, cilantro, house spices on a bed of lettuce and is served with tortilla chips.

Splash Cafe also offers dinner. There are six dinner dishes that range from $10.25 to $17.95. Two dinner dishes worth talking about are: 1) The Salmon Carpaccio, at $14.95, made from gruyere cheese, capers, red onions, olive oil balsamic vinegar, raw salmon, cilantro and served with bread; and 2) the Cheese Fondue, at $17.95, which is melted cheese served with bread.

Goodnight said breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes can be served anytime of the day.

“We can make for you any dish you want at anytime,” Goodnight said, “It might take 10 to 15 minutes to make, but it will be very fresh. Everything we make here is fresh; it takes a little bit of time, but it is high quality and always delicious.”

Splash Cafe, located at 3501 Rice St. at Harbor Mall in Lihu‘e, is open Monday to Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit www.splashcafehi.com or  call 245-2012 for more information.