Brasserie Du Vin

Honolulu $$ *****
Oh man, this place is fantastic. It reminds me of St. Honoré in Portland. Brasserie Du Vin is an adorable little French place in the newly-"hip" section of Chinatown (art galleries, boutique hotels, exotic restaurants, the usual...).
Since we were there on a Saturday afternoon, it was almost completely empty. We could either eat in the very dimly-lit indoors or go in the back to the outdoor patio. We opted for the outoor patio because the umbrella-shaded tables and tiny fountain beckoned us. Besides, it seemed to be cooler outside, thanks to our Hawaiian tradewinds.
I had the crostini sandwich with warm gorgonzola dolce and prosciutto served on a thin-sliced baguette. It was delicious. Three slices of baguette topped with proscuitto slices and the gorgonzola cheese, surrounding a tiny green salad. I had forgotten how salty proscuitto is, but I liked it anyway. My meal was $10. My friends ordered the mushroom & brie risotto, flat iron steak sandwich, and turkey & roast beef gouda croissant sandwich. Everyone was delighted with their meal.
As usual, I had to check out the bathrooms to see if they were up to par, and I was not disappointed. Pale yellow walls, black and white tiled floors, co-ed lavatories. The service was pretty good. Can't wait to return!
Brasserie Du Vin (Chinatown)
1115 Bethel Street
Honolulu, HI
Mon-Sat 11:30-late

JJ Bistro & French Pastry

Honolulu $$ *****
My family used to be regulars at JJ when it was just starting a few years ago, but now we only go about once a year. Since opening, JJ has doubled in size, hired new workers that I don't recognize, and has become renowned throughout the island. Fortunately, its chocolate pyramids taste the same.
Yes, that's right. CHOCOLATE PYRAMID - JJ's specialty and the reason why this place exists. Sure, JJ also has a small French menu for lunch and dinner, and, sure, there is a huge glass display of their other amazing desserts. But the chocolate pyramids are a must. These pyramid-shaped mousse cakes are for chocolate lovers only. There is a chocolate cookie-like texture layering the bottom. The rest of it is pure rich chocolate mousse, and the entire thing is covered with cocoa powder. Yum. The regular size can feed 2 people and is $4.50. JJs offers bitsize ones (but why would you only want one bite???), 1/2 a pyramid, and larger-than-life sizes that you should probably bring to a party so you don't die of chocolate right there.

JJ Bistro & French Pastry (Kaimuki)
3447 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
Mon–Sat 9am–9pm
Sun noon–9pm

Saint Honoré Boulangerie

Portland $$ *****
St. Honoré is a warm boulangerie located near Nob Hill. Great food, authentic atmosphere. You order at the counter, and they'll bring your food over to your table. Their turkey croissants are delicious. I usually have lunch here before walking down to 23rd for some intense (window)shopping.
Saint Honoré Boulangerie (Nob Hill)
2335 NW Thurman Street
Portland, OR 97210
Daily 7:00am-8:00pm

Chez Machin

Portland $$ *****
Oh how I love this place. My friend and I are regulars here, always coming for their nutella crepes after wandering around Hawthorne. Everything about Chez Machin is charming: the tables are covered in red checkerboard tablecloths, the walls are rustic red, Edith Piaf plays on the stereo, and the waitress is adorable. Ask for the back room, and the hostess will show you to a hidden back room that is usually emptier and has a fountain.
Chez Machin (Hawthorne)
3553 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR 97214
Mon-Thu 11am-9pm
Fri 11am-10pm
Sat 9am-10pm
Sun 9am-9pm