FORKED UP

STRAWBERRY SUNDAE CREPE
MARION CREPES AT SHIROKIYA JAPAN VILLAGE WALK
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
website marion-crepes.com

The crowds and lines for Shirokiya Japan Village Walk have been insane since it opened last month, and the one line that still hasn’t died down is for its Harajuku-style crepe shop. We’re here to say that the hype is a little overblown. We happen to have eaten at the original Marion Crepes in Harajuku, and of course, there’s really no comparison. But if you can’t fly to Japan, this one is pretty darn good, if pricey. This ice cream crepe had a big scoop of vanilla, heaps of whipped cream … and a few tiny strawberries. At least it was big and surprisingly filling. Note that its menu is still limited due to demand. Check back again after things settle down, maybe?

SOFT MARSCAPONE CHEESE CAKE
STAGE RESTAURANT
1250 Kapiolani Blvd.
Phone number (808) 237-5429
website stagerestauranthawaii.com

So we are big fans of dessert, and specifically we are big fans of dessert at Stage Restaurant. And the crazier it looks, the better. This very creative take on your typical strawberry cheesecake incorporates grilled honey custard, hibiscus foam, vanilla wafers and super-soft marscapone cheese, for the perfect not-cheesecake cheesecake. It’s beautiful and, being as that it is still fundamentally cheesecake, quite filling! So don’t overeat before you get to the best part of your meal. Personally, we’re also interested in sampling the “Mashti” one day — Indian-inspired desserts are intriguing.