FORKED UP

GUAVA CHIFFON PANCAKES
CINNAMON’S RESTAURANT
315 Uluniu St., Kailua
Phone number (808) 261-8724
website cinnamonsrestaurant.com

The signature dish of Kailua’s signature brunch stop is a hard act to top — two fluffy, buttery pancakes doused in guava syrup and topped with a dab of whipped cream. Sweet and perfect, down to the last bite. Cinnamon’s, of course, also offers this very-nearly-dessert breakfast a la mode, which is … tempting. Very tempting. Our breakfast table on this visit was torn between the classic guava chiffon and Cinnamon’s other signature: red velvet pancakes. We eventually agreed it was a draw. (Just get half-orders of both: Cinnamon’s sells its pancakes in stacks of two or four.)

PORK BELLY MARINARA
E.A.R.L. SANDWICHES
1137 11th Ave., Kaimuki
Phone number (808) 200-4354
website earlhawaii.com

We’ve been long seeing this little sandwich joint’s drool-worthy photos all over Instagram, so we decided it was long past time for a visit. After eating the ubiquitous Avocado Toast (pricey but worth it), we settled on the Pork Belly Marinara, a delicious, cheesy sandwich full of thick but tender pork and spinach. The horseradish mayo and sundried jam added a bit of zing to this harmonious sweet, salty and spicy mix of flavors. Added bonus: The sandwich was big enough to last us two whole meals. Nice. We’re already eyeing the Beer-Braised Brisket for our next visit.