By Noelani Isabella Anderson
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noelani anderson / KA LAMAKUA Noelani Anderson, Ka Lamakua food writer, has a passion for flavors, company, cooking and the importance of everything that happens around the table. Writing is another love of hers, and through writing about food she collaborates the two in a cohesion meant for ready readers. |
While we'd all love to have some extra spending money, most of us college students are on a budget. Stuck between rent, tuition costs, student loans, food, other living expenses and a schedule limited by classes and homework, the space for part time jobs is limited and money usually gets spent faster than it accumulates.
On the flipside, as students we are in the prime of our social lives, ready to explore the goings on, ready for a night on the town, jonesing to wind down after a long week of class. Needless to say being on a budget and going out to resuraunts or bars don't exactly go hand in hand. A cheap night out is practically an oxymoron unless you've got some generous friends, good connections…or you know where the deals are at.
That's where the happy hunt comes in; this weekly article is chronicle of my search for the best happy hour in Honolulu, and each week I will comment on my latest happy hour excursion(s), speaking to the food, the drink, the quality to price ratio, the ambience and the convenience of the spot. (Any suggestions, ideas, or friendly critisism is welcome via email at nia4@hawaii.edu.)
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noelani anderson / KA LAMAKUA Brasserie Du Vin is located across from the historic Hawaii Theatre, pictured here, on Bethel Street. |
The first time I enjoyed happy hour at Du Vin I rocked it solo, arriving at the place by accident, simply in search of a strong drink and a quick bite in between art shows and dance recitals on a First Friday. I slipped into the bar at 5 minutes till six, glanced at the food menu, (quickly settling on a goat cheese and walnut salad), while asking the bartender which of the martinis she would recommend.
Not only did she make the best martini I'd had in ages, but the salad was excellent and the two went together like a charm. The service was wonderfully genuine, the bartender checking in on me every now and then, we even chatted a bit about this or that and she assured me that it is every woman’s right to enjoy a cocktail on her own.
Outgoing as I am, I ended my evening at Du Vin over a glass of wine my neighbors at the bar invited me to. As I left dusk had long since fallen, my belly was content, I had a nice little buzz, my palate had been pampered and my wallet was the happiest of all as the bill added up to only ten dollars.
The service was so great I threw in five for tip, but it was well deserved and beyond worth it as all my visits to Du Vin since have been just as, if not more pleasurable.
The happy hour martinis are $4, the goat cheese salad I mentioned is $6, and the pomme fries (served french style) are only $2.50, along with a number of other drink and appetizer deals.
Du Vin is located on Bethel street across from the Hawaii Theatre and their Happy Hour is 4-6 every day they are open, Monday thru Saturday. If you're feelin' a little spendy, hang out after happy hour for live music beginning at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday (for the line up visit www.brasserieduvin.com). Happy Hunting!
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