Hello from Humbolt! I am writing from my eldest daughter's home in Northern California--we are headed up the three of us to visit grandparents tomorrow. While we are driving, please take a look at the spring menu we designed for you for the week of April 10. The month is flying by, so plan ahead now for the days you want more time and less shopping, chopping and cooking: HERE.
HAWAIIAN-JAPANESE BRUNCH SENSATIONS
As a local chef, I greatly appreciate the work and offerings of other local chefs. Here in the Bay Area we have access to so many cuisines, but breakfast and brunch can often be the same-same everywhere you go. Perhaps a place will have one or two different things, but for the most part you know what to expect. I am always looking for something different or exciting for breakfast, but it isn't always easy to find. Friends, I have found something AMAZING.
Chad and Monica Kaneshiro, owners and creators of a foodie paradise in brunch form have opened Morning Wood on Peninsula Avenue in San Mateo. In fact, this restaurant used to live up in San Bruno, pre-pandemic, and was known for imaginative & gourmet Hawaiian-Japanese brunch. But now it is twice as big, and our peninsula chefs have dreamed up an even more imaginative menu that is worth your time and brunch money. You will not be bored with their clever integration of Hawaiian, Japanese and Korean influences, with Spam, kimchi and katsuoboshi all sharing space on the menu.
They have options such as Loco Moco with PRIME RIB, and mochi pancakes, strawberry milk French toast in panko with miso caramel & berries (SUBLIME), special chicken & waffles where the waffles are stuffed with okinawan sweet potato & adzuki bean & bacon jam. The chicken is crunchy fried mochiko-style. Here is a picture of each of our breakfasts. As you can see, the portions are huge! I wish we could have tried every single thing:
The secret is to get a reservation in advance. You can do that HERE on Tock. It does cost $10 per person to make a reservation, but the money is refunded to you the moment you show up for your brunch. The old location was known for 2+ hour wait times, so this the way to show up and have a wonderful experience rather than waiting.
Be aware there is a mandatory 20% gratuity added to your bill. When you make reservations, that is explained. We had a wonderful server, Whitney. The service is top-notch and matches the special menu. This will not be the cheapest brunch, but it is a memorable experience. As a fellow chef, I understand the complexities of a brick & mortar location. It is something we don't have in our supper club, and that is why our prices are 20 to 40% less than you'd see for similar dishes at an actual restaurant location.
Oh, and the name. Yes, I actually ignored the restaurant at first because of it. But then I kept hearing about it, and it is definitely worth your time and effort! A good friend of mine who lives in San Bruno said the original opening caused quite a stir. Well, if you're going to be different, you might as well be funny, too. Let me know if you go. I promise it is a meal you will remember for a long time. ENJOY!
Loved this place when it was in San Bruno and even ordered from there during the height of the pandemic - no wait!! Can’t wait to try the new location. Also, their original location in San Bruno is now re-branded as Diamond Head General Store - offering Hawaiian (with Japanese and Korean influenced) plate lunches, groceries and shave ice!