Hawaii Currents | A Guide for Modern-Day Honolulu

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FETE HAWAII

A Lovely Downtown Brasserie

[2 North Hotel Street]

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Imagine a space that marries the cozy warmth of Hawaii with the trendy vibe of Brooklyn. The ambiance? Old-school charm with brick walls and wooden beams. There's always a buzzy, friendly atmosphere — locals chatting, glasses clinking, and an overall feel-good vibe.

The place has a cool plant wall, exposed brick, and the bar seating is a hit, too.

Fete’s big windows let in lots of light.

Welcome to Fête Hawaii, where every meal is an invitation to a taste adventure. It's no surprise that Chef Robynne Maii won the coveted James Beard Award for the standout dining experience that Fête delivers.

Fete’s spaghetti carbonara is made with bacon, Portuguese sausage, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Pecorino Romano

Fete’s summer Mahi Mahi dish comes with banana-leaf grill-roasted, local succotash, grilled pickled purplettes, griddled cornbread, romesco, chive oil, and basil

Fete’s Beef Bourguignon Pot Pie features local grass-fed beef, carrots, cippolini onions, and mushrooms

Fête’s menu is diverse, ensuring there's something for everyone. Offerings range from light spreads to hearty dishes, marrying Hawaiian and Asian ingredients with New American techniques and classic European flavors.

And remember: always save room for dessert!

Fete’s olive oil cake is paired with yuzu caramel

Fete’s cheesecake is a sight for the senses

Fete’s Bombolini with ice cream

By winning the 2022 James Beard Award for the Best Chef in the Northwest & Pacific region, Chef Maii didn't just earn herself a prestigious title; she also made history. Not only was she the first from Hawaii to win since 2003, but she became the first Hawaiian woman to receive this honor.

In accepting her award for Best Chef, Chef Maii recounted a period when she stepped away from cooking, fearing that she would be unsuccessful in this career. Her unwavering passion eventually led to the inception of Fête — a testament to her tenacity and talents.

Chef Maii started her culinary journey at Kapiolani Community College in Hawaii. Under the guidance of local talents like Chef Russell Siu and Chef Pierre Padovani, she honed her skills before heading to New York. There, she worked alongside culinary big names like Chef Rocco DiSpirito and Chef Jean Claude Perrenou.

But Chef Maii's aspirations weren't limited to just cooking. She pursued a master's degree in food studies from NYU and penned articles for her dream publication, Gourmet Magazine. A decade spent helming a culinary education program further augmented her multifaceted culinary résumé.

Fête is located at the corner of North Hotel Street and Nuuanu Avenue in Honolulu’s Chinatown.

The extensive wine and cocktail list offers a delightful counterpart to the delicious eats!

Then, came the inspiration for Fête: create a space that fosters connection, where the food doesn’t overwhelm but rather supports and delights the table. It’s all-day menu is availalble 11 am - 9 pm daily, except for Sundays.

In a town bursting with culinary options, Fête consistently stands out, winning the hearts of locals and visitors with its undeniable charm.