WE'RE CRAVING: PANCAKES

CINNAMON'S RESTAURANT

Kailua's Cinnamon's Restaurant draws big pre-noon crowds, thanks in part to its hotcake ($4.29-$8.99) reputation. In addition to serving traditional buttermilk cakes that are fluffy and perfect, the eatery also serves up its signature guava chiffon pancakes (topped with a rich guava syrup and whipped cream) and carrot cake pancakes (carrot pancakes covered in a sweet vanilla cream cheese topping). Both are sinfully indulgent — and irresistible.

Cinnamon's, 315 Uluniu St., 261-8724, pancakes: $4.29-$8.99

BOOTS & KIMO'S HOMESTYLE KITCHEN

Boots & Kimo's is known for one thing: Uncle Kimo's pancakes with his famous macadamia nut sauce ($7.59). People come from all over the state for these cakes. Boots & Kimo's is finally moving to bigger space down the street from the original. All the better to feed us.

Boots & Kimo's Homestyle Kitchen, 131 Hekili St., 263-7929

LILIHA BAKERY

This no-frills 1950s-style bakery and diner serves up pancakes ($3.99 for a shortstack). Period. No special varieties, no frou-frou toppings, just pancakes. And they're just the way they should be — fluffy, big and fresh off the griddle.

Liliha Bakery, 515 N. Kuakini St., 531-1651

EGGS 'N THINGS

Two words: blueberry pancakes ($7.25). That's all you really need to know. Eggs 'n Things just reopened in its new location, so you don't have to suffer any longer.

Eggs 'n Things, 343 Saratoga Road, 923-EGGS

CAFE KAILA

We suspect there's more to Cafe Kaila's pancakes than just the added sprinkle of cinnamon, but whatever it is, it makes Kaila's cakes to die for. They're spicy and hot with just enough bite to let you know that they're the real homemade deal ($6.95).

Cafe Kaila, Market City Shopping Center, 2919 Kapi'olani Blvd., 732-3330

HONOLULU HIMALAYAN

Open just a week today, Indian/Nepalese restaurant Himalayan Kitchen is already making its mark on this city's sparse Indian culinary landscape. On day two of business, the dining room was full of lovers of the spicy fragrant fare, claiming after just a few bites that "this is the best Indian food in the city." With its lengthy menu of familiar dishes (samosas, chicken tikka, palak paneer, tandoori lamb), this kitchen also dishes up lesser-known fare like Himalayan saag dip (curried spinach dip served with deep-fried naan), and its "Sherpa chicken chili." And all for a good price — about $14.95 per entree. It's BYOB for now.

HIMALAYAN KITCHEN

1137 11th Ave. (behind Big City Diner, upstairs in the 11th Avenue Atrium building)

358-7158

Hours: 5-10 p.m. daily

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A TALL GLASS OF SALTY LEMON

Summer Frappe moved from the Maunakea Marketplace to a more accessible spot at 82 Pauahi St. (772-9291), and that's good news for fans of the all-fruit smoothies that come in more than 40 flavor combinations. Must try: the salty lemonade made from two whole preserved lemons (think crack seed-style lemon peel) muddled with water and sugar. It's pretty puckering good.

FOOD NEWS

Jimmy Buffet's at the Beachcomber, a new Waikiki restaurant owned by the iconic singer, is now offering customers free validated valet parking at the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, where the restaurant is located. Patrons of the restaurant receive up to four hours of free parking with restaurant validation.

Indigo Restaurant (1121 Nu'uanu Ave.) debuted its "Wine and all That Jazz" weekly event Tuesday. The tasting event pairs two three-ounce tastings of premium wines with chef David Cruz's seasonal dishes. The wines and dishes vary weekly. The event happens from 6 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday and costs $25 per person. Call 521-2900 to make reservations.

Romano Macaroni Grill (356-8300) in Ala Moana Center is again offering its popular lunchtime combo meals. Lunchgoers can select from a list of "Forno Favorites" — new Formaggio Melts, Sicilian Mio Pizza, half Chicken Caesar Calzonetto or Margherita Mio Pizza. They then opt for the Roma Duo at $10.99 or the Roma Trio at $11.99, pairing their entree with a choice of salads, and the complementing featured signature soup of the day. The restaurant is also offering smaller-portioned lunch meals of its favorite dishes for patrons with smaller appetites, or perhaps thinner pocketbooks.