Seasonal changes are a feast for the senses. Fall, especially, brings a host of scents found only once a year. Be it the tang of wood smoke or the toasty aroma of pumpkin spiced—well, EVERYTHING—we know autumn is upon us when we can follow our noses to comforting warmth.
If you’re in downtown Olympia, let your nose lead you to the welcoming warmth of the new Lanai Café, located at 514 Capitol Way South. Open seven days a week, this hotspot of food, music, education, and entertainment is the best of Hawaii in our own backyard.
Owners Charles and Kami Wilkins and Director of Marketing and Catering Sales Bill Nahalea have been serving customers since August. They are both members of the New Hope Nisqually church and see the restaurant as a way to share their mission statement of Lokai (Unity), Kokua (Care), and Ohana (Family).
Says Wilkins, “I never really dreamt of owning a restaurant but this is so much more than just about the food.” The idea for a warm, welcoming space grew from tragedy. A pastor and DuPont fire chaplain, Wilkins and his fellow first responders spent time at The Living Room Coffee House following the Marysville Pilchuck High School shooting in October 2014. He realized then that a restaurant could serve to “embrace people and give them love because we believe in giving back to our community.”
With this in mind, Wilkins and his team purposely chose a central, downtown location and strive to give patrons and staff support, second chances, and a hands-on extension of New Hope’s ministry.
The Lanai serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and features such Island specialties as Loco Moco (rice topped with two hamburger patties, two eggs, and brown gravy), slow cooked Kalua pork, Ahi Poke, Lumpia, and lots of fresh fruits and local fish. Nahalea is proud that all items are made fresh, in-house, and never frozen.
Looking for entertainment along with your meal? Live music will be offered every Friday and Saturday night from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. These nights reservations are recommended as they tend to fill all three evening seatings. Look for music by Da ‘Ukulele Boyz, island cousins currently touring the mainland, and Kohala, an acoustic group featuring Grammy winner Charles Michael Brotman, backed by the steel-stringed guitar talents of Charlie Recaido and Rupurt Tripp Jr.
Opening a new restaurant is always daunting, but the Lanai team is off to a great start. Prior to opening their doors in August, Nahalea fielded more than 5,500 inquiries from eager customers. Reviews since opening have been tremendously positive, praising everything from the food to the friendly staff.
Even the restaurant itself is a slice of island living. Inside is a large tropical aquarium full of coral and jewel-toned fish and the decor is equally vibrant. Visitors become family and many pledge to make the Lanai part of their dining routine.
The Lanai strives to become a community hub by offering classes in everything from hula dance and lei-making to ukulele playing. Workshop schedules can be found online and are typically held on Saturday mornings for a nominal materials fee.
The Lanai offers take-out, delivery, or can cater events of any size. They also rent out meeting space or the entire restaurant, depending on the need of the group. Inquiries for large parties, catering, or reservations can be made online here or by calling 360-584-9885. Want the iconic Hawaiian luau experience? With just a phone call, the Lanai will help insure your event looks, tastes, and sounds like a surfside vacation.
Our region has long had a special relationship with Hawaii. An array of non-stop flights mean their balmy weather and sandy beaches are an easy escape from the Northwest’s dark days and soggy nights. But if your schedule or budget keeps you stateside, drop in to the Lanai any time to experience the warmth of the islands. Mahalo!
Musicians, performers, and dancers with an island bent are encouraged to contact Gloria Nahalea, the café’s entertainment director. She can be reached at gloria@thelanaicafe.com about being one of their featured entertainers.
The Lanai Café
514 Capitol Way South
Olympia, WA 98501
360-584-9885
Stay in touch with what’s happening at The Lanai by following their Facebook page.
