WE'RE CRAVING: SOMETHING SWEET

CAFE LAUFER

One look at all the layers of the banana Oreo cookie torte ($5.95) at Cafe Laufer and you'd think you're in for a super-rich dessert that will leave you comatose on the floor. But the layers of chocolate cake are actually airy and subtle, and the custard is more like fluffy whipped cream. The bananas trick you into thinking you're eating something healthy — until you get to the whole Oreo cookies that make up the bottom layer.

Cafe Laufer, 3565 Wai'alae Ave., 735-7717

DUKE'S CANOE CLUB

There's only one thing that matters when it comes to getting your sugar fix at Duke's: the Hula Pie ($6.95). The restaurant's take on mud pie is rich and creamy and chocolatey — the way it should be.

Duke's Canoe Club, 2335 Kalakaua Ave., 922-2268

THE LITTLE OVEN

The Little Oven is all desserts all the time. The tiny boutique eatery is the workshop of patisserie chef Joyce Harada, whose menu of delectable, innovative (her sweet take on the KC waffle dog is made with a banana instead of a hot dog — brilliant) sweets changes frequently. Go often, eat plenty.

The Little Oven, 1467 S. King St., 947-6836

MURPHY'S BAR & GRILL

Murphy's on Fridays is the place to be for pie. Mrs. Murphy makes a mean fruit pie — everything from rhubarb to apple — and they're only available on Fridays while supplies last (and that's not very long).

Murphy's Bar & Grill, 2 Merchant St., 531-0422

SHOKUDO JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Known mostly for its creative contempo Japanese dishes, Shokudo is also the place to get cinnamon honey toast ($7.95) — ultra thick slices of soft, slightly toasted sweet bread, topped with ice cream, cinnamon and honey. Bliss.

Shokudo Japanese Restaurant, 1585 Kapi'olani Blvd., 941-3701

FOOD NEWS

The Willows restaurant is extending its current "roll back" offer through the month of September. Diners can enjoy the restaurant's signature buffet for the price it was 10 years ago. The lunch buffet is $14.95 Monday through Friday; the Saturday lunch buffet is $19.95; the Sunday brunch buffet is $24.95; and the daily dinner buffet is $24.95. The offer is only valid with a coupon that can be downloaded from the restaurant's www.willowshawaii.com Web site. Call 952-9200 to make reservations.

In honor of Grandparents' Day, the Plumeria Beach House at the Kahala Hotel & Resort is offering a brunch buffet from 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. this Sunday. Brunch buffet items include chilled New Zealand oysters, 'ahi sashimi, 'ahi and tako poke, pancakes, carved prime rib with au jus, sauteed Atlantic salmon with liliko'i-orange beurre blanc and a dessert station, including fruit cobbler, bread pudding and assorted cakes and cookies. The buffet is $48 ($24 for ages 5 to 12). Call 739-8760 to make reservations.

The 10th annual Ko Olina Taste at Kapolei happens from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Ko Olina Resort & Marina's Lagoon 4. More than 24 restaurants will participate. Tickets, $30-$75, are available at www.tasteatkapolei.com or call 545-2772.

SMALL BITES

NOT YOUR LITTLE KID'S GRILLED CHEESE

Grilled cheese is one of those things that's good even when it's made with nutrient-free bread, margarine and plastic cheese (you know it's true). But when it's made with San Daniele Prosciutto, truffle essence and havarti cheese, like it is at Amuse Wine Bar (Honolulu Design Center, 237-5428, $12) it's comfort food, er, cuisine, that's undeniably addictive AND classy.

BANK ON THIS

Online bank ING Direct doesn't have any actual banks. Instead it has cafes where people — any people, not just its customers — can hang out with a cup of joe and surf the Net. Waikiki's ING Direct Cafe is the company's latest addition to its chain, and though cafe culture isn't what ING does, we've been to cafes that do much worse. Like any good bank, ING promotes budget-conscious living, which excludes spending large amounts of dough on a cup of coffee, so the drinks here are super cheap ($1-$2), and the food is too. Don't expect gourmet grinds, but do expect to get a latte and a sandwich, plus a couple of hours of free Internet time for under $5. And there's free parking.

ING Direct Cafe
1958 Kalakaua Ave.
955-1435
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily