Paige FTW: A Taste Of Japan
Nothing is more ubiquitously Japanese than a themed café. There is, for example, the Final Fantasy-themed ARTNIA in Shinjuku, which sells delectable sundaes topped with chocolate Buster Swords.
Now, our state is getting in on the video game café concept with Pac-Store Hawaiʻi — a pop-up Pac-Man-themed café based in Bread & Butter on Kapiʻolani Boulevard.
I got a sneak peek of the venue earlier this week, and here’s the scoop.
First, there will be a lot of merch to purchase, most of it branded exclusively for Hawaiʻi — T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, hats and even jewelry. It’s cute stuff, albeit aimed overtly at women.
Second, there are a number of “themed” food options. For example, Pac-Man Beef Curry features yellow rice (shaped as Pac-Man’s face) with … beef curry. The Pac-Store Burger has Pac-Man’s face stamped into the bun (it is otherwise an ordinary burger). The Pac-Man Pepperoni Pizza is … a pizza, with one slice carefully separated from the rest (though at least all the pepperoni pieces are also cut into Pac-Man shapes).
OK, so the food is pretty standard fare — as is typical for a themed café. You’re eating it for a picture. That’s just the truth. (Though I am personally disappointed there isn’t an over-the-top parfait on the menu. That is Gaming Café Staple 101.)
The third aspect — and probably the most interesting one for a true Pac-Man devotee — is that with each purchase you make (from the store or restaurant), you receive a token to play on an arcade version of Pac-Man set up in the store. Post something on social media with proof of your high scores (tagging #pacstorehawaii and @breadandbutterhi) and you could win free swag.
Pac-Store Hawaiʻi is open now through May 31 at Bread & Butter. For more information, find the restaurant on Facebook or Instagram.
