Crepes & Mimosas: Gertrude’s Opens Its Doors for Breakfast

Simple, elegant and classy. These three words perfectly describe Kona’s newest breakfast spot.

Gertrude’s Jazz Bar quickly became Kona’s favorite jazz club after opening their doors in 2016. Now, guests can enjoy their favorite, hip hang-out every Tuesday through Saturday mornings as Gertrude’s serves up sweet and savory gourmet crepes, refreshing mimosas and spicy Bloody Marys.

Caprese Crepe at Gertrude’s Jazz Bar. PC: Karen Rose

“We decided to open for breakfast because the view is so incredible and we didn’t want it going to waste every morning,” said co-owner Marlina Shirley. “We have such a beautiful view, we felt it was crazy to be open only at night.”

Shirley and her husband, Greg, decided to create a simple menu of their favorite breakfast items.

“We asked ourselves what we would like on a breakfast menu, and we were like, mimosas and crepes!” said Marlina. “So that’s how we came up with ‘Crepes and mimosas in the morning.’ With a crepe bar, you can make just about everything. They can be sweet or savory—breakfast or dinner. Basically, you can do anything with a crepe.”

Salmon and Cream Cheese Crepe at Gertrude’s Jazz Bar. PC: Karen Rose

Marlina’s favorite dessert crepe is the classic Crepe Suzette. It’s made with orange marmalade, Grand Marnier, brown sugar and butter. Her favorite savory creation is the country gravy crepe.

“The country gravy crepe is made with turkey sausage and country gravy,” said Marlina. “It is just delicious. I’d say that is my favorite savory crepe. Another favorite is the sweet and savory crepe. It’s bacon and eggs on one half, and fruits, cream and maple syrup on the other half. Maybe that’s my favorite one—it’s so difficult to choose just one!”

Strawberry Banana Crepe at Gertrude’s Jazz Bar. PC: Karen Rose

It’s not a complete French breakfast unless you pair a crepe with an ice-cold mimosa. Gertrude’s serves up a variety of flavors including pomegranate, cranberry, lilikoi mango and the traditional orange.

For savory cocktail lovers, the menu offers a traditional Bloody Mary, as well as a Bloody Maria, made with hot peppers, a spicy rim and tequila. There’s also a Bloody Mariko, a Japanese-inspired drink with wasabi, a “naughty” garnish and a seaweed garnish. Last but not least, there’s the Bloody Mac—a delicious hangover cure with vodka, beef bouillon and horseradish with a beef jerky garnish.

Bloody Mary at Gertrude’s Jazz Bar. PC: Karen Rose

Open from 8 a.m. to noon, Gertrude’s for crepes and mimosas is the new brunch spot in town. With great food and a beautiful view of dolphins and paddlers, it’s the perfect spot for a craft cocktail and a custom crepe so delicious, even the French would be jealous.

“Come in the morning and come back at night,” said Marlina. “Or come at night and come back in the morning!”