Daylight Mind Rolls Out New Happy Hour Menu

Known for having one of the best views in downtown Kailua Village, Daylight Mind Coffee Company is now a contender for having one of the best happy hours. The contemporary, spacious establishment welcomes new Executive Chef Ash Danao to its Kailua-Kona location, and with him, a fresh new menu for pa‘u hana.

“We’ve been looking to make some updates for our menu to make it a little more exciting,” said Julia Berman, event coordinator. “When we hired Chef Ash, it became really easy because he brought a lot of really great ideas, blending local food and what local people like to eat, with some interesting twists that tourists kind of look for.”

Owner of Rolls With It catering company, Chef Ash comes with over 14 years of professional culinary experience. He began cooking in high school for his large family during holidays and celebrations before enrolling in West Hawai‘i Culinary Arts Program.

“When I realized how much more was out there, in addition to traditional lūʻau cooking, I became inspired to learn about more diverse styles of food,” he said.

Ash became passionate about using sustainable products when he started trading fresh fish for local beef. An internship at Martini Yacht Club sparked a love for European-style fine dining, as well as regional cuisine.

Throughout his culinary journey, he’s maintained the importance of preparing unique and fun dishes that focus on local fish and meat. This marriage of similar philosophies is a match made in heaven for Daylight Mind and Chef Ash.

“We locally source as much as we can,” said Berman. “We use local Ka‘ū beef that is grass fed. Our servers bring in mangos from their trees and we use all local organically grown greens. Another great thing about Chef Ash is his connection to local growers and fisherman. Since he started, we’ve had an easy time getting local fresh catch.”

The new happy hour menu is packed with mouth-watering options. From the creamy, coconut milk smothered Poisson Cru Ceviche, to the Hoto Salad made with crispy Kohala fiddlehead ferns, to Chef Ash’s infamous panko-crusted and chipotle-aioli-drizzled Avocado Fries, it’s a menu full of diverse and unique options.

“My favorite is the avocado fries,” said Berman. “The Bleu Smashroom Burger is also really yummy. We use all local beef on a homemade purple sweet potato bun, which is really fun. Part of what is really great about Daylight Mind is what a secret we still are. We are right on the water with 180 degree views of Kailua Bay. It’s a really nice, relaxing spot to come and get a drink, or have a romantic date night.”

Daylight Mind Coffee Company’s Avocado Fries. Karen Rose photo.

Daylight Mind Coffee Company’s Blue Smashroom Burder. Karen Rose photo.

Daylight Mind Coffee Company’s edamame. Karen Rose photo.

Daylight Mind Coffee Company’s Hoto Salad. Karen Rose photo.

Daylight Mind Coffee Company’s Margaritas. Karen Rose photo.

Daylight Mind Coffee Company’s Poisson Cru Ceviche. Karen Rose photo.

Daylight Mind Coffee Company’s Uahi Shooters. Karen Rose photo.

Daylight Mind is located at 75-5770 Ali’i Drive in Kailua-Kona on Waterfront Row. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information visit www.daylightmind.com.