Foodland Ala Moana’s $35 Holiday Brunch Buffet Is a Chill AYCE

Editor’s note: Since Frolic’s post ran, we got word—and subsequently confirmed—that Foodland has decided to extend this weekend brunch indefinitely.

Photo: Thomas Obungen

I perked up when Foodland emailed about a limited-run holiday brunch buffet. First, it’s in Eleven, the cocktail bar tucked at the back of Foodland Farms Ala Moana; and second, it’s all you can eat for $35 per person ($16 for keiki). And because it’s at Eleven, I knew there would be holiday-themed cocktails even before I made a reservation.

Strolling in past the cash registers, you are welcomed by a host at the door who leads you inside. Normally it’s dim, since the bar only opens in the evenings for drinks and snacks, but today, it’s filled with indirect sunlight. This weekend brunch is the first daytime use of the space, a smart move if you ask me.

Photo: Thomas Obungen

Start by ordering a seasonal cocktail. The Chai Spice Cold Brew ($7) is deceptively large in its brandy snifter and can be spiked with Blackpool Spiced Rum ($15). The Peppermint Bark ($14) is like a smooth, liquefied Andes Mint with a yummy peppermint bark garnish. There’s also a refreshing Pomegranate Mimosa ($13) with Nino Franco prosecco and a splash of bergamot liqueur, and a Cinnamon Toddy ($13) that warms you from the inside out. If these aren’t what you’re looking for, I think you can also ask to see the bar’s full cocktail menu.

Peppermint Bark cocktail. Photo: Thomas Obungen

Now for the buffet: The central bar becomes a buffet line loaded with pastries and salads at one end and warm dishes at the other. A separate self-serve soup station with Kabocha Coconut Curry is near the bartender’s well. Start with miniature Nutella croissants, bacon and chive scones and nut bars before adding on scoops of fuyu persimmon and dried date salad. It’s all about balance, right?

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The food doesn’t hit you over the head with holiday vibes like the cocktails do. Instead, it nudges you with autumn and winter flavors. The liliko‘i caramel-laced sweet bread French toast and breakfast scramble with lup cheong sausage are easy starters. Choice proteins include the braised slab bacon with mustard seeds, ginger and cinnamon and the Asian-style sticky short ribs, which are fall-apart tender and pair nicely with the jasmine garlic rice.

Photo: Thomas Obungen

This is likely the chillest brunch buffet I’ve ever tried. Sure, it lacks action stations and chilled seafood (you know where to find those), but you’re not standing in line after line with people competing for the same food. For the relaxed pace and solid food options, I cannot recommend it enough. Most brunch spots in town are a la carte, and $35 would get you an entrée and part of a shared appetizer. And it’s hard to find a good AYCE brunch option for under $90. At Eleven, you can go up as many times as you like, and it’s a good value.

Photo: Thomas Obungen

But that’s not all: Before you ask for the check, a server will come around with a tray holding a rotating tart selection. Choices include Liliko‘i Curd, Chocolate Pecan, Apple Tarte Tartin and a Chocolate Ganache and Candy Cane.

Because Eleven is at the back of a grocery store, you might as well get your weekly shopping done while you’re here. Plus, you can walk off all the brunch dishes you just indulged in, at least a little.

Weekend brunch runs every Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 31. If this initial run proves to be successful, Foodland says it will continue the brunch buffet with dishes that rotate monthly.

Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through Dec. 31, 2023, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, (808) 949-2990, elevenhnl.com, @eleven.hnl