Kauai: Tutu’s Soup Hale, Fun, Funky and Delicious!

Tutu’s Soup Hale is like going to your grandma’s house for a comforting breakfast or lunch, if your grandma were an eccentric artist who loved jazz that is. Located in the Kinipopo Shopping Village in Kapaa, Tutu’s Soup Hale serves up fresh, home cooked meals in a distinctly inpidual and charming cafe.

From a distance Tutu’s colorful exterior looks inviting. Orange steps flanked with white posts and topped with blue hand rails line the perimeter; a hand-painted surfboard hangs on the railing proclaiming breakfast is available all day.Inside, the rustic wood floors are a dark contrast to the light and airy room and music fills the space. The 18-foot sloped, white ceiling is crossed with wood beams that are painted green, complementing the bright red walls. Outside, the orange planked walkway leads to the lanai. Large glass topped tables sit under an immense Banyan tree and customers enjoy lunch under its canopy.

With an entrepreneurial spirit, Owners Bert and Sage McCluskey created Tutu’s Soup Hale with creative connection in mind. “It’s an exchange of different people meeting, everybody has something to offer,” Sage says. Their unique vision especially resonates with foreign travelers. “It’s an international cafe!” Bert proclaims.

The festive, creative energy seeps into every corner of the hale and rests comfortably in the cozy back room. Peacock feathers spring from a vase that sits on a polished and stained tree trunk. The back wall is lined with black and white photos of musicians who have influenced Bert. “If anyone can name every musician on the wall, I’ll buy them a bowl of soup.” He says.

Bert is quick to ladle out a sample of soup to new, inquisitive customers glancing at the chalkboard menu. “We cook what we like to eat.” Sage says and encourages folks to get creative; suggesting mixing and matching the soup flavors. Warm and inviting, you get a sense that you’ll be taken care of. “It’s what you would get if you went to grandmas.” Sage says. With homey combinations like grilled cheese and tomato soup and the couple’s charismatic personalities, it’s like getting a big hug from tutu!

Photos by Dan Lane

Posted by: Bruce Fisher on Dec 20, 2010