That spunky cheesecake haven of Honolulu’s Chinatown district has found a new home on the island – and for good reason. Otto Cheesecake moved from the small shop we featured a while back to a more spacious one in Kaimuki.
But while added roominess is always a plus, it is the reassurance of his (and his customer’s) safety that turned out to be the biggest perk. When we last sat down to talk story with the cheesecake guru, he pointed out the sketchiness surrounding his small hole-in-the-wall, including drug deals and prostitution.
As a volunteer community watchdog, Otto would use his handy-dandy iPhone and telephoto lens attachment to capture such shadiness. The activities usually took place across the street at a small city park, where kids and families hung out. Otto posted the photos to social media and sometimes showed them to police. But the illegal activities continued for the four years he had been there.
I saw in the news recently that a man pulling out a gun in front of his bakery is what prompted his move. His cheesecakes can be found in the hip Kaimuki neighborhood. It’s also where he and his band, 86 List, used to play back in the day. Coming full circle, I suppose.
His loyal customers don’t seem to mind his move. Some saying on his Facebook Fan Page, “Doesn’t matter where… It’s the best around! We’ll just have to drive a bit further.” Another wrote, “It’s a much nicer place and I bet there’s better parking. I’ll definitely make a trip out there for some of your AMAZING cheesecakes!!”
Amazing is right! If you drive through Kaimuki while on vacation, make sure to stop by Otto’s for a slice of happiness.
Photos Courtesy: Otto Cake Facebook Fan Page
OTTO CAKE
• (new location) 1127 12th Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816 • 808-834-6886 • www.ottocake.com
