POULSBO — Little Norway has gone Big Kahuna and Craig Mikkelsen has never been happier.
After using his creative talents in the construction field for more than two decades, Mikkelsen took stock of his life and decided it was simply time to build something else — burgers.
“I wanted a little change of pace,” he admitted. “I wanted to come to the same place every day, meet some great people and make them happy. By golly, I’m succeeding.”
Last month, Mikkelsen opened the Hula Grill Café in downtown Poulsbo, mixing a bit of Hawaiian Island paradise into the traditional Scandinavian community. He and his family have lived here since 1992 but over the past eight years, the tight-knit group has made a vacation habit out of Maui — an destination they have come to know and love.
“I figured since we’re not able to live there yet, we might still be able to work there every day,” Mikkelsen said with a laugh.
So, the family set to work recreating a true slice Hawaii on Front Street. The public response, he said, has been overwhelming.
“It’s like taking a Hawaiian vacation without ever leaving Poulsbo,” he said.
True enough.
In addition to a full menu of hot and cold sandwiches bearing names like Bird of Paradise, Bruddah Kaika Pastrami, the King Kamehameha Sub and the Happy Haole Roast Beef, the Hula offers an array of salads ranging from the Bikini Bound Cobb to Popeye’s Luau.
As would be expected, the grill also serves up a blend of world famous Kona Coffee, which Mikkelsen mixes 50/50 with Pegasus Coffee from Bainbridge Island.
“It’s good stuff,” he said, adding that the water used went through a twice-filtered process before it ever hit the beans.
“We have sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee and great baked goods. They’re all served up with aloha,” he said with a smile.
Although there are no immediate plans to add such Hawaiian favorites as poi and Spam-everything to the menu, Mikkelsen said he might start serving up some of the true island favorites after the business had established itself in the community.
“I don’t want to shock the Poulsbo locals,” he said with a laugh.
The setup has the feel of a classic surf shop — only with better food. Mikkelsen’s choice of decor includes posters autographed by surf movie legend John Severson, Brad Johnson sticks — surfboards — decorate the walls and with big wave movies and real Hawaiian music constantly playing, the family may never have to fly west again.
Mikkelsen’s wife, Robin, and daughter, Christy, are on staff along with barista Amy Gibbs and chef Keith Pasculli. Pasculli is locally renowned for his fine dishes at Bainbridge Island’s Madrona Waterfront Café, where he served as executive chef for the past eight years.
“We come in and just have fun all day,” he remarked. “We’re serving up good food to a lot of good people. There’s not a ‘bad’ in there.”
But really, what is it about Hawaii?
“I feel like I’m at home when I get off the airplane, go down the walkway and smell all those flowers,” he replied, his eyes drifting to a huge photograph on the wall depicting blue Hawaiian skies, a sunny beach and perfect surf.
“It hasn’t been done,” he replied when asked why he decided to go Hawaiian. “It’s totally unique. I love all things Hawaiian — I think everyone does.”
The café is open 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. but will start serving dinner next Monday.
