A dark chocolate butter mochi waffle with local jam and black sesame gelato just might be reason enough to wake up early and head to Waikiki for Sunday brunch.

It is one of the dishes on the new brunch menu created by newly promoted executive chef Erik Leong at Mahina & Sun’s at the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club.

Leong has worked for owner Ed Kenney for more than a decade, starting at Kenney’s Town restaurant in Kaimuki.

At Mahina & Sun’s those not into sweets for brunch can indulge in a spicy kajiki bowl with greens and fresh avocado, avocado toast or granola with fresh local fruit.

Those inclined to share can get a Naked Pig pizza, a carryover from the lunch menu.

Champagne-based mimosas are not limited to traditional OJ, but can be made as well with pineapple, lilikoi or guava juice. The restaurant offers its full range of cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages throughout brunch.

Mahina & Sun’s brunch is accompanied by a DJ or live music on alternating weekends, and meals can be enjoyed poolside or inside the restaurant.

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a portion of October’s sales of pink PAU Vodka drinks will be donated to the Pacific Cancer Foundation.

— Erika Engle, Star-Advertiser

BRICK OVEN OPENS AT WARD

A new Brick Oven Pizza opened last week at Ward Village’s South Shore Market.

Brick Oven originated 40 years ago on Kauai, and the interior of the new restaurant, on the market’s second floor, features photographs of the first location, in Kalaheo, Kauai.

Along with hand-tossed pizzas, Brick Oven’s menu covers pasta dishes, sandwiches, soups, salads, appetizers and desserts. There’s a full bar and space for large groups.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, until midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and until 9 p.m. Sundays.

Happy hour is 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays, and a late-night menu is available from 10 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Brick Oven has two Kauai locations as well as three others on Oahu, in Kalihi, Kapolei and Kaneohe.

EVENT BATTLES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Ten Oahu restaurants are committed to the cause of the Domestic Violence Action Center, pledging a portion of sales in October to support the center’s work.

The “Feast for Peace” runs all month, but the method of participation varies by restaurant. The Pig & the Lady, for example, will donate $1 from every dish of Autumn Fettucine sold, Big City Diner is setting aside 20 percent of sales on Thursdays and Cactus is giving 5 percent of sales on one day, Oct. 20.

A full list of restaurants and their special offers will be posted next week at domesticviolence actioncenter.org.

Quickbites is a weekly listing of dining events. Email items to crave@staradvertiser.com.