Macaroni Grill’s Sea of Flavors

Pasta Di Mare ($22)

Not for a minute should you overlook Romano’s Macaroni Grill when the idea for Italian comes to mind. New executive chef Nawai Kekoolani helped open Macaroni Grill before stepping aside as corporate chef of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Well, Kekoolani is back to give the kitchen and dishes at Macaroni Grill the detailed attention each guest deserves. A local boy at heart, Kekoolani wants to be able to cater to kamaaina as well as visitors. He is looking to keep the staple meals consistent, while offering fresh island flair to both the corporate recipes as well as the creative specials he has planned for the future.

Harboring the best of pasta and seafood, Kekoolani enjoys preparing Macaroni Grill’s Pasta Di Mare ($22), a collection of scallops, mussels and shrimp over a hearty portion of fresh handmade spaghetti.

“This is the best of two worlds, everything from the sea is all right here,” says Kekoolani. The white wine, butter and lemon sauce helps blend each seafood selection perfectly.

If fish and pasta is more to your liking, Kekoolani highly recommends the restaurant’s Grilled King Salmon served with sun-dried tomato orzo.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

Ala Moana Center:
Hookipa Terrace
1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 42420, Honolulu
356.8305

Queen’s Marketplace
Waikoloa Beach Resort
201 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Suite 1010, Waikoloa (Big Island)
808.443.5515

Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.