Naughty Bits Incorporates Food, Family, Fun

While Naughty Bits evokes visions of an after-hours establishment, do not fret, as the fantastic fare served up by this new food truck is rated “O” for outstanding.

Situated in a newly created “gourmet food truck” locale dubbed Diamond Head Court, Naughty Bits — the food truck division of Aloha Motion Picture Catering Inc. — is serving up fresh seafood selections and smokehouse barbecue daily. The Monsarrat Avenue location is just minutes away from Kapiolani Community College and the Kapahulu area, and features the culinary wizardry of owner and executive chef Robert Rabesa Jr.

According to the culinary craftsman, Naughty Bits was named after Rabesa’s nostalgic recollections of large family gatherings, where he and the other diners at the “kid’s table” would sneak morsels from the adults known as naughty bits — an English term for scraps or discarded pieces.

“Whenever we’d have dinner on Thanksgiving or other special occasions, my grandmother would cook and we’d sneak in and nibble — steal a piece or leg of the turkey,” says Rabesa, a professional chef with nearly 15 years under his apron. “The best way to explain it is the ‘nibblings’ from the end of a family meal. My grandmother would say, ‘Leave the naughty bits alone!’ It’s a term of love.”

Rabesa explains that the menu rotates daily based on fresh ingredients available, but one dish has taken hold as a permanent fixture. Vinha D’Alhos ($10) mirrors a recipe handed down from the skilled chef’s great-grandmother. The sweet-smelling entree features marinated pork flavored with a bold sauce boasting citrus, white wine, garlic, cinnamon and other spices that is marinated for 12 hours and braised for six more hours to lock in the scintillating aroma. The dish, which originated in the Azores — a chain of islands west of Portugal — can be enjoyed with medium- to extra-spicy sauce.

All entree plates are cooked to order and are served on a bed of specialty rice, along with a mixed green salad with grapes, toasted nuts, feta cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.

“My grandma also made this for us when we were kids,” Rabesa explains. “I started messing around with the dish, and have been cooking it for the past 15 years. It’s a local-style winnah.”

Spicy Beef Kalbi ($10) offers a tasty spin on a local favorite as the bone-in short ribs are marinated in a savory sauce that includes a special blend boasting chilies and lemon juice. Seafood fanatics rave about Mahi Mahi Kabob ($12), as grilled vegetables accompany the fresh, juicy fish topped with an awesome wasabi aioli. The cuisine has been served to actors and productions crews on a wide range of television and movie sets, so only the best recipes make the final cut.

Diners channel their inner Bob Marley, as Irie Shrimp Plate ($12) provides palates with complete peace and satisfaction. The shrimp is sauteed in a gotta-have-more sauce with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and white wine reduction. A touch of spice adds a nice kick to each bite but isn’t overpowering.

Customers may also take advantage of an ongoing Hot Deals Hawaii offer where customers may purchase a $20 voucher for just $10. The special deal is available through Tuesday, Sept. 3, and is valid through Sept. 18, 2014 (limit one voucher per party/visit, may not be combined with other specials, discounts or coupons). Simply log on to HotDealsHawaii.com and enjoy the savings Naughty Bits has to offer.

Diners are encouraged to follow Naughty Bits on Facebook (search for Naughty Bits) and Instagram (@naughtybitsdiamondhead) to view daily items and specials. Also, keep an eye out for Naughty Bits’ new truck, which is expected to open across from Rainbow Castle in Hauula later this month.

Naughty Bits

3212 Monsarrat Ave., Honolulu
221-6117
Open daily, 2-8 p.m.