Shrimps Ahoy!

Dining Out editor Ellise Kakazu is ready to dive into Yellow Cab Pizza Co.’s Shrimp Pesto ($10.95)

Valentine’s Day is on the horizon, which means many of you are searching for the perfect restaurant to take your other half.

The first few spots that may cross your mind are the most expensive, lavish restaurants you know of. But let me give you a tip — a memorable Valentine’s Day meal doesn’t require you to break open your treasure chest.

In my opinion, ordering off a menu filled with items you can hardly pronounce or interpret does not scream romance. (Trust me, I’ve been there, done that.) I, for one, would much rather go to a restaurant that serves tried-and-true favorites and allows me to unwind and enjoy my Valentine’s company in a relaxed atmosphere.

So this week, I decided to set my sails to find dishes that feature a tasty creature of the sea everyone knows and loves — shrimp.

Jump on board, Dining Out crew, and get ready for a mouth-watering voyage!

A closer look at Yellow Cab Pizza Co.’s Shrimp Pesto

TASTY TIDES

If you want to dive into pleasing pies or get tangled up in delectable strands of noodles, visit Yellow Cab Pizza Co. on Dillingham Boulevard.

While the restaurant’s New York-style pizza often gets the most attention, its amazing selection of pastas deserves some recognition as well. Some options on the table are Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Charlie Chan Chicken Pasta and Shrimp Pesto ($10.95).

The restaurant’s Shrimp Pesto pasta features a vibrant sauce that is made of basil, olive oil and cashews.

“We make the pesto sauce ourselves,” notes restaurant manager Cheryl Macalutas.

Along with the fresh, made-in-house pesto, the delightful pasta noodles are tossed with sundried tomatoes and heavy cream. The stars of the dish — the succulent pieces of shrimp — are sauteed with a blend of special house seasonings. Guests also can add mushrooms to the tasty mix for an additional cost.

According to Macalutas, Shrimp Pesto is a fairly new pasta dish on Yellow Cab’s menu, and it has been well loved by customers. She also notes it is a great option for those who are looking for something a bit lighter and healthier.

In addition to Shrimp Pesto, the restaurant serves up an array of shrimp dishes, such as Aglio Olio Shrimp Pasta, Shrimp Alfredo, Shrimp Arrabiata and Roasted Garlic & Shrimp pizza. So no matter what kind of shrimp craving you have, Yellow Cab Pizza Co. is sure to satisfy.

Making customers’ Valentine’s Day even sweeter, Yellow Cab Pizza Co. is offering a deal that can’t be missed. From Feb. 14 to 17, guests can get a 14-inch New York Classic heart-shaped pizza and a dessert crisp (Apple Caramel, Banana Nutella or S’mores) for only $16.50. This special is sure to please your sweetheart and wallet!

Kapolei Chinese Restaurant’s Salt & Pepper Shrimp ($12.95) FILE PHOTO

EXPLORE A SEA OF POSSIBILITIES

With satisfying dishes like fried rice, egg blossom soup and roast duck, Chinese eateries are many locals’ go-to spots to celebrate special occasions.

While there are many great places that serve Chinese fare on the island, Kapolei Chinese Restaurant is one that should definitely be on your radar.

Guests of Kapolei Chinese Restaurant are treated to authentic Cantonese cuisine served up by chef Li Wei Zhang, who has quite a following of loyal customers.

According to owner Vincent Lum, one of Zhang’s dishes customers can’t seem to get enough of is Salt & Pepper Shrimp, which is currently on special for $12.95. The chef fries the shrimps to perfection and seasons them with rock salt and pepper. Lum notes the shrimps are cooked with their shells on for optimal flavor.

Some other shrimp-tastic creations that can be found on Kapolei Chinese Restaurant’s menu are Jumbo Shrimp with Walnut, Deep-fried Shrimp with Pineapple and Kung-Pao Shrimp.

What’s more, customers can indulge in a special Valentine’s Day meal for two ($50.95) Feb. 11-14.

The Valentine’s Day special gives couples the opportunity to choose from two different set menus. The first option includes Spring Roll, Egg Blossom Soup, Capital Spareribs, Cold Ginger Chicken or Roast Duck, and Yong Chow Fried Rice. The second menu features Crispy Gau Gee, Hot and Sour Soup, Jumbo Shrimp with Walnut, Salted Pepper Spare-ribs and Seafood Fried Rice. Both of these scrumptious menus end with a refreshing almond pudding for dessert.

Looks like we have reached the Dining Out dock, which means our shrimp-filled journey has come to an end. But I hope you are inspired to set sail once again and explore the culinary seas with your Valentine this coming week — bon voyage!