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Romano’s Sweetens the Deal With a Revamp

Columns Jus' Desserts

October 13, 2013

Story By: Nicole Monton | Photos by: Leah Friel

Send your taste buds on a culinary adventure at Romano’s Macaroni Grill in Ala Moana Center. Italian comfort dishes are the highlight of the establishment, and the desserts are no exception.

Executive chef Nawai Kekoolani has refashioned the dessert menu, which is good news for all lovers of sweets.

And in addition to vibrant new options, bigger portion sizes are another plus.

“We revamped the whole menu,” says Kekoolani. “We want to build our clientele even further. Right now our focus is on exceeding our guests’ expectations and giving them a great perception of value.

“When they go out to eat, they want to know that they got their dollar’s worth.”

Decadence is the theme in Romano’s Homemade Chocolate Cake ($8). While oozing with richness and thickness, this chocolate cake won’t leave you feeling heavy. This hearty helping of goodness is topped off with chocolate syrup and crushed walnuts for that added crunch.

“At one point in time we were using the Ghirardelli cake mix,” Kekoolani says.

“We changed it and (now) make fresh chocolate cake in-house.”

With the change to the base of the dessert, Kekoolani also notes that the crushed and toasted walnuts are another jazzed-up feature of the cake.

For purists at heart, look no further than the New York Style Cheese-cake ($7), which is served with strawberries and strawberry puree. What sets this dish aside from a traditional New York cheesecake is the macadamia nut and shortbread crust.

“As far as the cheese-cake, it’s a no-brainer,” Kekoolani says. “Everyone goes to a cheesecake because it’s something they know. The cheesecake is really good, nice and creamy.”

Fans of tiramisu know how quickly this delicious, coffee-inspired dessert can go wrong. But at Romano’s Macaroni Grill, chef Kekoolani crafts each Tiramisu ($8) with perfection and flair.

“We make it in-house with all fresh mascarpone, and we use lady fingers,” Kekoolani explains. “We don’t do it cake-style.”

With all the changes to the dessert menu, Romano’s Macaroni Grill feels like a brand new restaurant. Head in today and see the amazing difference for yourself.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

Ala Moana Center, Hookipa Terrace
1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
356-8300
Open daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Ala Moana Center, Honolulu, HI 96814

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