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Your ‘everyday destination’ for Italian fare

A La Carte Columns

November 6, 2016

Story By: Caitlin Basilio | Photos by: CAITLIN BASILIO

Mama’s Trio ($23)

Mama’s Trio ($23)

Romano’s Macaroni Grill is unlike any other Italian restaurant. In addition to serving authentic Italian cuisine, the eatery’s staff is always working hard to make diners happy.

“I’m always about giving back to the guests,” says corporate chef Nawai Kekoolani. “If we cater to our guests, they’ll always come back, and I want us to be more of an everyday destination rather than a place people come to just because they’re at the mall.”

Pasta di Mare ($22)

Pasta di Mare ($22)

In order to keep patrons returning, Macaroni Grill takes pride in its most popular dishes, such as Mama’s Trio ($23) and Pasta di Mare ($22). Mama’s Trio comes with chicken Parmesan, lasagna Bolognese and fettuccine Alfredo, while Pasta di Mare boasts scallops, mussels, jumbo shrimp, fettuccine, garlic, white wine and pomodoro sauce.

“Pasta di Mare is always a go-to for individuals that love a lot of seafood,” says Kekoolani. “It’s hard to go wrong with Mama’s Trio. It’s for those who are kind of unsure of what to order,” he adds, noting that the dish has a little bit of everything.

Aside from traditional entrees, patrons also can look forward to Macaroni Grill’s new pizza options. Farmhouse Pizza ($15), for instance, already is loved by guests. “Instead of standard red sauce, the Farmhouse comes with Alfredo sauce,” explains Kekoolani. “It also comes with a trio — prosciutto, pepperoni and bacon — topped off with sauteed garlic and spinach. Then we sprinkle Parmesan all over and bake it in our oven.”

Additionally, Macaroni Grill offers a Lunch Combo Menu Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (excluding holidays), offering a selection of two items for $12 or three for $16. Choose from a flavorful mix of soup or salad (Caesar, Mixed Greens or Blackboard Soup), paninis (Turkey or Caprese) or pastas (Capellini Pomodoro, Carmela’s Chicken, Fettuccine Alfredo or Sausage Rigatoni).

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

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

Honolulu, HI 96814

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