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Italian fare for all to share, including keiki

A La Carte Columns

August 13, 2017

Story By: Christina O Connor | Photos by: LAWRENCE TABUDLO

Tuscan Ribeye ($27.95)

With dozens of locations, Romano’s Macaroni Grill is a popular gathering spot for families all across the country. And according to Nawai Kekoolani, the restaurant’s Hawaii regional corporate chef who oversees the Ala Moana location, it’s easy to see why.

“We try to keep it fun — it’s a fun family environment,” Kekoolani says.

Whereas keiki might seem out of place in some restaurants, Macaroni Grill encourages them, Kekoolani adds. The restaurant is known for providing crayons for keiki to draw with on the table-covers.

Butternut Asiago Tortellacci ($17.95)

Plus, Kekoolani says, the restaurant has “a wide variety of selection for every appetite.

“We have delicious salads, an array of pastas, pizzas — and, for our meat eaters, our popular Tuscan Ribeye and Grilled Pork Chop selections.”

Tuscan Ribeye ($27.95) features a certified Angus ribeye with roasted garlic potatoes, grilled asparagus and topped with herb butter.

Pasta Di Mare ($23.95)

Easily one of Macaroni Grill’s most popular items is Pasta Di Mare ($23.95).

“People who love seafood will love this dish,” Kekoolani says. “It’s got a bountiful amount of seafood.”

The pasta is stocked with scallops, mussels and jumbo shrimp — all served over fettuccine and swimming in a traditional pomodoro sauce.

Another popular option is Butternut Asiago Tortellacci ($17.95), which features four cheese-stuffed tortellacci (almost like giant tortellini) with asiago cream, butternut squash, prosciutto and Parmesan.

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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