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Enjoy tasty specials at affordable prices

A La Carte

August 12, 2018

Story By: Caroline Wright | Photos by: ANTHONY CONSILLIO

Tiramisu ($8.95)

Should you visit Ala Moana Center some afternoon this week, bring your appetite and a friend or two for a serene and delightful lunch at Romano’s Macaroni Grill, located in the Hookipa Terrace on the fourth floor.

Though it’s just a few steps from the shopping center’s new food court, Romano’s might as well be worlds away. With a calm, spacious atmosphere that includes plenty of intimate booths and tables, the restaurant is ideal for business or social lunches. The service is fast and friendly, the food is delicious — and it’s easy to make conversation.

Roasted Turkey Panini and Tomato Basil (a possible two-choice Lunch Combo pairing for $13)

“You don’t have to wait in line or sit with a whole bunch of people around you in a noisy environment,” says Nawai Kekoolani, regional general manager. “We still can provide quick service, but in a better atmosphere.”

Romano’s Lunch Combos, available 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, provide another compelling reason to visit on a weekday afternoon. Two-choice combos are priced at $13, and three-choice combos at $17. For starters, guests may select the Soup du Jour, which could be Tomato Basil, a savory bowl of creamy goodness; or one of two salads: Rosa’s Signature Caesar or the delicately scrumptious House Greens, dressed with Mediterranean vinaigrette.

Carmela’s Chicken and House Greens (a possible two-choice Lunch Combo pairing for $13)

As another option, guests may choose from two types of paninis: the Tomato Caprese Panini or the popular Roasted Turkey Panini with garlic aioli, Fontina cheese, fresh turkey breast, local tomatoes, and a Prosciutto crisp. Last but not least, pasta options include Fettuccine Alfredo, Sausage Rigatoni, or Carmela’s Chicken, a delectable combination of rigatoni, caramelized onions, roasted chicken and Marsala cream sauce.

For a sweetly perfect ending to a delightful meal, Kekoolani recommends Romano’s legendary Tiramisu ($8.95), made with fresh mascarpone, cocoa, rum, and espresso. “It’s kind of hard to come into an Italian restaurant and leave without trying the Tiramisu,” he adds.

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